How Can Sex Therapy Help? 

Sex therapy can help treat sexual dysfunction, demystify unhealthy sexual myths, provide good sexual education, help individuals achieve a more positive attitude about sex, and a better sex life overall. It is the best way to treat sexual problems, both for individuals and couples. 

What is Sex Therapy? 

Although difficult to talk about, sexual problems are very common. Sex therapy is very similar to general psychotherapy, with the exception that it focusses on sexual issues. Sessions last for approximately 50 minutes and are conducted weekly or bimontly. I see clients for individual and couples therapy. If you are in a relationship, I usually like to see both partners. A thorough assessment is done and therapeutic recommendations are given to fit individual needs.  Client’s issues surrounding sexuality are addressed in a professional and respectful manner, using cognitive behavioral techniques and a variety of nonpharmacological treatments.

What is my Approach to Therapy? 

As a therapist I have a Cognitive Behavioral approach to sex therapy. I focus on the treatment of sexual issues by using a variety of non-pharmacological treatments and techniques. I have extensive training in sexuality and know how to best help each individual person. I take into account factors such as background, religion, ethnicity, health habits, chronic illness, relationship issues, communication patterns, etc, and how they can affect someone’s sexuality. After a careful assessment a personalized treatment plan is developed with each client or couple, and realistic goals are established to ensure goal directed therapy. I suggest specific strategies and homework assignments to individuals and couples, and progress is assessed frequently.

What are the Most Common Sexual Complaints?

Sexual issues don't choose age, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, and are more common than most people think. There are several different types of sexual issues. People can have difficulty with sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, communication, expression, paraphilias, addiction, etc...and sex therapy can help with all of them.

One of the most common issues faced by couples is discrepancy in sexual desire between partners, because there is no absolute truth about how often people should have sex.  Other common sexual complains include low sexual desire, difficulty reaching orgasm and pain during intercourse for women, and erectile disorder and premature ejaculation for men.

Treatments for each sexual issue can vary. Each person is unique and experiences sexuality in his or her own way. Therefore, when doing sex therapy it is important to look at the unique factors in each person’s life that may be affecting their sexuality. 

Helena Juergens, Ph.D, SC, CRC, LPC

Certified Sex Therapist

Books you can Read:

- The New Male Sexuality.

- Reclaiming Desire.

- The 7 Principles of making marriage work.

How can you become a Sex Therapist?

Therapists need to have a Masters Degree or Ph.D in the field of Counseling/therapy.

 Complete a human sexuality graduate program & internship,

After completing the AASECT requirements therapists can get certified. 

For more information go to:

WWW.AASECT.COM

UW Stout Offers a Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy.