Sex Therapy
Too many couples lose hope when their intimate connection falters, or they feel out of sync with each other sexually. Too many individuals suffer when they think they don’t measure up sexually or express their sexuality in ways that don’t fit neatly into the mainstream. Sex therapy can help you discover what works for you and avoid discouragement and emotional distress. Furthermore, on average, 15-20% of the emotional connection in marriages is accounted for by the sexual connection. Resolving difficulties in the sexual relationship typically bolsters the emotional connection.
What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is talk therapy focused on sexual concerns related to sexual functioning, mutual satisfaction, emotional concerns related to sex, communication about sex, or unwanted habitual sexual behaviors. A sex therapist offers insight, practical actions to take, education, and sometimes coordinates treatment with other medical professionals.
Sex therapy meetings are not medical exams. They are face-to-face or online discussions in a professional office and never involve any form of physical contact, nudity, or sexual behavior between therapist and client. While discussions with a sex therapist can be very frank, they will also be professional, respectful, and sometimes educational.
Dr. Petersen commonly works with clients to address the following:
- Low sexual desire
- Anxiety around sex
- Mismatch with partner’s desire
- Conflict about sex
- Pain during sex
- Difficulty with climax
- Climaxing too soon/premature ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sexless relationships
- Shame
- Compulsive sexual behavior
Dr. Petersen is a certified sex therapist who helps individuals and couples with these and other sexual concerns.
Working with a Credentialed Sex Therapist
Sex Therapy is a highly credentialed specialty within licensed mental health or medical professions (such as Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurse Practitioners, and Physicians) who gain certification after several years of education and supervised training beyond their mandatory professional license. American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is considered the top certifying body in the United States. Explore the AASECT website for more about certification and the ethical responsibilities of sexuality professionals.