t’s natural to seek out strategies that focus on physical functioning—the most obvious symptoms of sexual issues—but sex is more complicated than that. There are thoughts, narratives, emotions, and processes associated with the act of sex. These elements can greatly affect desire and pleasure. They can also impact bodily control and responses.

Sensory issues must also be addressed. The body tells its own story. Sometimes this story matches up well with the mind’s story about a problem, other times not so much. In these situations, people can benefit from learning about the activation cycles of their bodies—knowledge they can then incorporate into their sex lives.

Holistic sex therapy is also about identifying cultural and social narratives surrounding sex. Not only can this exploration help people understand some of the roots of what they experience, it can also help them learn about ways their sexuality has been impacted, and how their bodies respond to these ingrained stories. Through sharing and understanding, validation can lead to healing and growth. It can also lead to sexual confidence that reflects acceptance of these influences while also challenging them.

Religion and spirituality can also play a role. These two elements can be related, of course, but they can also be very different. In fact, they can even contradict each other. Certain forces of religion, when deeply embedded, can overtake a person’s ability to sexually express themselves. Meanwhile, spiritual meaning can be difficult to ascertain.

At this time Rooted Healing Sanctuary does not accept insurance

$125-150 (sliding scale as it may apply)

Licensed Social Workers do not prescribe medication. For a medication evaluation and management of medications, you will need to see a MD/DO/NP. RHS can assist with a referral to a local integrative physician that can evaluate your medication needs.

While there are some medications that have been found to assist people with their sexual functioning, such as viagra, and sialis, etc. if the presenting issue is psychological, then sex therapy can be just as effective and some times even more so effective than medications.

“Psychedelic therapy is the process of taking a psychedelic substance within a therapeutic setting, which typically includes psychotherapy,” explains Kyle Buller, MS, cofounder and director of training and clinical education at Psychedelics Today.

However, it’s important to remember that psychedelics are still federally illegal in the United States, besides Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

“Most of the psychedelic therapy taking place is within clinical research studies in the underground and in places where psychedelics are legal,” Buller notes.

Various psychedelic substances are currently being studied and tested for use in therapeutic settings, including:

Ketamine

psilocybin (magic mushrooms)

MDMA

ketamine

lysergic acid (acid)

“In clinical studies, psilocybin and MDMA are two compounds that are being investigated for their therapeutic use. Ketamine is not classified as a ‘traditional psychedelic,’ but this compound is used the most right now as legal psychedelic therapy,” Buller adds.

Please utilize the resources below:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychedelic-therapy#how-does-it-work

Sex Therapist: A sex therapist is mental health professional licensed and certified through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Their psychotherapy education allows them to assist in short-term and long-term sexual issues. Clients may seek a sex therapist for issues such as vaginismus, sexual trauma, trouble orgasming, and more. Sex therapists work to define sexual problems by providing comprehensive care and resolutions through in-depth sessions and homework.

Sex Coach: A sex coach guides sexuality and intimacy through classes, webinars, support groups, and retreats. Sex coaches don’t provide professional health counseling; they are not mental health specialists - they teach individuals how to understand their sexuality better and improve their sex lives. Clients may seek a sex coach for issues such as discussing boundaries with a partner, how to flirt with individuals, how to enhance sexual pleasure skills, and becoming more aware of sexual desires.

Sex Counselor: A sex counselor is an educational professional licensed through AASECT. Sex counselors can come in many forms such as Planned Parenthood advisors, nurses, school counselors..etc. This is a client-centered practice that focuses on short-term treatment and immediate issues. Unlike therapists, sex counselors focus more on partnerships rather than sexual conditions. Sex counselors provide educational resources and can refer clients to therapists if clients must address their problems over a long period.

Somatic Sexelogical Bodyworker

Sexological Bodywork and Somatic Sex Education are primarily embodied practices, allowing the client to feel their bodies and experience their erotic energy from inside of their bodies.

You may be surprised to know that not all Sexological Bodywork actually involves touch! Most practitioners will say their client sessions are around 30% touch and 70% non-touch— such as establishing boundaries, breathwork, nervous system regulation, embodiment techniques, and movement.

If your quality of life and emotional health are greatly affected by your sexual dysfunction, it's a good idea to see a sex therapist. Likewise, if a lack of intimacy or difficulty communicating with a partner leads as your most serious personal concern, a sex therapist is the place to start. (health line)