What to Expect in Sex Therapy

In general, many people struggle to communicate about sexual issues. It is a tough topic that many of us were not taught how to talk about in our developmental years. As adults, communicating about sex can often feel shameful, embarrassing, and anxiety-provoking. We work with both individuals and couples to resolve these and similar issues, in order to achieve greater sexual satisfaction and intimacy.

Why Choose a Sex Therapist?

​Sex is a sensitive and personal subject. Sex therapists specialize in the area of sex and have an interest and greater comfort level in talking with you about sexual concerns. Our sex therapists all have specialized training in the field of sex therapy.

What Training Will My Therapist Have?

If you find yourself having some sexual issues and general marital concerns, we can help with it all! We are trained as marriage and family therapists--the only type of therapist that is trained systemically and specifically to help relationships. ​​We also have therapists who specialize in EMDR for Sexual Trauma.

What is Sex Therapy?

​As defined by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, “Sex Therapy is a subspecialty of psychotherapy, focusing on the specific concerns related to human sexuality.” This means that sex therapy is talk therapy, where the issues that you talk about are sexual concerns. Sex therapists have acquired scientific knowledgeable about sexual functioning, and are trained in ways of helping people deal with sexual problems. The goal in sex therapy is for you to be happy and satisfied with the sexual aspects of your life and relationships.

How Do I Know if Sex Therapy is Right For Me?

Wooden street sign with a sunrise in the background. Sign reads
Anyone who is concerned with some aspect of their sexual experience or feelings can benefit from sex therapy. Some issues we can help you with include: Perhaps you are a couple who are unhappy with your intimate relationship for one reason or another. Often, couples find that they have differences in their sexual desire or preferences. They may have different ideas about frequency, emotional intimacy, or sexual style. A sexual relationship that was satisfactory in the beginning may develop problems later on, as a result of children, job and life stressors, medical issues, or aging. Sometimes couples have stopped being sexual for one reason or another, and one or both would like to re-establish their physical relationship.

What Do We Do in Sex Therapy Sessions?

Line of lit tealight candles on a dark desk in a dark room, creating a peaceful environment for couples to connect in therapy with a Minneapolis area sex therapist.
Because sex therapy is essentially a specialized focus of therapy, your experience of going to a sex therapist will be very much like any other therapy experience.
  • We will start by discussing what issue you would like help with.
  • You will be asked about what is happening (or not happening) now, and how you would like things to be different.
  • We will also review a thorough sexual history.
  • If we are working with you as couple, we will start by meeting with both of you together, then may meet with each of you individually.
  • It is important that we understand you, so that therapy can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
We will have clearly stated goals, and will be working to implement the specific changes that you would like in your life. Sometimes we will also communicate with other professionals involved in your care, such as your physician or other counselor. We will spend some time in the session talking about ideas and feelings about sex, but you will also have “homework assignments” that you will do in the privacy of your home. These may be written or communication exercises, behavioral interventions, or may be specific experiences that will help you to progress toward your goals.

What We Will Not Be Doing...

No nudity or sexual activity of any kind will occur in our office, nor will we see you outside the office, or ask you to video any sexual acts. Your will never be pressured to discuss anything you are not comfortable with, and all discussions will always be respectful and appropriate.​

How Long Will it Take to Fix My Problems in Counseling?

There are many factors to consider when coming to therapist for sexual concerns. Because of this, is it difficult to predict the length of time you will spend in therapy. After we discuss your specific concerns, we will discuss treatment and form a plan together. 

Can I Use My Insurance?

Close up photo of plush, white bedding. Couples in Minnesota can feel more comfortable and confident about their marriage with help from a professional sex therapist.
​We do not accept insurance. We have chosen this intentionally so that we have more control over your treatment. Many insurance companies do not cover sexual concerns when billed directly, and most do not cover couples therapy. This allows us to give you the treatment you are asking for (and need!) without the insurance company dictating everything we do. With this you can also feel more comfortable that your private information is being kept completely confidential and away from your insurance company. 

However, if using insurance is important for you, there may be a way that your insurance can help cover some of the cost of our therapy services. You are welcome to submit sessions for possible out of network reimbursement. Some insurance companies are willing to reimburse our clients a portion of the costs for each counseling session. We can supply you an itemized statement for each fully paid session. You can submit this along with your claim to your health insurance provider for reimbursement. However, there is no guarantee that the insurance provider will accept a portion or the full cost of services. Contact your insurance provider to see if they accept out-of-network provider billing statements.

Do You Offer Video Counseling?

Yes we offer video sessions! Telehealth or telemedicine is becoming a more popular option with our busier than ever lives. We offer video sessions on a confidential platform so that you can meet with us from the comfort of your home or office. Please click here to learn about how we can make your therapy more convenient for you via e-therapy.

How Do I Start Sex Therapy?

Beginning sex therapy in our Plymouth, MN counseling office with skilled counselors is simple and worry-free. Set your doubts and fears aside and let us help address your concerns right away. All you have to do to get started is:
  1. Schedule a free consultation
  2. Meet with a sex therapist
  3. Begin your journey toward a more fulfilling sexual relationship