Sex therapy

What is sex therapy? 

Sex therapy, or sexuality treatment, is a therapeutic encounter between a clinical sexologist and a person or couple wishing to make changes to achieve well-being. The sexologist deals with the technical aspects of sexuality, but also the psychological aspects. The objective is to provide short and medium term support for couples and clients with sexual disorders. Clinicians are trained in assessment, sex therapy and psychotherapy, and take into account all dimensions of the patient when treating a sexual disorder.

The consultation can take place in French or English, and is intended for couples or individual adults. During a consultation, you will be asked to talk about your reasons for seeking help, hypotheses that could explain a problem, your personal and sexual history, your relationships with your partner and family members, and your previous experience with therapy. If there is trauma underlying these sexual issues, an adjunct session could be arranged to address specific trauma. 
Sexual problems are more widespread than ever in our society, both in men (erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation) and in women (vaginismus, anorgasmia, coldness).

What is sex therapy used for?

Although therapists' methods vary in how they approach issues related to sexual health, a therapist receives specific training in sexuality and sexual issues, so they are most likely to have the knowledge and skills necessary skills to help you overcome your difficulties in this area. The sexologist will work with you to identify the roots of your anxieties and help you better control your reaction to sexual situations through specific exercises. Your sex therapist will help you develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage your responses to future sexual problems and learn to talk about your concerns.
Sexologists help you address psychological factors by also working on underlying issues, such as stress, anxiety, trauma or trust issues. Sex therapy is a specialized area of psychotherapy, which involves using a guided approach during sessions. The sexologist will assess sexual functioning issues or intimate issues, determine possible diagnoses, and develop an overall treatment plan.

How long does the treatment last? 

A sexual problem is often not permanent and can be treated and eliminated sometimes as quickly as it appeared! For some, it will only be useful to consult the sexologist for a few sessions, possibly followed by a subsequent adjustment. For others, deeper, longer-term treatment may be necessary. In some cases, the therapist can help a couple decide whether individual or couples sessions are more suitable.