Sex & Intimicy Therapy

This depends on what the root cause of the issue is. One thing a sex therapist can do is help determine of the main cause is psychological or physiological. Sex therapists, of course, focus on the psychological impacts of sexual issues, and treat underlying psychological concerns. If the primary reason is physiological, then a sex therapist can work in conjunction with a medical professional to ensure the client is getting appropriate treatment.

Many intimacy issues stem from psychological concerns, or a combination of psychological and physiological. So, a comprehensive assessment is needed to accurately identify the cause of concerns.

Sometimes clients do best with individual therapy, sometimes clients do best in couples counseling, and some need a combination of both. REgarding therapeutic approaches, it may include cognitive behavior therapy, trauma-focused therapy, sensate-focused therapies, or other clinical approaches.

• What does an intimacy therapist do?

There is no such thing as an “intimacy therapist”, but the closest equivalent of this would be a sex therapist. Sex therapists treat the emotional, relational issues of sexual dysfunctions. Additionally, sex therapists can treat a limited range of physical symptoms as well. 

Sex therapists use their comprehensive training in human sexuality to assess, diagnose, and treat sexual concerns in individuals and couples. This can include addressing with sexual trauma, sexual dysfunction, and helping people enact behavioral change to improve their sex lives.

Not all couples can move from sexless to sexually active. There may be significant insurmountable issues in their relationship coupled with a lack of sincere effort to change. However, for those that want to make this change, therapy can definitely help couples be more sexually active and engaged.

Just like with any type of counseling, sex therapy can be effective if a couple is open, willing, and engaged in treatment. Yes, sex therapy can help couples address and eliminate the barriers to intimacy plaguing their relationship.

The cost of sex therapy depends on a few factors.

#1- Clients using insurance tend to spend less than clients paying privately. Insurance will not cover all sexual problems, but it typically will cover most problems. Conversely, if you are working with a therapist that does not accept insurance, you will likely pay more than if you work with a therapist accepting your insurance. 

#2- The frequency you see your therapist will affect the cost. A client will pay less per month if they see a therapist only one time per month, compared to if they see that therapist once per week. The actual cost of each session should be the same regardless of the frequency you see your therapist.

#3- The severity of the issues will impact the length of treatment. If clients are bringing in minor concerns and are needing a few sessions, then the cost will not be as much compared to clients needing weekly treatment for a year. 

The best way to find out how much therapy will cost is to understand how much insurance will cover, the cost the therapist will charge you if not using insurance, and asking your therapist in the first session for a general idea of an estimated cost. Exact costs are likely impossible to provide, but clients can expect a general range to help them budget.