This month’s free talk was about what sex therapy is. I often host this talk at my office because it is foundational to the work that I do and the most common question I receive. Often people have an idea that sex therapy is some type of psychotherapy, but that there is something different about it and they don’t know what that difference is. What I like to express is that it is psychotherapy that focuses on human sexuality. This usually increases clients’ understanding and alleviates some anxiety.
Next people want to know what it does and doesn’t include. Clearly there is no touching between me and my clients as I am a licensed professional counselor. However, there are homework assignments that I recommend where touching is required and encouraged between the couple. They may try some of these in my office, but they are fully clothed. There is no nudity in counseling sessions.
Part of my talk includes definings the training requirements of a certified sex therapist. This is best addressed at the website of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, (AASECT). On their website, they have a list of frequently asked questions of clients seeking a sex therapist, including a comprehensive listing of our training. I am an AASECT certified sex therapist. My listing is included here.
Thanks for reading my blog. I appreciate all your comments and welcome you to my future second Tuesday lunch time talks. Next month’s talk is on May 8th, entitled “Incompatible desire: What’s a couple to do?“.
Hope to see you there.