Sex therapy is a form of psychological treatment designed to both ameliorate sexual dysfunction and enhance sexual fulfillment. By combining psychological counseling, sex education, relationship counseling with behavioral approaches designed specifically for enhancing sexual functioning, individuals can learn to achieve a higher degree of sexual satisfaction and greater intimacy. Fears of intimacy and other relationship issues are a major contributor to sexual difficulties. Often relationship issues are at the root of the sexual dysfunction. The dysfunction becomes a symptom of some difficulty in the relationship.
Sex therapy can be helpful for individuals and couples depending on the issue being addressed.
Some issues can be dealt with on an individual basis, while others are best treated in the context of a couple relationship. Though there are some sexual dysfunctions that have an organic or medical etiology, the vast majority of sexual difficulties are psychological in nature and can be treated through a combination of interpersonal, cognitive and behavioral techniques. A large number of these difficulties develop because of various early experiences, performance anxiety, relationship concerns, attitudes about sex, and other beliefs. All of these issues can be addressed by a sex therapist. In many instances, the problems can be resolved in a relatively short period of time.