SEX THERAPY UNCOVERED

Is it awkward? Will there be homework? Here’s what you need to know!

- AMBER BRAMBLE

Sex therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years for people seeking assistance with intimacy issues – but what exactly is it and what does it involve?

“Sexology is the scientific study of human sexuality, including human sexual interests, behaviours and functions,” clinical sexologist CJ Baldry explains. “A sexologist’s main role is to support, educate and help navigate an individual’s journey in exploring their sexuality, interests, orientation, identity, functions or concerns in a safe space,” she says.

WHAT DO SEXOLOGISTS HELP WITH?

In her practice, Baldry treats individual clients as well as couples and groups. The reasons for visiting a sexologist are many and varied, such as concerns around communication, mismatched libidos, infidelity, performance issues or fear of intimacy. Baldry also sees young clients who are seeking support with their gender identity, as well as people who are navigating sex with disabilities.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MYTHS?

Baldry says one of the most popular misconceptions is that sexologists are obsessed with sex.

“This is simply not true,” she explains. “Another is that a sexologist is a sex worker. A sexologist does not touch patients or clients, we are bound by a code of ethics that doesn’t endorse touch therapy.”

Another common misconception is that sexologists only talk to clients about sex. “A lot of time is spent talking about the elements that influence sex, not necessarily sex itself,” Baldry explains.