Sex Therapy and Counselling

WHAT IS SEX THERAPY?

Simply put, sex therapy is the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Sex therapy is usually provided by psychologists, social workers, physicians, or licensed therapists who have specialized training in issues related to sexuality and relationships. Certified Sex Therapists have graduate degrees and have demonstrated their competence in sex therapy by becoming credentialed by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Sexual therapy is one of our primary areas of specialty at Insight, and we have AASECT certified therapists (or those in the process of obtaining certification).

Sex therapy is not only the treatment of sexual dysfunction (commonly identified as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, lack of sexual desire, sexual pain disorders, anorgasmia etc.) but also includes working with concerns about sexual feelings and intimacy, less common alternative sexual practices, kink, gender issues, sexual offending issues, or work on optimizing or exploring new experiences. Sex therapy can also include distressing sexual behaviour, sexual abuse and trauma.

Again, although there are many areas that fall in the sex therapy arena, the term sexual dysfunction is only one small part of the areas worked on. Sex therapy can be effective for individuals of any age, gender, sex, sexual experience, or sexual orientation.

COMMON ISSUES

The most common issues are sexual dysfunction (including the full range or normal but uncomfortable responses) and relationship problems. Ultimately, for it to be defined as a dysfunction, it must cause significant impairment in your relationship, job, physical health or mental/emotional health. This can also include the inability to fully enjoy sexual relations.

Typically, sexual dysfunctions interfere with the sexual response cycle, and make it difficult for you to enjoy or to have sexual relations in an authentic way. Some sexual dysfunction issues can threaten your physical health or be a sign of physical health problems. A Sex Therapist can refer clients to physicians or specialists if the primary concern is not psychological. Sexual issues can also impact your well-being, bringing on depression, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. Please note, Certified Sex Therapists do not have sexual contact with clients.

QUESTIONS SURROUNDING SEXUAL THERAPY

Here are some common questions or thoughts that may lead you to seek the support of a sex therapist:

• How can I revive my partner’s waning sexual interest?
• How can I make lovemaking more intimate?
• How can I tune into what my partner wants?
• How can we bring back our sexual desire?
• Do I have a sexual problem?
• Are my children or I at risk of being sexually abused or assaulted?
• What should I teach my children about sexuality?
• What is stopping me from enjoying a healthy sex life?
• Do I have gender orientation or preference questions?
• How is my history of sexual abuse impacting me now?
• Is my Kink a problem or am I mentally ill because of what I’m doing?

We can help you to answer many of these questions!

Sexual Therapy is one of our primary areas of specialty at Insight, and as such, we have ASSECT certified therapists and sexologists in major cities across Alberta including Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary.