Find The Best Sexologist Near Me: 2023 Clinical Sexologist

Sexologists may sound like a cool job title to some people. Those who are looking for a good sexologist, or more technically sex therapist, have to take the issue more seriously. The problems that sex therapists address can often cause stress and unhappiness that affect our whole lives.

Sexual health is an important part of our overall health. As a result, it’s often an aspect of general therapy. In some cases, however, a specialist can offer greater insight and experience. Either way, online therapy has become a popular option. Particularly in the case of sex therapy, it offers a greater degree of privacy.

They’ll have a greater depth of knowledge on the topic than most therapists and probably have a better understanding of the biological side of things. Sexual difficulties usually involve intimacy, healthy expectations, and other related problems. As a result, many sex therapists are also relationship counselors who may work with couples. 

Like any other sort of therapist, a sex therapist has to have training in that field, including a degree in the field and practical experience. They will also be licensed as a therapist in your state.  

One important fact to note is that a sex therapist is not a sex worker of any sort. Therapists shouldn’t enter into any sort of physical relationship^[1] with their patients. Instead, sex therapists usually use the same methods as any other therapist, including counseling and medication.

Best Sexologist Near Me On The Market In 2023

How To Choose The Best Sexologist?

Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision, even more so when it comes to choosing a sex therapist. You may need to share some of the most intimate aspects of your life with this person. Ideally, you’re looking for someone you both have a connection with and feel like you can trust.

It’s not easy to figure that out after just one or two sessions however. To narrow your options somewhat, there are a few key things to look for when trying to choose the best sex therapist for you.

Convenience

Therapy can be a source of stress in itself. Like with many uncomfortable but necessary things, it helps to make it as easy as possible. That can mean a lot of things. If you’re looking for face-to-face therapy, it will make it easier if the office is nearby. 

Online therapists are often convenient, as you don’t have to go anywhere. They may also offer other conveniences, like texting. That may not be for everyone, however, as video or phone appointments can sometimes cost extra. 

Licensing, Qualifications, And Experience

Perhaps it goes without saying, but it is important to seek out a fully qualified sex therapist. Professionals will have no problem providing proof of their certifications and licenses. If that sort of information is not forthcoming, it should be a red flag.

Some therapists may also have certifications in particular subspecialties. Sex therapy is a great example. Other specialties may include trauma therapy, depression, or anxiety. Most therapists will have several specialties, so you can find one with the right mix for your needs.

Cost

Money is, unfortunately, always a consideration. Online therapy is a great option in many cases, but their fees are fixed and generally non-negotiable. On the other hand, most places will have therapists that accept a sliding scale of payments, depending on your ability to pay.

Online therapy may also have additional costs, such as extra costs for video and phone appointments. Additional texting may also cost more. However, many online therapists cost about the same as therapy with health insurance.

Gender

The gender of your therapist can often have an impact on your comfort level. When you’re dealing with issues of sexuality and relationships, that may be even more true. Men and women may also have different insights into sexual dysfunction.

Trust Your First Impression

Your experience the first time you meet someone can often set the tone for the rest of the relationship. If a therapist makes you uncomfortable, or even if you just don’t connect, that is unlikely to change. 

On the other hand, if you’re unsure you may wish to give someone the benefit of the doubt. You may find that your level of trust and comfort rises over time.

How Does Online Sexologist Consultation Work?

The experience will vary depending on the online service you choose. Generally, you can expect to have appointments with a therapist, just as you would with face-to-face therapy. The appointments may be held over the phone, however, or over video chat. Some services also allow you to contact your therapist through messaging between appointments.

Otherwise, online therapy will work in much the same way as face-to-face therapy. You’ll discuss your problems, learn skills, and hopefully address the issues that are concerning you. 

Most couples counseling services allow both partners to view all of the communication. There may also be online classes or other activities that you can take part in.

How Sex Therapy Can Help?

Sexual health is an important part of your overall health. Additionally, sexual dysfunctions can often have consequences outside the bedroom. When one or both partners are left unsatisfied, it can impact self-confidence or even cause feelings of shame. 

When feelings like those aren’t dealt with, they may lead to significant relationship problems. Problems in other areas of life may also crop up. The reverse is also true, with factors like stress and anxiety from other areas of life contributing to sexual dysfunction.

Each treatment plan^[3] is likely to be unique to an individual’s situation. However, sex therapists will often use talk therapy, to discuss issues with patients. A therapist may also help a patient develop important relationship skills, such as communication strategies.^[4] Behavioral therapy can help build trust and change counterproductive habits.

When Should You See A Sex Therapist? 

Many, if not most, people will experience sexual dysfunction in their lives. Those problems may be minor and resolve themselves over time. Some issues, on the other hand, aren’t easily addressed. They may linger over time, occur frequently, or cause real distress. 

At that point, you may benefit from seeing a sex therapist. There are some symptoms that are red flags. Both men and women may:

• Experience a lack of sexual interest
• Experience pain during sex
• Be unable to become aroused

Symptoms women experience include:

• Difficulty relaxing vaginal muscles for intercourse
• Lack of vaginal lubrication
• Difficulty or inability to achieve orgasm

Symptoms men experience include:

• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
• Difficulty or inability to ejaculate
• Inability to control the timing of ejaculation

What Do Sexologists Treat?

Sex is a complex part of our lives and relationships. A healthy sexual relationship isn’t just about feeling good. When we aren’t satisfied in that aspect of our life, the problem may be in our behavior and thought process rather than our biology. The goal of sex therapy is a healthy and satisfying sex life. 

When there are obstacles to achieving that satisfaction, you are experiencing sexual dysfunction. Statistics say that over 40% of women and 30% of men suffer from some degree of sexual dysfunction. The numbers may be even higher.

Sexual dysfunction can have a range of severities and many causes. Most people will experience stress that affects their sex life, as well as other issues like intimacy, shame, and self-doubt. Often, counseling is enough to address those issues. Dealing with the consequences of sexual trauma is often an important part of sex therapy.

Sexual dysfunction is generally broken down into four types:

• Desire disorders involve a lack of desire for or interest in sex.
• Arousal disorders occur when there is difficulty becoming sexually excited.
• Orgasm disorders involve a delayed orgasm or a lack of orgasm.
• Pain disorders involve pain during the course of sex.

In addition to addressing sexual dysfunctions directly, sex therapists also address sex as an aspect of healthy relationships. Many sex therapists are also relationship counselors and work with partners together.

While sex therapists focus on the mental and behavioral side of things, they may have insight into the biological side as well. As a result, many sex therapists will work with your doctor^[5] or other specialists to help address any issues. 

In general, sex therapists will be accepting of any sexuality or gender identity. They may help to address stress and anxiety that is caused by any relationship. However, they don’t consider any sexuality a disorder. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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