what do sex therapists do

Sex therapists are qualified professionals who help individuals or couples with sexual problems. They have specialized training in sexual health and sexual problems and use psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help people work through sexual issues. They can work with individuals or partners to help them resolve sexual difficulties, such as performance anxiety or intimacy issues. Sex therapists can help treat many kinds of sexual dysfunction that have psychological causes or impacts, and they can also help with life and relationship issues related to sex. During a therapy session, a sex therapist will listen to the individual or couple describe their problems and assess whether the cause is likely to be psychological, physical, or a combination of the two. They will then tailor their treatment to the person(s) before them, using methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion-based therapy, and couple therapy. Sex therapists do not perform sex or have any sort of physical contact with their clients, and any kind of touch or sexual behavior is strictly forbidden in the presence of the sex therapist. Sessions usually last for 30 to 50 minutes, and the therapist may advise the individual or couple to have weekly sessions or to see them less frequently, such as once a month.