Laura Sansone, LMFT is a licensed sex therapist. Often, clients are unsure about the concept of sex therapy and how it is different from traditional couple’s therapy. Please note that concepts related to sex therapy or confronting sexual dysfunctions are often dealt with in the context of a traditional couple’s session. However, the following information might be useful for those who are confused about sex therapy.

     Sex therapy is the application of therapeutic behavioral skills to deal with the problems of sexual function. A sex therapist recognizes that sexuality is of legitimate concern to clients and they have the right to expect expert knowledge when seeking remedies with sexual concerns. Sex Therapists and Clinical Sexologists focus their specialized skills to help individuals and/or couples to deal with their sexual concerns. The state of Florida mandates a specific license to provide sex therapy. This license is obtained after completion of 120 hours of continuing education focusing on issues of sexuality and sexual dysfunction as well as clinical supervision treating sexual dysfunctions.

     Out of the increased knowledge of the physiology and psychology of human sexual behavior has come a new professional appreciation for human sexual response. At a time in our society when sexuality is being more openly discussed, we are beginning to realize how uninformed many people are about this important personal topic. The importance of sexual function for individuals varies, of course, but for many it is closely tied in with their total concept of self identity. For these clients, problems in sexual function may lead to devaluation of self: "When I do not feel good about my sexuality, I cannot feel good about myself.”

     Sex therapy can be an important component to couples therapy. Sexuality serves a valuable function for most couples. It becomes an expression of caring, not only for the partner, but for oneself. It can become a powerful bonding element in a relationship, which, in today's society, must withstand considerable demands on time, energy and commitment. Dissatisfaction with the sexual relationship and the loss of that shared intimacy, in many instances, may lead to negative feelings and attitudes which are destructive to the relationship.

     Clients who seek out sex therapy often have problems with arousal (impotence and failure to lubricate), pain with intercourse, and/or problems with orgasm (either inability to climax or the inability to control ejaculation). In addition to seeking medical evaluation and treatment, many people who experience these difficulties also seek the assistance of a sex therapist. Couples often seek help when it becomes apparent that differences exist in their sexual desires or when they sense that their sexual relationship is not growing as they would wish. The need for additional information, more effective verbal/physical communication, and for sexual enrichment lead many couples to the sex therapist's office in their quest to enhance their intimate relationship. Sex therapy can also help resolve troublesome sexual inhibitions or change undesirable sexual habits. People with questions about their sexual identity or sexual preferences seek out the trained sex therapist for consultation. Sex therapy is also helpful for those experiencing sexual difficulties as a result of physical disabilities or as the consequence of illness, surgery, aging or alcohol abuse.

     Clients often have some anxiety about what to expect in a sex therapy session. Firstly, you can expect to be talking explicitly and in detail about sex. One cannot solve sexual problems by talking around them! Neither can one gain new sexual information unless clear, direct instruction is given!

     Additionally, you might expect to be offered the opportunity to add to your knowledge by reading selected books and/or viewing clinical films designed specifically for use in sex therapy. You should not, however, do anything which you do not understand, and you have the right to question the purpose of an assignment. It is your right to decline or postpone acting on the suggestions of your therapist, rather than allowing yourself to be pushed into behavior which might actually increase your discomfort. Every assignment, task, or experience presented by the therapist should fit into an understandable and acceptable treatment plan - and you have the right to question the procedures.

     You should expect sex therapists to be non-judgmental and to portray their own comfort in giving and receiving sexual information. While you might expect to be challenged and confronted on important issues, you should also expect to experience a respectful attitude toward those values which you do not wish to change.
You should not expect to be asked to disrobe in the presence of your therapist. Sexual contact between client and therapist is unethical, illegal and is destructive to the therapeutic relationship. You will not be required to perform sexually with your partner in the presence of your therapist. Sexual activities do not occur in your therapist's presence, even though the talk, material and the assignments are generally sexual and at times bluntly explicit.

     You should feel that you are heard and adequately represented in your sexual therapy. That is, you will not be stereotyped as "female," as "gay," as "too old," or in any other way that interferes with your sense of unique identity within the therapeutic setting. You should feel that you are being treated as an individual, not as a category!

     Sex therapy provides clients with an arena in which to discuss their sexual concerns. The therapist can assist partners to meet their intimacy and relationship goals. If you have further questions, please contact Laura Sansone, LMFT at 727-465-4935 or sansone.laura@gmail.com.