It’s a question we get asked a lot.

Choosing a certified sex therapist for your counseling journey in place of another therapist means you get specialized education and implementation of techniques unique to you. 

What Makes Sex Therapists Different?

At Kimberly Keiser & Associates, we believe that counseling is best served by the inclusivity of all minority populations, including race, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. Not only is that one of our core principles, but competence in multicultural care is part of all mental healthcare provider’s ethical codes of conduct. 

At its core, sexual diversity is natural and part of our biological imperative, regardless of different belief systems in religion or cultural differences. Research has shown that sexual expression, orientation, and gender identity is complex and requires unique consideration. 

Sexual orientation, for example, may not be considered a legitimate concern among all mental healthcare providers due to implications of religious values or beliefs. In addition, according to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), some otherwise pleasurable behaviors that take place between consenting adults have been labeled as disorders, and therefore render the behaviors pathological.

It is vital that psychotherapists working with sexually diverse individuals or couples have specific training to ensure ethical assessment and treatment.

For example, it is considered unethical for healthcare providers who work with sadomasochistic clients, who get sexual gratification from pain, to not have training specifically within this population. Even for therapists who have been trained, countertransference — transferring emotions to a patient from the therapist — can occur and needs to be managed appropriately.

What Do Sex Therapists Do?

A sex therapist has an in-depth knowledge of human sexuality, sexual anatomy and physiology, and the treatment of sexual dysfunctions in addition to other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

We have education in the areas of human sexuality, sex therapy theories and techniques, supervised clinical experience by practicing sex therapists, and exploration and understanding of one’s own feelings, attitudes, values, and beliefs regarding human sexuality and sexual behavior. 

A sex therapist does not have to be certified in order to practice sex therapy, but seeing a certified sex therapist ensures that your therapist has received extended training and has illustrated competency.

Get Started On Your Journey

Comprehensive sexuality education is critical to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan and can be found lacking throughout other professional healthcare training.

Sex therapy consists of meeting with a trained and competent mental healthcare provider to talk about and explore your concerns. Once you and your therapist have a basic understanding of the problem, your therapist will design a treatment plan for you.