What is ‘sex therapy?’
And what does it have to do with my mental health?
Sex therapy is a specialization within the field of mental health that focuses on sex-specific topics such as sexual functioning, painful sex, out of control sexual behaviors, perinatal and postpartum, pleasure, desire, non-monogomy and polyamory, kinks and fetishes, and much more. We work with individuals and partner(s) to explore relationships to sex, beliefs we hold about sex, and identify changes that help make sex worth having.
It’s a common misconception that sex-related issues are separate from mental health. Typically, we see mental health and sexual wellbeing impacting each other, similar to the way mental health and physical health are commonly linked. It’s crucial that sex therapists provide general mental health care in order to treat the whole person, not just one aspect of a client’s experience. Additionally, we partner with providers such as psychiatrists, physical therapists, and doctors to address your concerns in a holistic, research-backed manner. In fact, studies show that combining therapy with additional treatments is the most effective way to treat sexual functioning issues. Regardless, if clients reach out for generalized or specialized care, we always address both over the course of treatment. There is no requirement to have sex-specific concerns to see a sex therapist, but if concerns arise, we are qualified to treat them. That’s because the most important part of being a sex therapist is being a therapist first!
Sex therapists may hold multiple credentials and must be licensed clinicians (e.g. LCSW, LCPC, LMFT) in order to become certified. Becoming a licensed clinician and certified sex therapist is a years-long process that requires thousands of hours of supervision, advanced degrees, intensive training, and most importantly a dedication to helping clients improve their overall mental and sexual health. Sex therapists are certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), a nationally-recognized organization that connects many sex-related professions. You can learn more about AASECT and the certification process here.
At MN Therapies, we are all trained in understanding sex, sexuality, and sexual behavior as an integral part of the human experience and one’s mental health. Contact us to learn more about how our expertise can help you better address the challenges you face.
by Carolyn Herseth, LSW