Calgary Sex Therapy and Sex Therapists Explained: Your Essential Guide to Intimate Wellness

Understanding Sex Therapy Credentials

Qualified sex therapy practice builds on professional credentials. A sex therapist must hold an advanced clinical degree, specifically a master’s or doctoral degree in a mental health field ^[1]. These professionals also need specialized training beyond their simple mental health education. In Alberta, sex therapy is unregulated, meaning anyone can call themselves a sex therapist. Ontario is also unregulated, but the Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario serves as an organization that regulates it’s members in a similar way that CCPA regulates counsellors in provinces where counselling is not regulated.

Professional qualifications and certifications

In the USA, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) sets strict certification requirements. Therapists must complete these requirements to earn certification:

• 90 clock hours of human sexuality education ^[2]

• 60 hours of sex therapy training

• 300 hours of supervised clinical experience

• 50 hours of supervision with an AASECT Certified Supervisor ^[2]

Difference between sex therapists and other mental health professionals

Sex therapists differ from general mental health practitioners through their specialized training. They receive detailed education in sexual health, relationships, and therapeutic techniques ^[3]. They can also provide intensive therapy for complex cases with psychiatric diagnoses or interpersonal conflicts ^[4]. As of right now we do not have any AASECT certified or ASTO certified sex therapists, however we have excellent psychologists and counsellors with a great deal of experience helping clients with sex related issues and intimacy, both individually and as couples.

Common Issues Addressed in Sex Therapy

Sex therapists help with many intimate concerns that affect individuals and couples. Recent studies show that sexual dysfunction affects 43% of women and 31% of men during their lifetimes ^[7].

Physical and psychological sexual concerns

Sex therapists help clients deal with various physical and psychological challenges. Common issues include:

• Erectile dysfunction and performance anxiety

• Problems with arousal or reaching orgasm

• Pain during intercourse

• Low libido or mismatched sexual desires

• Sexual trauma recovery

• Kink shaming and incompatibility

Relationship and intimacy challenges

Relationship dynamics are vital to sexual wellness. Sex therapy helps with intimacy issues that stem from trust breaches, communication barriers, and emotional disconnection ^[8]. Couples often seek help when they have different levels of desire, which can lead to tension and frustration in relationships ^[9].

The Sex Therapy Process

Sex therapy follows a structured yet flexible path that addresses each client’s unique needs. A full picture of this process helps clients feel more confident. They can better prepare for their therapeutic trip.

Getting started and setting goals

The process starts with a consultation where the therapist gets a complete picture of the client’s concerns, sexual history, and current situation ^[12]. The therapist and clients work together to set specific, achievable goals that guide the therapy ^[13]. This first phase looks at medical history, relationship dynamics, and psychological factors that might affect sexual wellness.

Treatment approaches and techniques

Sex therapists use several proven methods to help with sexual concerns:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address negative thought patterns

• Mindfulness-based interventions to reduce anxiety

• Sensate focus exercises to build intimacy

• Communication improvement techniques ^[14]

Therapists customize these approaches to fit each client’s unique situation and comfort level instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach ^[15].

Progress evaluation and timeline

Progress checks happen during regular follow-up sessions. Therapists and clients review their strategies and talk about challenges ^[12]. The length of therapy varies, but many clients see major improvements in sexual satisfaction after completing their treatment plan ^[16]. Therapists adjust their methods based on progress and new needs to keep treatment working and responsive.

The PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy) helps therapists structure their work and track progress ^[15]. This well-laid-out approach ensures clients get the right support at every stage of their therapeutic trip.

Making the Most of Sex Therapy

Clients must participate actively and stay dedicated to get the most out of sex therapy. The therapeutic outcome depends on how well you prepare and take part in the process.

Preparing for your first session

Your therapy experience starts with good preparation. Clients can take these steps to get ready:

• Write down questions or concerns to talk about

• Collect medical history details

• Know what to expect from the process

• Pick a time that works best

• Check insurance or payment plans

Building therapeutic alliance

A strong client-therapist relationship serves as the life-blood of successful therapy ^[17]. When professional expertise combines with a strong therapeutic bond, clients feel safe to share intimate concerns. Studies show that clients who feel positive about their connection with therapists early on tend to keep that good point of view throughout their sessions ^[17].

