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Sexuality Counseling vs. Sex Therapy

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Sexuality counseling deals with gender identity, sexual orientation, health, behavior, and relationships, whereas sex therapy focuses on issues around having sex.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Raveendran S R

Published At October 26, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 26, 2022

Introduction:

Sexuality counseling is for anyone who wants to improve their sexual health or sexual relationship. It does not just involve the physical act of intercourse. Still, it also helps people with a history of sexual trauma or those who may feel shame about their sexuality to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people overcome sexual inhibitions, improve sexual desire and performance and enhance sexual satisfaction.

What Is Sexuality Counseling?

Sexuality counseling is the area of counseling that specializes in dealing with sexual problems or issues. A sexuality counselor can be a qualified psychologist, physiotherapist, sexologist, or psychotherapist, as well as a trained counselor or life coach. A sexuality counselor works with people from all walks of life and can help you explore your sexual concerns.

What Is Sex Therapy?

The most common question that individuals on sex therapy ask is," what is sex therapy?". The main aim of sex therapy is to help individuals improve relationships and sexual functions or desires to have a better sexual experience by making the right choices.

What Do Sexuality Counselors Do?

The role of the counselor is to listen to and support individuals as they explore their sexuality, values, perceptions, and behaviors. The counselor provides education, support, and information on gender and sexuality development.

What Do Sex Therapists Do?

The role of the sex therapist is to provide education and support on issues related to sexual health and well-being, including the diagnosis and treatment of sexual disorders and dysfunctions, the prevention of sexual disorders and dysfunctions, and the enhancement of sexual well-being in relationships.

What Does Sexuality Counseling Involve?

The counselor assists the individual in developing a sexual wellness plan which outlines goals and objectives for the future. This plan is designed to help the individual live a healthy, fulfilling, and safe sexual lifestyle.

The counselor may also provide education and support on sexual health and well-being topics such as the anatomy and physiology of the body, different sexual orientations and identities, and sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

What Does Sex Therapy Involve?

Sex therapy is most effective when it is a part of the comprehensive treatment plan, which may include other forms of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and counseling. Sex therapy often involves helping individuals identify and reduce blocks and barriers to their sexuality, such as shame and guilt. The goal of sex therapy is to help people have a happy and healthy sex life with as little stress as possible.

This can be achieved through

  • By understanding and satisfying your partner’s preferences.

  • Knowing what you want from your partner.

  • Learning how to communicate your needs effectively.

The most common goals of sex therapy are to improve sexual desire, arousal, and orgasmic function.

Can I Get Support for Sexual Trauma?

Sexual trauma can be the result of a single event or multiple events. Trauma can also happen due to inappropriate sexual experiences, including being forced to do sexual activity.

Sexual trauma is common and can lead to sexual dysfunction, shame, confusion about one’s body and sexuality, guilt over past experiences, feeling disconnected from one’s partner, or difficulty with orgasm or ejaculation.

If you have any of these symptoms or someone you know who is struggling with these issues, please reach out for help. You do not have to deal with these problems alone.

Where Do I Find My Support?

Before you seek out a sex therapist or sexuality counselor, it is important to know the differences between these two types of practitioners. Specifically, you should know what type of support you need.

Sexuality counseling is not the same as sex therapy, which involves a specific set of skills and techniques that support clients who experience difficulties related to their sexual thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Sex therapy focuses on helping couples or individuals overcome problems related to their sexual functioning.

Some individuals may need both counseling and sex therapy if they are experiencing significant relationship problems due to insufficient sexual desire or low arousal from partnered sex that goes beyond the typical levels of sexual distress among many couples during life stressors.

If you are looking for a sexuality counselor, you will find them on internet websites or you will get help from your insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations. There are certified psychologists, sexologists, and psychiatrists. They will be able to help you with your concerns and answer questions you have.

How Does Couples Therapy Work?

Couples counseling can be one type of counseling offered by a professional trained in this field (for example, a psychologist or psychotherapist). The couple can work together in sexuality counseling, with their therapist helping them understand each other's needs and feelings. In some cases, couples will choose to attend individual sessions while still being open with each other about what is discussed during these sessions.

The counselor will also work with you and your partner to identify any issues impeding your sexual health and well-being. They will be able to help you to explore these issues and provide you with the therapeutic support you need.

Conclusion:

Sexual life is vitally important for your health and happiness. Many people with sexual dysfunctions experience anxiety, embarrassment, and frustration that often affects their overall quality of life. This is caused by several factors, such as physical or psychological issues. These issues are usually addressed in a respectful and confidential setting.

Sexuality counseling and sex therapy help you to explore sexuality and develop a more fulfilling sexual life. Sexuality counselors and therapists can answer your questions and help you deal with the emotions and concerns that come with being a sexual person in today's world. Knowing what works best for you as an individual matter is most important.

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Dr. Raveendran S R
Dr. Raveendran S R

Sexology

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