Q: What education does a sex therapist have?  

A: In order to be considered a sexual therapist in Florida, one must first be a licensed mental health professional such as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), a psychologist (PhD), or be a medical professional such as a psychiatrist (MD) or a registered nurse practicioner (ARNP).  After their education and licensing in a mental health or medical field, therapists must then complete extensive training in ten different areas of sexuality.  Following that, they are required to complete a period of supervised practice.

Q:  What is the first appointment like?

A On your first appointment you can expect a lot of information gathering to take place. This will of course be about your particular concern or difficulty, and may also be about other issues, such as any recent sources of stress, drug and alcohol use, and your current or past relationships.  Questions about these other areas of your life are necessary since sexuality is influenced by many factors, some of which might not be immediately obvious.  It’s not necessary for the client to bring anything (but themselves) to the appointment.  Depending on the circumstances, clients may come to the appointment alone or with their partner if they have one. :

Q: Is treatment confidential?

A: In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between client and therapist. No information can be disclosed without written permission from the client. The exceptions are that a therapist is required by law to report suspected child abuse, and dependent adult or elder abuse. In addition, a therapist is required to help a client who threatens to harm him/herself or others.

Q:  What can I expect in the sex therapy sessions?

A:  You can expect to be in a private office setting.  Often there’s a desk, a chair or two, and perhaps a sofa. Many people describe a therapist’s office as looking like a nice little living room. The therapist, yourself, and possibly your partner (if you have one) sit and talk about what the issues are, and the best ways to resolve them.  Since therapists have their own personalities, styles, and training, each will be a little different from the next.  Some talk more than others.  Some give homework.  (For those of us that give sexual homework it’s done at home, never in the office!)  You talk about the problems until you have an understanding of what’s happening and what you need to do to fix it.  This may take one appointment, or many appointments.  The idea is for you to feel comfortable with the progress you’re making and satisfied with the final outcome.

Q:  How long does the therapy take?

A:  After the history is taken, recommendations are discussed.  Specific goals are set so that therapist and patient(s) are in agreement about what is to be worked on and how long it will take.  Most sex therapy treatments can be completed in six to eleven sessions, depending on the individual problem.  Sometimes other issues come up, such as marital problems or life stressors, and in these situations a combination of sexual and traditional therapy may be necessary.

Q:  What’s the easiest sexual problem to treat?

A:  It’s premature ejaculation (P.E.) - ejaculating before you and your partner are ready.  Treatment of P.E. averages 6 to 8 sessions (a session is 50 minutes).  The sessions are weekly, one after the other until the problem is fixed.  Homework is discussed in the office, and then done at your home.  A single male, or a couple can be treated.  In other words, you don’t have to have a partner to resolve this issue.  The success rate is extremely high and the homework is easy.  If you or your partner are bothered by P.E., you are aware that resolving this issue is invaluable and worth the investment in your sexual health.

Q:  Will the sex therapist want us/me to engage in sexual acts in the office?  What kind of touching is involved?

A: No reputable therapist, sexual or otherwise, will ever touch their patient in a sexually provocative or inappropriate way.  It’s unfortunate that TV and the movies portray sex therapists as having wild orgies in their offices or having sexual contact with their patients.  This gives a bad name to professionals that truly care about helping others.

Q:  What if I’m too scared/shy/upset to talk?

A:  A therapist is used to people being a little nervous in the beginning.  It’s normal and expected.  After a few minutes, most people begin to feel more at ease.  It’s the therapist’s job to direct the sessions, inform you of any rules, and keep track of the time.  No one is expected to know why they’re having the problem, what the clinical terms are for it, or how to fix it.  That’s why you’re coming in.

Q:  Do you assign homework?

A:  Yes, but unlike school, the homework I give is FUN! And homework is always done at home.

Enhance your life with effective sexual therapy!