Sexology is a field of clinical practice concerned with the study and support of human sexual functioning – including sexual needs, behaviours, emotions and intimate relationships. It encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of difficulties relating to desire, arousal, pain during intercourse, sexual dysfunctions and the consequences of sexual trauma.
These include difficulties in achieving sexual satisfaction and sexual dysfunction in both women and men.
They relate to emotions that make it difficult to experience intimacy freely and affect the quality of one’s sex life.
These involve a reduction or increase in sexual desire that is not in line with the patient’s expectations or comfort level.
This includes physical ailments or psychological stress that cause discomfort during sexual intercourse.
They refer to behaviours that are out of control and have a negative impact on relationships, emotions or day-to-day functioning.
They relate to questions about one’s own psychosexual identity and the need to understand oneself better.
Rebuilding a sense of security after difficult experiences
Discovering and accepting one’s sexuality
Improving the quality of one’s sex life and intimate relationships
Improving your relationship and sense of closeness with your partner
Overcoming difficulties that hinder a fulfilling sex life
Improving the way needs and expectations are expressed within a relationship
Support in managing emotions related to sexuality
Support in understanding one’s own sexual desires, responses and preferences
Improving comfort and confidence in your intimate life
A visit to a sexologist begins with a relaxed conversation, during which emotional difficulties and issues relating to sexual functioning are discussed. The sexologist asks questions about your health, relationships, past experiences and current symptoms in order to gain a thorough understanding of the situation. On this basis, they suggest appropriate forms of support, such as consultations, sex therapy or couples’ counselling.
A standard consultation lasts around 50 minutes, which allows us to discuss the issue at length, clarify any concerns and draw up a plan for the way forward. Subsequent sessions are usually of a similar duration and take place regularly, in line with the needs of the patient or couple.
It is worth consulting a sexologist if you are experiencing sexual difficulties, such as a lack of sexual satisfaction, pain during intercourse, a reduced sex drive, fear of intimacy, relationship problems relating to sexuality, or doubts about your sexual orientation and identity. A consultation can also be helpful if your sexuality causes anxiety, shame or tension that reduces your quality of life.
A consultation is not physically demanding, but it may touch on intimate and emotionally difficult topics. The sexologist creates a safe atmosphere, ensures clear communication and adapts the pace of the conversation to the patient’s needs, so that it is supportive rather than overwhelming.
Yes, many sexologists work with both individuals and couples. Sessions may involve discussing needs, difficulties, differences in expectations, communication issues and building intimacy. Couples often attend therapy together, and sometimes they also opt for individual consultations.
Yes, sex therapy has specific goals and comes to an end once these have been achieved or when the patient or couple decides that further support is no longer needed. If necessary, follow-up sessions to consolidate the benefits of the therapy are possible, or the patient or couple may return for further therapy in the future.
Regular sessions are helpful in the therapy process, as they allow us to monitor progress, make adjustments and consolidate new ways of functioning. Once therapy has finished, there is no need for regular appointments, although some individuals or couples choose to have occasional consultations to nurture their relationship and develop their sex life.
