Types of Sex Therapy and How They Can Help Your Sex Life
There are lots of different kinds of sex therapy that can help your sex life. Whether you are single, dating, or in a long term relationship(s) there is a sexual therapist that can benefit you. In this post, I will cover a basic framework for sex therapy, various types of sexual therapy, and how to know what type of sex therapy is right for you.
As a sex therapist in Littleton, CO, I specialize in human sexuality. I support people of every gender identity and sexual orientation achieve a more fulfilling sex life. If you are struggling with sexual problems like low sexual desire, past sexual trauma, relationship satisfaction, or body image. I would love to support you.
Addressing Sexual Concerns with the PLISSIT Model
Let’s start with the basics.
Most sex therapists are trained to help you improve sexual health. This is not easily accomplished if a therapist is judgmental or biased in talk therapy. In order to help you with a healthy sex life, we have to be open minded about your sexual problems. A sex positive approach is my way of working with clients in Littleton, CO.
There are a lot of different sex therapy modalities and types of sex therapy (I’ll get into those later), but there is a basic model of sex therapy that can be found across almost all types of sex therapy. The primary goal of all types of sex therapy is to address sexual concerns, improve sexual functioning, and enhance overall sexual well-being.
In order to help you improve your sex life and meet your therapeutic goals, sex therapists use the PLISSIT model as a foundation. The model is designed to help us assess and address sexual issues in a sensitive and comprehensive manner.
Methods Used by Sex Therapists and Sexuality Educators
The PLISSIT Model of Sex Therapy
PLISSIT is an acronym that stands for the four levels of intervention in the model: Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy.
Permission: The first level, Permission, involves creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to discuss their sexual concerns. It emphasizes normalizing sexual experiences and reducing shame or guilt associated with sexual difficulties. Therapists provide an open and accepting attitude, allowing clients to feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of judgment.
Limited Information: The second level, Limited Information, focuses on providing basic and accurate sexual education to address any misconceptions or gaps in knowledge. This includes explaining anatomy, physiology, sexual response, and dispelling myths and misconceptions. The goal is to empower clients with accurate information to help them better understand their bodies and sexual experiences.
Specific Suggestions: The third level, Specific Suggestions, involves providing more targeted recommendations and strategies to address specific sexual concerns. Therapists may offer suggestions related to communication, sexual techniques, arousal, or other relevant factors based on the client's individual needs and goals. These suggestions are tailored to the client's unique situation and may involve exercises, behavioral interventions, or other techniques.
Intensive Therapy: The fourth level, Intensive Therapy, is reserved for cases where more complex or deep-rooted sexual issues are present. This level may involve long-term therapy, exploration of deeper emotional issues, trauma work, or specialized interventions.
Not everyone requires or even benefits from all four levels of intervention. The PLISSIT model provides a flexible framework that allows sex therapists to tailor our approach to your specific needs and goals.
Types of Sex Therapy
Sex therapy is not a specific therapy modality. When talking about sex in therapy, sex therapists use different modalities depending on their licensure, training, and the needs of their clients.
A competent sex therapist will use sex therapy methods to tailor your treatment plan and meet your unique goals.
As a sex therapist in Littleton, I use a variety of therapy techniques when working with people. I want my clients to have the best outcomes, which means that the type of sex therapy I use with one person may be completely different for another.
The primary goal of all types of sex therapy is to address sexual issues, improve sexual function, and enhance overall sexual well-being.
The types of sexual therapy outlined below are some that I use in my practice as a sex therapist in Littleton, but the list is not exhaustive.
Common Types of Sex Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a widely used therapeutic approach that aims to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. In sex therapy, CBT techniques are used to address negative beliefs, anxieties, or performance issues related to sex.
Education and Psychoeducation: Many sex therapists provide education and psychoeducation about sexual anatomy, physiology, and function. This helps individuals and couples gain accurate information, challenge myths or misconceptions, and develop a better understanding of sexual health and pleasure.
Mindfulness-Based Sex Therapy: Mindfulness-based approaches, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), can be beneficial in sex therapy. These practices help individuals and couples cultivate present-moment awareness, reduce anxiety, and increase body awareness and acceptance. This can also support body image issues.
Narrative Therapy: Narrative Therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on the stories and narratives individuals create about themselves and their lives. While narrative therapy is not specifically designed as a sex therapy technique, it can be integrated into sex therapy to help individuals explore and reframe their experiences, beliefs, and attitudes related to sexual activity or a specific sexual problem.
Sensate focus exercises: Sensate focus exercises are not really a type of sex therapy, but it is one of the most common sex therapy techniques.
What Type of Sex Therapy is Right For Me?
With so many types of sex therapy, it can be difficult to know what type of sex therapy is right for you.
The good news is that a certified sex therapist will help you understand what type of sex therapy techniques can benefit you based on your specific needs.
Types of sex therapy, like the ones listed above, are not mutually exclusive. It is common for sex therapists to integrate several different approaches based on your sexual issues, needs, and goals.
For example, someone seeking sex therapy to help them with sexual trauma may benefit from from Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) while a couple seeking support for sexual dysfunction may benefit from Sensate Focus exercises.
A competent sex therapist will help you understand what type of sex therapy can benefit you based on your specific needs.
Getting Started in Sex Therapy
Now that you know have some foundational information on types of sex therapy, you may be wondering how to get started.
No matter what type of sex therapy you receive, sex therapy can help you improve your sex life.
The primary goal of all types of sex therapy is to address sexual concerns, improve sexual functioning, and enhance overall sexual well-being.
I Want To Improve My Sex Life. Where Do I Start?
Start here. As a sex therapist in Littleton, I’m trained to support you.
Hi! I’m Chelsea Newton a sex therapist in Littleton and I can help you improve your sex life.
If you live in Colorado, schedule a free 30 minute consultation with me to get started.
We will discuss your needs, goals, and schedule your first session!
Please reach out, your sex life is worth it.
If you live outside Colorado, unfortunately, I can’t be your therapist, but there is someone else who can be!
The American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is a great place to start when looking for a provider. Using AASECT’s “find a professional” link will bring you to a directory of qualified sex therapists.
Other ways to find a sex therapist include:
Getting a referral from a healthcare professional
Asking your health insurance company for a list of mental health professionals who specialize in sexual health
Contacting your local LGBTQ Center for resources around mental health or sex positive therapists. In Colorado, it’s The Center on Colfax.
