Is Online Sex Therapy in Minnesota Right for Me?

Written by Sexual Wellness Institute Therapist, Eric Anfinson, MS LMFT

First let's answer the question: what is sex therapy?

There can often be misconceptions about sex therapy and to put it simply, sex therapy is just like normal therapy except we're addressing sexual topics. Just like in standard therapy, we take everything at a pace that will feel safe and comfortable for everyone involved. We recognize that starting therapy can already be challenging enough and we take the increased vulnerability that comes with talking about sex very seriously. Sex therapy is a specialty and I always like to mention that our therapists are foundationally trained as general therapists. This means that we can help with whatever other issues may be a part of your sexual concerns as well, whether that is anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship distress, or just about anything else. We like to focus on sexual concerns because that's what you're coming to us for, but don't be afraid to mention other concerns as well. 

Here are just a few examples of what you might want to address in sex therapy:

• Sexual Dysfunction
• Low or Mismatched Desire
• Sexual Trauma
• Sexual Enrichment
• Guilt or Shame About Sex
• Ethically Non-Monogamous Relationships
• Sexuality and Gender
• ...and many more!

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Getting Started with Online Sex Therapy in Minnesota

Meeting a new therapist can be tough. To start we offer free 30-minute consultations to make sure you feel like your therapist is a good fit for you. Once you've found your therapist, they'll take a detailed life history to ensure your treatment is tailored to fit your needs as well as your values. We'll talk openly and without shame about any and all sexual concerns you may have. One common myth about sex is that it should just be easy and happen smoothly and naturally. Human sexuality is incredibly complicated, especially when we start mixing our own with one or more partners. We can help you better understand your own sexuality as well as how to effectively communicate about it with a partner.

How Long Will Sex Therapy Take?

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees on how much time therapy will take. It depends on what your concern is as well as many other factors. I can say that research has extensively shown that just signing up for therapy can begin to make things feel better. Knowing that you're actively addressing concerns and making progress on goals does a lot to alleviate the strain of sexual problems. Your therapist will also give you new tools and skills to begin reducing the negative impact of any sexual concerns. Some therapy lasts 6 weeks and some therapy can take years. You can begin and quit therapy at any time, there are no contracts locking you into a certain number of sessions.

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Sexual Enrichment Through Sex Therapy

This phase of sex therapy is where you can really start building your ideal love life. Whether you're coming into therapy ready for enrichment or want to keep working forward after overcoming any sexual challenges, sexual enrichment is what takes your love life to the next level. The sex education most of us get is little more than a glorified biology lesson about human reproduction, and hardly an education on human sexuality. We can help you discover how to truly get in touch with your sexuality, how to identify and communicate your desires or fantasies to your partner, as well as how to make them happen. It's important to mention that sex therapy will never include any level of disrobing or sexual activity in session, we're just helping you talk through these ideas and to feel confident in implementing them in your own life.

Sex Therapy Online or In-Person?

When I first started doing online therapy during the pandemic, I was very worried I wouldn't be able to provide the same level of care as in-person sessions. Over the last 3 years I have found online therapy to be just as beneficial and productive as in person sessions. Telehealth therapy allows for sessions in the comfort of your own home and can often be much more convenient than driving to the office. Sex therapy can also be hard to find, especially outside of the Twin Cities. Our clinic offers services across the entire state through online therapy in Minnesota. We also offer hybrid scheduling allowing you to be in person or online depending on your schedule and convenience. We use a secure and HIPAA compliant platform to conduct all our online therapy sessions to ensure your privacy and data security.

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What are you waiting for? Begin Online Sex Therapy in Minnesota.

Sex and sexuality can be an incredible part of our lives as individuals or as partners. So many people have that joy taken from them, whether that's through sexual trauma, negligent education, cultural shame, or any number of reasons. You deserve to have sexuality be a bright spot of happiness in your life, not a place of fear or shame. We often say of sex therapy that when things are going well, sex is 10% of your life, it's important but so are other things. When sex is going wrong however, it becomes 90% and can feel like it's taking over your life. Let us help you take those first steps to taking your sex life back. If you're ready to talk with an online sex and relationship therapist in Minnesota, we can help! 

1. Contact the Sexual Wellness Institute to set up your first appointment.
2. Meet with one of our skilled online sex therapists for an intake appointment.
3. Finally feel more comfortable and confident about your sexual health, relationships, and pleasure.

Other Sexual Wellness and Sex Therapy Services in Minnesota

In addition to sex therapy, our LGBT & polyamory friendly sex therapists provide a wide range of mental health services at our Plymouth, MN counseling office. Other services include therapy around sex and substances, couples therapy & marriage counseling, EFT, evidence-based couples therapy, EMDR & sexual trauma therapy, as well as, teen therapy. We also provide a variety of helpful tips on our mental health blog. Please feel free to reach out with questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to begin working with a skilled sex therapist! Your sex life can be amazing. Sex therapy can be a part of that process for you.

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