What Do Sexologists Actually Do?
Sexology is the scientific study of human sexual behaviour, including sexual function, relationships, and health. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws on various areas of study, such as biology, psychology, sociology, and medicine, to understand the complex and diverse aspects of human sexuality. Sexologists are professionals with specialized knowledge and training in sexology. They can help individuals and couples understand and improve their sexual health and well-being.
However, only sexologists with additional training in psychology, counselling, social work or other related fields can provide individual and couple therapy. These sexologists are counsellors, psychologists or social workers who specialised in sexuality. As a result, they can work with individuals and couples of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations to address various sexual issues.
Sexologists work with clients to address a range of sexual concerns, including:
1. Sexual dysfunction: This refers to problems with sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain during sex. Sexologists can help individuals and couples identify the underlying causes of sexual dysfunction and develop strategies to address these issues.
2. Sexual identity: Sexologists work with individuals who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. They provide support and guidance to help individuals explore their feelings and decide their sexual identity.
3. Sexual trauma: Sexologists can help individuals who have experienced sexual trauma to cope with their experiences and develop strategies for healing and recovery.
4. Relationship issues: Sexologists work with couples to address the problems related to sexual compatibility, communication, and intimacy. They help couples to develop strategies to improve their sexual and emotional connection.
5. Exploring sexuality: Sexologists can help their clients explore their sexuality by creating a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss sexual experiences, desires, and concerns. They can provide information on sexual health, anatomy, and techniques and offer guidance on communication and consent. Sexologists may also use therapeutic approaches to help clients overcome emotional or psychological barriers to sexual exploration and fulfilment.
Sexologists utilise various techniques and approaches to help their clients achieve their sexual goals.
Here are only a few examples:
1. Talk therapy: Sexologists use talk therapy to help clients explore their feelings and experiences related to sex. This may involve individual or couples therapy sessions.
2. Behavioural therapy: They may use behavioural therapy techniques to help clients develop new habits and behaviours related to sex.
3. Education: They may provide education and guidance to help clients understand sexual anatomy and function and develop strategies to improve sexual health and well-being.
4. Mindfulness-based therapy: They may use this technique to help clients develop awareness, acceptance, and compassion towards their sexual thoughts, emotions, and sensations.
5. Trauma-focused therapy: Sexologists may use this to help clients address the impact of past sexual trauma or abuse on their current sexual functioning and relationships.
In addition to working with individuals and couples, sexologists may also conduct research to advance the understanding human sexuality. They may study topics such as sexual orientation, sexual dysfunction, and sexual health. They will be able to use this knowledge to develop new treatments and interventions.
As a sexologist, I am here to offer you the support and guidance you need to improve your sexual health and well-being. Please get in touch with me if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
