What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is an avenue for working on effective communication, emotional openness, trust, respect and mutual enjoyment. These components of relationship are necessary for intimacy and intimacy is vital for a fulfilling sexual life. Sex therapy also includes education regarding biological, psychological and emotional aspects of oneself as an individual and as part of a couple. When appropriate, a patient may be referred for medical evaluation and treatment. Sometimes exercises are given to the couple to complete at home. The goal is to encourage mates to be more vulnerable with one another in an arena in which we all experience a sense of fragility. Sex therapy addresses present functioning, addictions, past sexual abuse, gender identity and more. Sex therapy is for both heterosexual and homosexual persons, non-Christians and Christians, married and singles.

The sexual revolution has led to freely displayed sex in the media: on TV, movies, videos and the internet, etc. As a whole, we have become more tolerant of a wide range of sexual behavior. People tend to be more comfortable in viewing sexual activities and hearing sexual terms used boldly, yet it has not helped the average person experience a comfortable (and adequately informed) approach to sexuality. Many lack the tools needed to discuss their own sexual relationship. Sex therapy helps give one these tools and learn to apply them.

Many singles are simply confused about appropriate sexual activity. Teens have numerous questions that they are fearful to ask parents (and parents are not sure how to respond anyway). Sex therapy addresses questions and helps guide a person to be comfortable with sexuality. When comfortable with one's own sexuality, informed and thoughtful decisions are more likely to be made. Sex therapy can also teach parents on how they can be the one to teach their child about sex and what information is needed at which developmental level.

Sex therapy from a Christian perspective allows the therapist to explore a person's sexual life as it is intertwined with their backgrounds of religious training. Few churches have taught biblical principles for sexual behavior, yet the scriptures speak about sexuality in a highly prized way. Many Christians have barriers created by religiosity or rigid teachings and benefit from re-education. Others allow guilt of previous sexual behaviors or hurts to deny them of current pleasure. The therapist works from a scripturally basis to answer questions, enhance sexuality, evaluate dysfunction, encourage inappropriate inhibitions to be broken and to share God's grace of any past behaviors. Sexuality is a mysterious and wonderful part of God's design and plan for us.