Sex Therapist vs. Sex Coach: What are the differences

With nearly a decade of experience as a sex therapist, I feel confident in addressing this question. While I continue to practice sex therapy, I've shifted my focus toward coaching to offer more holistic treatment for sexual dysfunction and broaden my impact. If you’re dealing with unmanaged anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions, coaching alone may not be suitable for you. The Holistic Desire Coaching program can complement your existing coping strategies and introduce more holistic methods to manage your anxiety and depression, but it is not a replacement for therapy. If you’ve reached a relatively stable place with your mental health and are seeking support for specific concerns around libido or desire, coaching may be a better fit. It offers practical, directive tools to help you move forward.

What is a Sex Therapist?

A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional who specializes in addressing sexual concerns, dysfunctions, and intimacy issues. They use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help individuals and couples resolve psychological, emotional, or relational issues related to sex.

Key Features of Sex Therapy:

1. Clinical Training and Credentials:

• Certified Sex therapists are licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, or counselors who have undergone additional, trainings and supervision specifically related to sexuality and sexual health. This is an important distinction because many graduate programs have little to no training on sexuality. They are certified by organizations, such as the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). It takes a minimum of two years to undergo this certification process.

• The mental health titles that one must hold before being certified as a sex therapist are protected. Meaning that one cannot call themselves a psychologist, social worker or marriage and family therapist unless they are licensed in their state and profession.

2. Focus on Psychological and Emotional Issues:

• Sex therapy primarily addresses the psychological and emotional aspects of sexual concerns. This may include issues like anxiety, depression, past trauma, body image issues, or relationship conflicts that affect sexual desire or function.

3. Treatment of Sexual Dysfunctions:

• Sex therapists work with clients to treat specific sexual dysfunctions, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low libido, vaginismus, pain during sex, or anorgasmia. They use evidence-based therapeutic techniques, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and psychodynamic therapy.

4. Adhere to ethical standards:

• Sex therapists adhere to strict ethical guidelines, both of their certifying board and their licensing board. What I mean by that is they will have their Sex Therapist certifying board (AASECT) which has its own ethical codes as well as their licensing boards, which will vary based on if they are counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, etc. These boards provide oversight and can implement disciplinary action if they deem it appropriate.

5. Long-Term, Structured Approach:

• Therapy sessions are often structured over a longer period, involving regular meetings and a deeper exploration of underlying issues. Therapy is usually conducted in an office setting, either in person or via telehealth.

What is a Sex Coach?

A sex coach is a professional who provides guidance, education, and support to help individuals and couples enhance their sexual experiences, discover their desires, and achieve their goals related to sex and intimacy. Unlike sex therapists, sex coaches are not licensed mental health professionals and while they can be certified through AASECT, they do not have to be to call themselves coaches. There is no standard of education, which makes it especially important that you look at your coaches’ credentials and experience.

Key Features of Sex Coaching:

1. Focus on Personal Growth and Enhancement:

• Sex coaches focus on helping clients enhance their sexual experiences and personal growth. They provide tools, exercises, and strategies to help clients explore their desires, improve communication with partners, and build sexual confidence.

2. Practical, Action-Oriented Approach:

• The approach is often more practical and goal-oriented, focusing on actionable steps that clients can take to improve their sexual lives. This may include guided exercises, communication techniques, self-exploration practices, or education on sexual techniques and anatomy.

3. Training and Certification:

• Sex coaches may receive training through various coaching programs or certifications from organizations such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or the World Association of Sex Coaches (WASC). Unlike sex therapists, sex coaches are not required to have a degree in psychology or mental health.

4. Holistic and Integrative Approach:

• Many sex coaches use a holistic approach that integrates elements from various disciplines, such as mindfulness, tantra, somatic practices, and relationship coaching. The focus is on overall well-being, pleasure, and sexual fulfillment.

5. Short-Term, Flexible Approach:

• Sex coaching tends to be shorter-term and more flexible. Sessions can be conducted in person, online, or over the phone, and the coaching relationship can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the client's goals.

6. Empowerment-Focused:

• The coach's role is to empower the client to make changes and take control of their sexual and relational satisfaction. For example, HDC’s 16 week program will provide you a plethora of information, tools to use and skills to implement. But the goal is to arm you with the knowledge and capability to implement change for yourself on an ongoing basis.