Home exercises and assignments

Sex therapy goes beyond the counseling room with structured homework tasks ^[18]. These exercises let clients use therapeutic ideas in their daily lives. Sensate Focus stands out as the main element that makes sex therapy different from other behavioral methods ^[19].

Therapists give different exercises based on what each person needs:

• Communication practice sessions

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

• Structured intimacy-building activities

• Progressive touch exercises

These assignments help improve communication during intimate moments and build stronger emotional bonds ^[18]. Therapists make sure all exercises line up with their client’s comfort level and start with simple activities before moving to more intimate ones ^[20].

Conclusion

Sexual wellness is crucial for overall health and life satisfaction. Talking about intimate concerns can feel uncomfortable, but professional sex therapy offers a proven way to better sexual health and stronger relationships.

Sex therapists have special training and certifications that make them different from other mental health professionals. They can help with many concerns, from physical issues to complex relationship dynamics. Their planned treatment approach helps clients work through intimate challenges. Clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.

Success depends on how much clients participate and communicate openly. People who prepare well for sessions and work closely with their therapist see real progress in their intimate relationships. On top of that, the strong bond between client and therapist creates lasting positive changes.

Many people face sexual health concerns. Getting professional help is a big step toward better intimate wellness. Clients get the most from their therapy experience when they understand the process, check credentials, and keep realistic expectations. Sexual difficulties aren’t impossible barriers. Sex therapy can be a path to improved relationship satisfaction and personal growth.

FAQs

Q1. What exactly does a sex therapist do? A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional who specializes in addressing sexual health concerns. They help individuals and couples work through issues such as low libido, performance anxiety, intimacy problems, and sexual shame through talk therapy and tailored exercises.

Q2. How is sex therapy different from regular counseling? Sex therapy differs from general counseling due to the therapist’s specialized training in sexual health and relationships. Sex therapists have additional certifications and education that equip them to address specific intimate concerns and complex sexual issues that general therapists may not be prepared to handle.

Q3. What types of issues can sex therapy help with? Sex therapy can address a wide range of concerns, including physical problems like erectile dysfunction or pain during intercourse, psychological issues such as performance anxiety, relationship challenges like mismatched desires, and support for gender identity and sexual orientation exploration.

Q4. What happens during a sex therapy session? During a sex therapy session, you’ll discuss your concerns in a judgment-free environment. The therapist will assess your situation, set goals with you, and suggest various techniques or exercises. Sessions typically involve talk therapy, and any physical exercises are done in private, not during the session itself.

Q5. How long does sex therapy usually last? The duration of sex therapy varies depending on the individual or couple’s needs and progress. While some may see improvements after a few sessions, others might benefit from longer-term therapy. Regular progress evaluations help determine the necessary length of treatment for each client’s unique situation.

References

[1] – https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-sex-therapist-5210416
[2] – https://www.verywellmind.com/best-sex-therapy-certification-programs-5179865
[3] – https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/faq/is-a-couples-therapist-the-same-as-a-sex-therapist
[4] – https://www.aasect.org/certification-types-distinguishing-sexuality-educators-counselors-and-therapists
[5] – https://blog.opencounseling.com/how-to-verify-a-therapists-license/
[6] – https://heightsfamilycounseling.com/blog/2021/7/9/do-i-need-sex-therapy-or-couples-therapy
[7] – https://www.healthline.com/health/sex-therapy
[8] – https://awakeningscenter.org/the-impact-of-sex-therapy-on-relationship-dynamics/
[9] – https://www.pacificbehavioralhealth.com/post/sex-therapy-to-transform-relationships
[10] – https://www.joannebagshaw.com/blog/gender-affirming-sex-therapy
[11] – https://crossroadscollective.ca/a-guide-to-sex-therapy-for-trans-individuals/
[12] – https://awakeningscenter.org/what-to-expect-from-sex-therapy-insights-and-advice/
[13] – https://www.modernintimacy.com/understanding-the-role-of-a-sex-therapist-in-nyc/
[14] – https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/02/cover-ce-corner
[15] – https://www.firstsession.com/resources/sex-therapy-techniques
[16] – https://zencare.co/therapy-type/sex-therapy
[17] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6493237/
[18] – https://www.marriage.com/advice/physical-intimacy/sex-therapy-homework-exercises/
[19] – https://sexualhealthalliance.com/nymphomedia-blog/couples-sex-therapy-exercises-to-do-at-home
[20] – https://www.oprah.com/relationships/sex-therapy-exercises/all