Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Therapy

Therapy is for anyone looking to make a change, develop insight, or achieve personal growth. Oftentimes people seek therapy for stressful life events such as the loss of a loved one, relationship difficulties, or life transitions.

Sex therapy is an evidence-based subspecialty of psychotherapy that focuses specifically on concerns related to sexuality. Sex therapists treat individuals and/or couples who are experiencing problems with desire, arousal, performance, satisfaction, or pain with sex. Therapists can also treat individuals and couples who have a history of sexual trauma or abuse, individuals facing sexual orientation issues, and/or sexual behaviors that are causing distress.

First, we want to stress: no sexual activity of any kind happens during sex therapy sessions!

Sex therapy sessions are very similar to other mental health counseling sessions. First, we get to know you either by yourself or with your partner (if you have one). If you have a partner, you don’t have to bring them along, but it can often be helpful to include both partners! We can also help you if you want to engage your partner but aren’t sure how.

We will work on a treatment plan with you and will suggest a schedule of regular therapy appointments. At your appointments, you’ll receive “homework” exercises to practice alone and/or with your partner outside of your sessions. Homework may be general (e.g. activities for working on communication with your partner) or may involve more specific instructions and exercises.

At this time, most insurance plans don’t cover sex therapy.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers do not prescribe medication. For a medication evaluation, you need to see a physician. We can assist you with a referral to connect you with a physician that can evaluate your medical needs.

While there are some medications that have been found to assist people with their sexual functioning, if the presenting issue is psychological, then sex therapy can be just as effective as medication. For some sexual issues, there are no medications available, so sex therapy is the recommended form of treatment.

Sex therapists are therapists who complete an additional 2 years of specialized training after obtaining a clinical license. This training requires extensive work in identifying personal biases and how to overcome them, attending classes about the field of sexuality, individual and group supervision, and the completion of a Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR). Once these are completed the therapist has to apply for certification through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Certified sex therapists are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education credits each 3 years in order to remain certified.  

• Pain During Sex
• Lack of Sexual Desire
• Reduced Libido
• Lack of Lubrication
• Difficulty or Inability to Orgasm
• Premature or Rapid Ejaculation
• Erectile Dysfunction or Inability to Maintain an Erection
• Sexual Abuse or Sexual Assault
• Sexual Identity Questions
• Desire Discrepancy
• Lack of Sex Between Partners
• Difficulty Communicating Around Sexual Matters

Absolutely! Prior to becoming a sex therapist, Andreya practiced for many years as a couples/marriage/relationship therapist.

Asking for help takes courage. If you have found yourself on this site, you are already taking the first positive step toward change. Please call or e-mail us to make an appointment.”