Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Therapy

How do I know if I need a therapist?

Therapy is for anyone looking to make a change, develop insight, or achieve personal growth. Oftentimes people seek therapy for stressful life events such as the loss of a loved one, relationship difficulties, or life transitions.

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is an evidence-based subspecialty of psychotherapy that focuses specifically on concerns related to sexuality. Sex therapists treat individuals and/or couples who are experiencing problems with desire, arousal, performance, satisfaction, or pain with sex. Therapists can also treat individuals and couples who have a history of sexual trauma or abuse, individuals facing sexual orientation issues, and/or sexual behaviors that are causing distress.

What can I expect in sex therapy? Do I have to have a partner? Do I have to bring my partner?

First, we want to stress: no sexual activity of any kind happens during sex therapy sessions!

Sex therapy sessions are very similar to other mental health counseling sessions. First, we get to know you either by yourself or with your partner (if you have one). If you have a partner, you don’t have to bring them along, but it can often be helpful to include both partners! We can also help you if you want to engage your partner but aren’t sure how.

We will work on a treatment plan with you and will suggest a schedule of regular therapy appointments. At your appointments, you’ll receive “homework” exercises to practice alone and/or with your partner outside of your sessions. Homework may be general (e.g. activities for working on communication with your partner) or may involve more specific instructions and exercises.

Will my insurance cover sex therapy?

At this time, most insurance plans don’t cover sex therapy.

Do you prescribe medication? Is medication a substitute for sex therapy?

Licensed Clinical Social Workers do not prescribe medication. For a medication evaluation, you need to see a physician. We can assist you with a referral to connect you with a physician that can evaluate your medical needs.

While there are some medications that have been found to assist people with their sexual functioning, if the presenting issue is psychological, then sex therapy can be just as effective as medication. For some sexual issues, there are no medications available, so sex therapy is the recommended form of treatment.

What is the difference between a sex therapist and a “regular therapist”?

Sex therapists are therapists who complete an additional 2 years of specialized training after obtaining a clinical license. This training requires extensive work in identifying personal biases and how to overcome them, attending classes about the field of sexuality, individual and group supervision, and the completion of a Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR). Once these are completed the therapist has to apply for certification through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Certified sex therapists are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education credits each 3 years in order to remain certified.  

What are common sex issues that can benefit from therapy?

  • Pain During Sex
  • Lack of Sexual Desire
  • Reduced Libido
  • Lack of Lubrication
  • Difficulty or Inability to Orgasm
  • Premature or Rapid Ejaculation
  • Erectile Dysfunction or Inability to Maintain an Erection
  • Sexual Abuse or Sexual Assault
  • Sexual Identity Questions
  • Desire Discrepancy
  • Lack of Sex Between Partners
  • Difficulty Communicating Around Sexual Matters

Does a sex therapist provide couples/marriage counseling?

Absolutely! Prior to getting certified as a sex therapist, Dr. Andreya Jones Sirianna practiced for many years as a couples/marriage/relationship therapist.

I’ve never been to a counselor or talked to anyone about my problem before. How do I start?

Asking for help takes courage. If you have found yourself on this site, you are already taking the first positive step toward change. Please call or e-mail us to make an appointment.

Will my practitioner go to court for me?

Please be advised that practitioners at Sirianna Relationship & Sex Therapy, LLC do not attend court, provide testimony, or participate in legal proceedings. This is a firm policy to maintain focus on therapeutic treatment.

While Sirianna Relationship & Sex Therapy, LLC strives to avoid legal involvement, should you subpoena our records or personnel, you agree to pay $300/hour for all time spent preparing, reviewing, or responding, including attorney fees and travel.

Please note this may not be feasible, and you agree to indemnify us for any legal costs incurred.”  

Sirianna Relationship & Sex Therapy is Central PA’s premier sex therapy practice. We offer sex therapy & counseling services for couples, individuals, and all relationship structures to residents of Pennsylvania.

Hours

Monday
10AM – 7PM
Tuesday
10AM – 7PM
Wednesday
10AM –7PM
Thursday
10AM – 7PM
Friday
10AM – 7PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed