Plenty of therapists and nurses would benefit from learning sex therapy—even if they think sex doesn’t matter to the population they treat. For example, if a therapist treats children with special needs, it is likely that parents are putting all their energy into the child—leaving little left over for intimacy. This may seem insignificant, but maintaining a close relationship is essential to keep a family intact.
Here, then, are seven reasons to learn sex therapy.
- Sexual Problems Are Very Common. Estimates are that as many as 40% of women and 30% of men will have a sexual problem over their lifetime, many of which can be treated with psychotherapy. Learning sex therapy can serve a large population effectively.
- Sexual Problems Need Careful Assessment. Many physicians do not have time to do the type of thorough assessment needed when an adult has a sexual complaint. If the physician is able to refer, you can be the therapist who can help that patient—if you know how to treat.
- People Need Therapists Who Talk about Sex. If therapists can’t talk to them about sex, who will? Who else can help people with their most private problems? Learning sex therapy can make you that therapist.
- Therapists Need to Be Sexual Relationship Experts. If therapists are experts in relationships, then they should be able to treat ALL aspects, both in and out of the bedroom, but only if they know sex therapy.
- Therapists Understand Shame and Guilt. Many people suffer for long periods of time because of shame and guilt about sexual feelings and behaviors. Therapists who are trained in sex therapy can help people overcome these negative effects on self-esteem.
- Sexuality Has Become More Diverse—and Sometimes Confusing. While society has become more open, people can still get lost in who they are sexually, and to whom they are attracted. By learning sex therapy, therapists can help clients sort this out.
- Sexual Problems Are Associated with Aging. As the population ages, more people will have sexual complaints. Yet, people want to stay vital; they want to continue to have sex. A therapist who knows sex therapy can help people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond to stay sexually active.
Want to know more about sex therapy? Check out The Buehler Institute’s sex therapy training pages.
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