Whether you are looking for someone to help with a specific sexual concern or to help with your overall sexual health, a sex therapist and sex coach can help with those needs. While they both are here to help with your sexual needs, they have different practices and certifications. This topic may be uncomfortable for some people, but finding the right help is essential to wellness, and knowing the difference between these two will help you to understand which will align with your needs. Some of the problems that people see sex coaches and sex therapists for include painful sexual intercourse, erectile dysfunction, and lack of desire.
What is a sex therapist?
The Cleveland Clinic defines a sex therapist as a licensed professional who “helps treat many kinds of sexual dysfunction that have psychological causes or impacts. They can also help with life and relationship issues related to sex. Therapists do this in a supportive, non-judgmental, inclusive, and safe environment.” Sex therapists can address a range of concerns, including:
- Enhancing communication between partners and improving the understanding of one another’s needs
- Addressing depression and anxiety caused by changes in sexual health, such as menopause or erectile dysfunction
- Providing education about the emotional and psychological factors surrounding sex, fulfilling each other’s needs, and the power of choice
- Working through concerns or discomforts regarding sexual orientation or gender identity
The American Psychological Association discusses standard methods sex therapists might use to support their clients. APA says, “Therapists begin by helping clients identify negative attitudes about sex, explore the origins of those ideas, and find new ways of thinking about sex. The focus then shifts to behavior: therapists may ask clients to keep diaries of their sexual thoughts, watch erotic films, or develop fantasies. Therapists also address any relationship problems.” Sex therapists not only work with couples, but also with individuals. It is important to note that there is no physical touch or contact involved in sex therapy.
Counselor Leah, a sex therapist at Garrett Counseling, says, “Embracing the facets of relationships, sexuality, and self-discovery is integral to nurturing a healthy human experience. Sex-positive therapists and sex therapists are compassionate companions on your healing journey, providing support and guidance.”
It is also essential to know how often sexual issues are reported. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 43% of women and 31% of men have reported issues pertaining to sexual dysfunction. While this may strike some people as alarming, it also can offer some insight that you are not alone and can ease the anxiety that you might feel; and that is another fantastic thing that sex therapists can do, as it says in the name, they provide therapy to ease your worries.
What is a sex coach?
A sex coach, as stated by The Couples Center, “is not a therapist, and so their approach is different from a therapist who takes a psychological approach. A therapist would start by discussing your history. Sex coaches, on the other hand, help clients more practically.” Since sex coaches take a more laid-back approach, they may give advice, set goals, and provide exercises to try. They also provide a safe space to talk about any of the problems you are facing, and while they aren’t licensed, they still can provide the help you may need. Sex coaches can improve physical intimacy with not only your partner but also yourself. This has a great possibility of leading to better mental health and overall physical well-being. While sex coaches aren’t able to provide professional services that might be needed, they can, however, recommend books, movies, and online classes that can help you along the way. Sex coaches are very goal-oriented and will often provide lists of things to try or even build upon. They often do webinars or even provide classes in community-based settings, but if that isn’t your style, they will often work one-on-one.
What is the difference?
Now that we know their purposes, let’s break down some key differences between them. While both are sought after to help with all kinds of issues and to improve overall well-being, there are a few major differences between them.
The schooling, training, and certification are the first significant differences. While a sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional who has earned at least a bachelor’s degree and has had to complete a certain number of training hours to be certified, a sex coach doesn’t do that. Anyone can easily become a sex coach since technically, there isn’t any certification or diploma required. Since sex coaching is a relatively new field and hasn’t been regulated by the governing body, there aren’t a lot of accreditation options out there yet. Sex coaches should be evaluated individually.
Another big difference between the two fields is the types of interventions and practices. Here is a look at the two fields and their practices:
- Sex therapy: Sex therapy often uses practices like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help with depressive episodes brought on by sexual dysfunction or not fulfilling one’s needs. Sex therapists seek to understand your sexual history or past trauma, which can link back to the issues you’re having. This being said, they are more likely to work with long-term versus short-term needs. Sex therapists can also work with other medical professionals and help to break the emotional communication barrier that may be dividing you and your partner.
- Sex coaching: Sex coaches often work in group settings like workshops or community classes. These classes might be in the form of a webinar or even at a community center. Sex coaches also offer a holistic perspective to help your entire well-being and might also use a goal-oriented way of seeing improvement. Sex coaches also promote self-exploration and self-empowerment. Sex coaches are also more likely to work with short-term issues.
Which is a better option for me?
When it comes to choosing between a sex therapist and a sex coach, it is all dependent on your circumstances and what you are looking to get out of seeking help. This decision should be based on your personal research and conclusion, or if you and your partner are seeking help, on the verdict you both decide on. In an article written about Emily Nagoski, the New York Times bestselling author of Come As You Are and Come Together, she discussed how she had to listen to her own advice about her and her partner’s sex lives after months of intimate drought. It was stated that “It’s hard work,’ she said of keeping sex going in a long-term relationship. ‘And you have to care. It isn’t necessary for survival. It’s not even necessary to have a spectacular life. I don’t require anyone on Earth to make any kind of change to their sex life if they don’t want to.” A good suggestion would also be to do your own research on both of them and come to a careful conclusion! Nagoski also mentioned that “What matters is that you’re cocreating a context that makes it easy to access pleasure.”
If you are looking for a sex therapist in Alabama, please contact us to learn more about getting started with out sex therapy team!
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