Psychosexual Therapy (aka Sex Therapy)
What is a Psychosexual Therapist, or “sex therapist”?
Psychosexual Therapists are qualified mental health professionals who are experts in sexual health, intimacy, relationships and sexual functioning. They have undertaken extensive education and training in the field of sexology and/or sexual health as well as mental health. They provide guidance about how to manage problems affecting sexual satisfaction, intimacy, communication, sexual functioning, health and relationships. This type of treatment acknowledges that when our mental health suffers – so to do our relationships and sex lives.
Many common mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression or trauma can have significant impacts on these areas of life that often aren’t addressed by traditional counselling, psychology or general medical treatment alone. A Psychosexual Therapist can help people to improve their relationships, sexual health, mental health and have satisfying, safe and pleasurable sex lives.
When should I see a Psychosexual Therapist?
There are a wide range of experiences that may lead to a person benefiting from the support of a Psychosexual Therapist. Some typical reasons why someone might be referred, or might independently choose to seek treatment include:
- Feeling unsatisfied in your relationship or sex life
- Mis-matched libido between partners
- Pain during sex
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low or no desire
- Difficulty with arousal or orgasm
- Premature or delayed ejaculation
- Relationship breakdown or conflict
- Communication issues
- Mental health issues like depression or anxiety impacting sex and relationship
- Navigating non-monogamous relationships or exploring sexual interests
- Issues with porn or sexual addiction
- A history of trauma or sexual assault impacting your sexual satisfaction or relationships
- Managing sexual functioning issues due to illness, disability, or hormonal condition
- Fear, avoidance or anxiety around sex or performance
- Needing help with dating, starting a relationship or to improve sexual confidence
- Wanting more education or knowledge about sex and relationships
- Concerns or questions around sexual orientation and/or gender identity
What services does a Psychosexual Therapist provide?
Our Psychosexual Therapist, Hilary Key works out of our Wollongong clinic and offers a broad range of services to support people in managing their intimate relationships – both face to face and telehealth (video). Key areas of work for Psychosexual Therapy are:
- Couple’s therapy – working with couples together to help them talk about, work through and improve issues like communication, conflict, lack of intimacy, sexual satisfaction, different levels of desire or libido, healing after affairs or trauma.
- Individual therapy – working with individuals one-on-one to address their own concerns. Individuals may not currently be in a relationship or may want to address their concerns personally.
- Workshops and Group Programs – coming in 2023-24 we will be offering online and in-person workshops around sexual health and relationships, dating, couples’ courses and sexual empowerment. Check out our current programs on offer https://mindmode.com.au/gottman-therapy-programs
What is Psychosexual Therapy like?
Psychosexual Therapy is like any other psychology or counselling session – but focuses on topics related to sexual intimacy and relationships. Clients are encouraged to discuss their experiences and concerns with the therapist in order to figure out together what may be causing the problem. Then, they will be offered an evidence-based treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. From there sessions will focus on engaging clients in exercises, discussions and activities aimed at solving problems, building confidence and teaching skills that can be taken away and used outside of session to meet their treatment goals!
Psychosexual Therapists are specially trained in this area to create a safe, professional, confidential and non-judgmental space where clients will feel comfortable to discuss sexual issues. No topics are off the table – but clients aren’t pushed to discuss anything they are uncomfortable with.
The first 1-2 sessions will be assessment – which means the therapist will ask questions to help clients explain their concerns and understand more about their experience, history and any factors that might be contributing to the problem. As part of the assessment phase, the client may also be asked to
How do I see a Psychosexual Therapist?
Clients can receive a referral from their GP or Psychiatrist for Psychosexual Therapy. Medicare rebates apply for sexual and mental health problems under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (GPMHTP) or referral from your psychiatrist. You can claim up to 10 Medicare rebated sessions per calendar year to receive a portion of the session cost back. See GPMHTP Medicare Fact Sheet.
Clients can also book a session without a referral. Without a referral, no rebate will be available. Some health funds may cover this type of treatment – we’d suggest checking with your private health care insurer.
When clients are ready to book an appointment, they give our clinic a call at 02 4288 4667 and one of our friendly admin team will be ready to assist.
Further Information
For more detailed information about Psychosexual Therapy, please visit the Society of Australian Sexologists website: https://societyaustraliansexologists.org.au/.