Sex therapy can feel like an odd thing to do, and it’s easy to think of it as something only people who are really open about sex go to. But the truth is, millions of people from all walks of life attend sex therapy. Often, they’re in relationships and want to work on communication around sex and intimacy. Others may have physical or emotional issues with sexual function, such as pelvic pain (dyspareunia) or trouble achieving or keeping an erection.
During sex therapy sessions, the therapist will help you discuss your feelings and concerns about sexual issues. They’ll ask questions to get a better idea of what the root cause is. They can offer tools to improve sexual satisfaction, restore or maintain sexual health, and work on relationship issues that stem from sex problems.
You can see a sex therapist on your own or bring your partner along. Couples sex therapy sessions are sometimes recommended, as they can help build stronger relationships and improve communication about sex. You can also find sex therapists online, which is similar to face-to-face therapy but over video chat.
It’s important to make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist. If you don’t feel a connection, consider looking for another therapist. They should be able to relate to what you’re saying and have a good working knowledge of sexuality. They can also refer you to a doctor if they suspect your sexual problems are medical in nature.