15 Questions to Ask Your New Sex Therapist
Finding a therapist is overwhelming, but finding a sex therapist can add even more pressure.
You want to make sure you find a sex therapist who is capable and experienced, while ensuring they’re a person you feel comfortable talking to about some pretty personal subjects.
Here at KMA Therapy, we’re here to make the process easier for you. For over 15 years, we’ve helped our clients and community research and find the best therapists for them, no matter what specialty they’re looking for.
After reading this article, you’ll know what questions to ask your new sex therapist and how to make sure they’re the right choice for you.
Experience and education
- Are you a licensed therapist?
- What degree do you have?
- Are you registered with the Association of Sex Therapy?
- How long have you been working in the field of sex therapy?
- Are you covered by my insurance?
The term “sex therapist” is not regulated in Ontario - this means that, technically, anyone can call themselves a sex therapist.
When finding a sex therapist, make sure you find someone who is a registered social worker, psychotherapist, or psychologist. This is also important for insurance purposes - many benefits packages will cover sex therapy as a psychological service performed by a licensed therapist (but always make sure to double check!)
It’s even better to find someone who is registered with the Association of Sex Therapy in Ontario (ASTO, formerly known as BESTCO). They hold their members to high ethical and practical standards.
Specific areas of expertise
- What area of sex therapy do you specialize in?
- What’s your experience with the issues I’m facing?
- Do you usually work with couples or individuals?
Sex therapy is a dynamic and evolving field which covers a wide range of issues, including porn addiction, sexual identity, and issues with sexual desire.
You want to make sure that the sex therapist you choose is someone who is experienced with the specific challenges you’re facing.
You may also choose to attend sex therapy alone or with a partner. While it simply depends on what you want and need in therapy, make sure to clarify whether your therapist is more experienced with individuals or couples, or if they’re comfortable with both.
Therapeutic approach and values
- What therapeutic techniques do you use?
- What values are important to you in your sex therapy practice?
Just like sex therapists can work with a range of issues, they can also take a range of approaches on how to treat them.
You might prefer to take on a mindfulness-based approach to help with emotional regulation, or you may be interested in a more direct approach like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Your therapist may also use a mix of different approaches to create the treatment plan that works best for you.
Sex therapy is also incredibly personal, so you want to make sure you find a therapist who will be able to match your values and needs. You may be interested in seeing an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist or a sex positive therapist.
It’s important to ask questions that will help you feel the most comfortable - it’s better to ask the tough questions now than to realize you have fundamental differences with your therapist later on.
What to expect
- Is your therapy office easy to access on public transport?
- Do you offer free parking or is parking available close by?
- Do you bill directly to insurance or will I have to pay and then be reimbursed by my insurance company?
- How should I prepare for my first therapy session?
- How many sessions do you expect us to have?
Walking into your first sex therapy appointment can be nerve-wracking, so it can be helpful to know exactly what to expect!
Don’t be afraid to ask about every aspect of the therapy process, from getting to the therapy office to paying for your therapy session.
You can also ask about the therapy process itself, including how long your therapist expects to see you for and how you can prepare for your first session.
How to Know if Your Sex Therapist is the Right Fit
While these questions are a great start to finding the right therapist, it can be hard to know if they’re the best fit for you until you meet them.
Don’t be afraid to ask the hard-hitting questions now - it’ll help you in the long run!
Next Steps for Beginning Sex Therapy
After reading this article, you know 15 questions to ask your new sex therapist and how to be sure they’re the right choice for you.
Here at KMA Therapy, we’re passionate about connecting you with the best sex therapist for you - whether they’re at our office or at another great therapy location in Toronto.
Visit our Sex Therapy page to learn more about the services we offer or Register Online for more information.
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