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Learn more about sex therapy
Sex therapy is a specialist form of psychotherapy focused on sexual difficulties, questions, and wellbeing. It is a professional, clinical discipline delivered by trained therapists. Sessions are entirely talk-based: there is no physical contact between therapist and client.
Sex therapists work with the psychological, relational, and sometimes physiological dimensions of sexual experience. They are trained to address a wide range of concerns without judgement, including sexual dysfunctions, identity and desire questions, the impact of trauma on sexuality, and difficulties within sexual relationships. Sex therapy is relevant for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures.
In sex therapy, the therapist creates a clinical, non-judgemental space in which sexual concerns can be discussed openly. Assessment begins with understanding the full context of the presenting concern: its history, what has been tried, and what the client or couple is hoping for.
Work may include:
- Psychoeducation: providing accurate information about sexual function, anatomy, and the psychology of desire
- Exploring the psychological and relational factors contributing to the difficulty
- Behavioural exercises: structured practices the client or couple carries out between sessions, focused on reducing performance pressure and building positive experience
- Working with beliefs, shame, or past experiences that are affecting sexual wellbeing
- Addressing relationship dynamics that are connected to sexual difficulty
Sex therapy covers a broad range of sexual concerns. The following are among the most clinically established applications.
Sexual dysfunctions
Sexual dysfunctions, including low desire, difficulties with arousal or orgasm, pain during sex, and erectile difficulties, are the primary clinical focus of sex therapy. These conditions are common and highly treatable. Sex therapy addresses the psychological and relational dimensions, which are often the maintaining factors even when there is a physical component.
Sexuality
Questions about sexual identity, attraction, desire, or the relationship with one's own sexuality are well-suited to sex therapy. A trained sex therapist provides an informed, non-judgemental space to explore these questions without pressure toward any particular conclusion.
Polyamory
People in polyamorous or consensually non-monogamous relationships often seek sex therapy for concerns specific to their relational structure, including navigating desire across multiple relationships, jealousy, and communication about sexual needs. A sex therapist with experience of relationship diversity will understand this context without defaulting to mononormative assumptions.
Kink & BDSM
People who practise kink or BDSM may seek sex therapy to explore their desires in a safe, non-judgemental context, to navigate concerns within their practice, or to address difficulties that arise when a partner does not share their interests. A knowledgeable sex therapist approaches kink as part of the range of human sexuality rather than as a problem to resolve.
Choosing an approach isn't something you have to do alone. IC's matching can pair you with a therapist whose approach suits your situation. Get matched
It's Complicated is a therapist-founded mental health platform connecting clients with verified practitioners across Europe and globally, in over 60 languages. We work with over 2,500 vetted therapists, with in-person availability in Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vienna, and other major cities, alongside online sessions worldwide. It's Complicated is free to use, and you pay your chosen therapist directly at rates they set.
Finding a sex therapist with specialist training, a non-judgemental approach, and experience with your specific concerns requires a more targeted search than a general therapist directory provides. Our matching service is built to remove that friction. You complete a short survey, our psychologists combine data-driven insights with human judgement to identify the right therapists for your situation, and you choose from a shortlist of strong candidates. You can also browse our directory directly if you'd prefer to choose yourself.
Get matched with a sex therapist, or browse all sex therapists in the directory.
