What is Sex Therapy?

This article was updated on September 21, 2026.

Sex therapy is a specialized form of professional psychotherapy—commonly referred to as talk therapy—where a certified clinician focuses explicitly on the sexual health, intimacy, and relationship challenges of individuals and couples.

Modern sex therapy goes beyond addressing dysfunction; it provides a safe space to cultivate joyful communication, deep connection, and emotional intimacy.

Crucially, there is absolutely no physical exam, nudity, or physical touch involved between the sex therapist and the clients during any clinical session (see my article: What Are Common Misconception About Sex Therapy?)

Modern sex therapy involves a compassionate, holistic exploration of the physiological, emotional, relational, and psychological factors that may be preventing an individual or a couple from experiencing a pleasurable, fulfilling sex life (see my articles: What is Your Erotic Blueprint? - Part 1 and Part 2).

Modern Sex Therapy for Contemporary Issues

The field of sex therapy has evolved dramatically over the last few decades. Historically, many practitioners operated under a "neat and clean" model—a term coined by sex therapist and researcher Dr. Jack Morin in his seminal book, The Erotic Mind. This legacy framework assumed that improving a couple's sex life simply required resolving physical dysfunctions, improving basic communication, and boosting romance.

While that classic strategy works for some, contemporary clinical data shows it fails many others. In fact, countless couples experience no structural sexual dysfunction, communicate exceptionally well, and love each other deeply—yet still struggle to cultivate great sex together (see my article: What is Good Sex?).

Pioneering contemporary therapists like Dr. Esther Perel, author of Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence, helped revolutionize the field. Today, modern sex therapy proudly addresses pleasure, desire, and sex positivity. 

It provides an inclusive, affirming space for heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, polyamorous, and ethical nonmonogamous (CNM) dynamics, as well as other diverse, non-heteronormative sexual expressions. 

What Issues Are Addressed in Sex Therapy?

People seek sex therapy for a wide variety of reasons. Below is a categorized directory of the most common issues addressed in modern clinical practice:

Desire, Arousal & Orgasm Challenges

• Low Libido & Low Desire: Resolving suppressed desire, often rooted in unmet needs during partnered sex or manageable stressors.
• Lack of Initial Interest: Using clinical tools to spark desire 
• Arousal Nuances: Mastering physical arousal patterns (see my articles: Understanding Your Sexual Accelerators and Brakes).
• Arousal Nonconcordance: Navigating the disconnect between physical responses and mental desire (see my article: What is Arousal Nonconcordance?)
• Ejaculatory Variation: Navigating delayed or unpredictable ejaculation during intimacy.

Relational Discrepancies & Communication

• Sexual Desire Discrepancy (SDD): Balancing mismatched sex drives between partners (see my article:  Mismatched Desire in a Relationship is a Relational Problem--Not An Individual Problem).
• Communication Gaps: Learning safe ways to vocalize erotic needs (see my article: How to Talk to Your Partner About Sex).
• Stale Intimacy Routines: Unpacking and modernizing old sexual patterns (see my articles: What is Your Sex Script?).

Confidence, Shame & Psychological Blocks

• Sexual Performance Anxiety: Overcoming mental pressure in bed (see my article: What is Performative Sex?).
• Body Image Concerns: Healing vulnerabilities that block physical connection (see my article: Is a Negative Body Image Ruining Your Sex Life?).
• Deconstructing Sexual Shame: Aligning fantasies with your internal worldview (see my articles: Your Sexual Fantasies Don't Always Match Your Values and Beliefs and That's Normal).
• Pain, Trauma & Relationship Structural Shifts

• Painful Intercourse: Managing somatic issues like vaginismus or dyspareunia (see my article: Getting Help in Sex Therapy For Painful Sex).
• Infidelity & Betrayal: Rebuilding safety and erotic trust after a breach (see my article: Learning to Trust Again After Infidelity).
• Ethical Nonmonogamy (ENM): Safely exploring open structures or polyamory (see my articles: What is Ethical Nonmonogamy?).
• Kink & BDSM Affirmation: Safely integrating power play, fantasies, or role-play (see my articles: What is Kinky Sex?).
• Sexual Trauma Recovery: Processing historical wounding to safely reclaim pleasure (see my article: Overcoming the Trauma of a History of Sexual Abuse).

• Aging & Fluidity: Navigating physical changes over time or shifts in attraction (see my articles: Overcoming Sexual Boredom in Long Term Relationships).

What Happens During a Sex Therapy Session?

Even when individuals or couples willingly seek out a sex therapist, talking openly about sex can initially feel incredibly uncomfortable. This hesitation is completely normal and often shaped by family upbringing, cultural messaging, or religious backgrounds. A skilled sex therapist will explicitly normalize these feelings, co-creating a conversational pace where everyone feels secure.

The initial phase of therapy focuses on gathering a comprehensive sexual history for both the individuals and the relationship. Many modern sex therapists draw from advanced clinical frameworks, such as Dr. Suzanne Iasenza’s book Transforming Sexual Narratives, to explore questions like:

• What is the presenting problem as each person uniquely experiences it?
• When did this challenge first manifest, and what coping efforts have been tried?
• What are your earliest memories or messages regarding sexuality?
• Are there any underlying medical or health concerns intersecting with your sex life?
• How do you uniquely define "sex" versus how your partner defines it?
• What initially attracted you to your partner, and what emotional blocks are currently restricting your pleasure?

