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Sex Therapy vs. Sex Counselling

You have options for sexual wellbeing support.

 

If you’re looking for support with your sexual wellbeing, you may come across both “sex therapy” and “sex counselling” and wonder what the difference is. While there can be overlap, the terms can refer to different types of professional support, training, and scope of practice.

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Understanding the distinction can help you find the kind of support that’s right for you.

When Sexual Concerns Affect Your Life

Sexual concerns can show up in many different ways. You might be struggling with desire, intimacy, communication, sexual confidence, pain, changes in your relationship, or simply feeling disconnected from your sexuality.

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You don't need to have a diagnosis or even know exactly what's wrong to seek support. Both sex counselling and therapy can provide space to better understand what's happening for you, to explore contributing factors, and to work toward meaningful change.

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The kind of support that's most appropriate depends on what you're experiencing, what you'd like help with, and the scope of the professional you're working with.

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Sex Counselling & Sex Therapy: What's the Difference?

Both can support sexual wellbeing, but they differ in their focus, scope, and the type of professional support they provide.

Sex Counselling

A wellness-oriented process focused on increasing insight and developing skills to address sexual and relationship concerns.

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It may include:

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• Exploring thoughts, emotions, and experiences
• Psychoeducation and reflection
• Developing communication and relationship skills
• Emotional regulation and coping strategies
• Building confidence, self-understanding and practical skills

Sex Therapy

A form of psychotherapy that addresses sexual concerns through psychological and therapeutic approaches.

It may include:

• Exploring psychological factors affecting sexuality
• Psychotherapy for sexual and relationship concerns
• Addressing mental health concerns that affect sexuality
• Exploration of patterns, emotions, and experiences

Sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy and is generally provided by a regulated mental health professional with specialized training in sexuality and sex therapy.

Which Might Be Right For You?

There’s no single right way to seek support for sexual concerns. The best fit depends on what you’re experiencing, what you’d like to change, and the kind of support you’re looking for.

Sex Counselling may be a good fit if...

You’re looking for support to:

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  • Better understand your sexuality, pleasure, desires, or patterns

  • Build confidence and communication skills for your sex life

  • Navigate changes or challenges in your sexual health, sex life or relationships

  • Develop practical strategies for meaningful change in intimacy and sex

  • Improve your sexual wellbeing and learn how it connects with your overall wellbeing

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You don't need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what's "wrong" to benefit from counselling.

Sex Therapy may be a good fit if...

You’re looking for:

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  • Psychotherapy to address sexual concerns

  • Support where mental health concerns are significantly affecting sexuality

  • A deeper exploration of longstanding psychological patterns

  • Treatment for concerns that may require a more intensive therapeutic approach

  • Support from a regulated mental health professional who provides psychotherapy, which may be covered by insurance.

Not sure what kind of support you need?

You don't need to diagnose or categorize yourself, and you don't have to figure it out on your own.
A consultation is a no-pressure opportunity to talk about what's bringing you in, answer your questions, and determine whether sex counselling is a good fit for you.
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