Some sexual problems aren't easy to solve, and a professional therapist may be of help. When considering a sex therapist, use the same type of criteria you'd use when selecting any other health professional.Here are some useful guidelines.
- Ask your gynecologist or urologist to recommend someone he or she feels is competent
and trustworthy.
- Ask to see the therapist's credentials. The therapist should be certified by the American
Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), which requires
extensive training.
- Be sure that the therapist has expertise in the problem you're experiencing. Some therapists specialize in treating people with particular problems, like low sexual desire, impotence, incest, or sexual abuse.
- If you don't feel a therapist is helping you, don't hesitate to discontinue therapy and consult someone else.
Be aware of unethical practices. A sex therapist should:
- Never show shock or surprise with the client's problem or the subject matter being discussed.
- Never give a physical exam to a client unless the therapist is also a physician. Sex therapists who don't have a medical degree are not trained to diagnose and treat physical problems.
- Never ask their clients to engage in any form of sex with the therapist or in the therapist's presence.
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