Clinical Feedback, Collaborative Goals, and Home Assignments

Expert Feedback & Cycle Tracking

Once the initial assessment is complete, the therapist provides target feedback. For instance, if the clinician is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy For Couples (EFT), they will help the partners identify the systemic "negative cycle" that keeps them stuck, highlighting relationship strengths while plotting a path out of emotional gridlock.

Setting Cohesive Clinical Goals

Following history taking, the therapist guides clients in mapping out specific, measurable goals. Rather than simply discussing whatever happens to be top-of-mind each week, establishing structured goals gives the therapy clear direction. This allows clients to collaboratively track their progress and dynamically adjust their therapeutic roadmap over time.

Structured Out-of-Office Assignments

Because lasting change requires real-world practice, sex therapists utilize custom take-home assignments between clinical sessions. As highlighted in sex therapist Dr. Ian Kerner’s book, So Tell Me About the Last Time You Had Sex, many of these practices are designed to be playful, communicative, and deeply connecting.

These home practices are entirely voluntary and tailor-made for your specific pacing. If an assignment ever feels emotionally complex, physically uncomfortable, or stalls at home, it simply provides valuable data to explore with your therapist during your next office visit, allowing you to safely unpack the block without judgment.

Get Help from a NYC Certified Sex Therapist

While traditional talk therapy provides vital cognitive insight, it often skims over the complex somatic and relational mechanics of physical intimacy. 

Working with a certified sex therapist offers a holistic, bottom-up path to sexual confidence and relationship vitality.

Rather than struggling through intimacy challenges alone, seek out specialized support to transform your sexual narrative and step into a deeply fulfilling life.

About Josephine Ferraro, LCSW

I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and an advanced practitioner in EMDR, AEDP, EFT For Couples, Parts Work, Somatic Experiencing, and I am a Certified Sex Therapist. 

I am also an experienced Trauma Therapist.

For many years, I have helped individuals and couples dismantle intimacy blocks, heal sexual trauma, and achieve genuine relational freedom.

I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone call before setting up an appointment.

I see clients online throughout New York State and in person at my private office in Greenwich Village, New York, NY 10011.

I offer a free 15-minute phone call before scheduling your initial appointment.

Contact Information

• Website: Visit Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist to learn more about my practice.

• Email: Reach out confidentially via email at josephineferraro@iCloud.com.

• Phone: Call me directly at (917) 742-2624 during standard business hours.

Strategies For Coping With Post Election Stress

Many people are under a lot of stress during this post election time (see my article: Developing Calmness and Balance During Stressful Times).

Coping with Post Election Stress

Fear and anxiety are running high and many people don't know how to cope with their emotions. 

This is especially true for people who feel the future is very uncertain and there's nothing they can do about it (see my article: Living With Uncertainty).

The purpose of this article is to provide suggestions which can help you to get through this difficult time.

Strategies For Coping With Post Election Fear and Anxiety

• Acknowledge and Accept How You Feel Right Now: The first step to coping with any uncomfortable feelings is to acknowledge and accept that this is how you're feeling right now rather than denying it or trying to push down your feelings. Also, be aware that how you feel right now might not be how you feel over time, especially if you take steps to take care of yourself.

Coping with Post Election Stress: Accept Your Feelings

• Know You're Not Alone: When you're feeling anxious and fearful, you might feel like you're alone--even though you know rationally that there are millions of people who feel the same way. But you're not alone. (see my article: Steps to Overcome Loneliness).

• Seek Connection With Like-Minded People: Instead of isolating, seek connection with others who have similar feelings. There is comfort in knowing you're not alone with your anxiety and fear. Talking with others who feel as you do can help, especially if your conversations lead to new ways of coping and taking action for yourself and others.

Coping With Post Election Stress: Seek Connection

• Take Care of Yourself: Eating nutritious meals, getting good sleep, exercising at a level that's right for you and taking care of your mental health are all important, especially when you're under stress (see my article: Self Care Is Not Selfish).

• Take Part in Enjoyable Activities: Whether you enjoy walks in the park, getting together with friends and family or engaging in activities that uplift you, make the time for these activities.

Coping With Post Election Stress: Enjoy Activities

• Take Breaks From the News: It's important to be well informed, but watching hours and hours of broadcast news can make you feel even more anxious, so taking breaks from the news is important.

Coping With Post Election Stress: Volunteer

• Volunteer With Advocacy Groups: Volunteering is a way to feel less isolated. Volunteering can also help to reduce your feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and apathy. There are plenty of groups, including climate change groups, groups to preserve democracy, women's rights groups, LGBTQ groups and other advocacy groups that can use your help and help you to feel like you're making a difference (see my article: Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation).

Coping With Post Election Stress: Seek Help From a Psychotherapist

• Get Help From a Licensed Mental Health Professional: If you feel you're struggling with fear, anxiety or depression and self help strategies aren't helping you, seek help from a licensed mental health professional. A skilled psychotherapist can provide you with the tools and strategies you need to achieve calm and balance in your life (see my article: Common Myths About Psychotherapy: Going to Therapy Means You're "Weak").

About Me

I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, EFT (for couples), Somatic Experiencing and Sex Therapist.

I work with individual adults and couples.

With over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I have helped many clients to overcome fear, anxiety and unresolved trauma (see my article: What is a Trauma Therapist?)

To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.

To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email.