Sexual well-being is becoming a hot topic, yet confusion persists about the professionals in this field. What do they do? How do they do it? Is it actual science or just smoke and mirrors?
Enter the sexologist: an interdisciplinary specialist in human sexuality who can guide you towards better sexual health. Sexologists are dedicated to the study and improvement of our understanding of human sexuality and to helping patients achieve a fuller and more healthy expression of sexual desires and activity.
Sexology is often portrayed in the media as being rather new, or even as a “pseudoscience”, but the reality could not be farther from the truth. Records of sexology studies can be found as far back as the 1800’s with famous sexologists such as Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Alfred Kinsey being extremely well-known far outside their field.
In this blog, we’ll unravel what a sexologist does, how we can support your journey to sexual well-being, and when you might consider seeking the expertise of a sexologist.
What Does a Sexologist Do?
A sexologist’s primary duty is to study human sexuality, but that is like saying that a medical doctor’s primary duty is to treat patients. Like doctors, sexologists have many different areas of focus, such as research on topics relating to sex and sexuality, education, to psychotherapy and clinical practice.
But mainly, sexologists can be divided into two groups. The more well-known group is research and education – those who study human sexuality. The other group is clinical sexology – those who help patients address issues related to sex and sexuality.
A research sexologist specializes in the scientific study of human sexuality. They concentrate on topics such as sexual health, intimacy, and how societal norms can influence our behaviours around sex. This work may focus on conducting academic research and contributing to scholarly publications or on education, ensuring information is accessible to a broader audience through a variety of media.
Clinical sexologists focus on helping individuals and couples address issues related to sex. They employ psychotherapy or other therapeutic interventions to assist clients with problems such as sexual dysfunction, intimacy issues, or even relationship dynamics. Clinical sexologists work with patients to explore and resolve these issues with personalized support. Their goal is to improve their clients' sexual health and well-being, and to help them develop a better understanding of the sexual experience.
When to See a Sexologist
Deciding to talk to a sexologist can be an important step. It can also be a frightening one for many people, as our society often tends to place a cone of silence around such discussions.
However, if you're experiencing sexual dysfunction a sexologist can help you identify the causes underlying your difficulties and suggest appropriate treatments or therapies. Issues such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low libido or difficulty achieving orgasm can be complex, but they are absolutely treatable. A sexologist is trained to guide you through treating these kinds of issues and can help you rediscover and enjoy your most fulfilling and joyful sexual life.
Sexologists can also be valuable resources for education and awareness. Whether you're looking to learn more about sexuality, improve your sexual skills, understand more about sexual orientations or seek help to learn more about gender identity, a sexologist can provide essential information and guidance. This kind of support can be particularly valuable for individuals and couples aiming to enhance their sexual experiences or navigate complex aspects of their relationships.
As well, sexual concerns between partners like mismatched libidos, unbalanced sexual experiences, intimacy concerns, or communication problems, can all be addressed with the help of a sexologist. Sexologists can work with couples to create mutual understanding and foster healthier sexual relationships. Sexologists can also help those who have experienced sexual trauma or abuse, by offering a safe and supportive space to process these experiences and develop strategies for healing.
When dealing with emotional or relational issues related to sexuality, such as communication difficulties with a partner or low sexual desire, it may be more beneficial to see a sex therapist or sex coach instead of a sexologist. Sex coaches and therapists often provide personalized guidance, practical strategies and therapeutic interventions to address psychological and relational aspects of sexuality. If you want to learn more about the difference in the three modalities, check out my blog post ‘sex therapist vs sexologist’.
Finding a Qualified Sexologist
Okay so you’ve made the decision to seek the help of a sexologist. But where do you go from there?
Firstly, it is important to note that sexology exists at the convergence of several fields, and given its relatively recent popularity, it can be used as a buzzword by people who have not received a certification in this field of study. That being said, there are a number of highly credible professional associations and institutes such as AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) and ABS (American Board of Sexology) that do offer certifications in Sexology.
Working with an accredited sexologist gives you the peace of mind of knowing that they have qualified as an expert in the field and are aware of the ethical and privacy obligations involved in working with patients.
It’s important to consider the area of expertise your sexology professional works in and ensure it covers the topics you want to address. I suggest also that you sit down and think about who you would be comfortable working with and examine the reasons behind that so as to get a better idea of what would make you most comfortable.
You can also do some research on the internet, there are many sexologists on various social media platforms, or who have blogs like this one. Take some time to look at those online offerings and see what resonates with you. You can also look to see what reviews or discussions come up about the professionals you are looking at to see if anyone has registered an opinion or concern. If you are comfortable with it, you could also consider asking friends or family if they know of anyone they would recommend.
You’re Worth it
I know this all sounds like a lot of work, but consider this: You are worth the time it takes to find the person who can best give you the help you need and deserve. Comfort and compatibility are extremely important when we are seeking to address topics as sensitive as sex, sexuality, intimacy and sexual dysfunction. Taking the time to get it right will give you the best possible chance of having a rewarding and ultimately healing experience.
Sexology may seem like some obscure form of sexual alchemy, but I hope at this point I have managed to clear away some of the cobwebs and give you an idea of the incredible possibilities this field offers for healing and education. As an ABS Board Certified Sexologist, I want to congratulate you on coming this far and wish you all the very best on your journey to sexual healing and liberation. If there is anything I can do to help, please feel free to reach out, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Comments