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Can Single People Go to Sex Therapy?

Can sex therapy help when you’re single?

There’s a common misconception that only couples go to sex therapy. When you think about a sex therapy session, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? 

Most likely, it’s a married couple sitting in a therapist’s office, discussing their sexual concerns—maybe they feel stuck in a rut, that they’re not having enough sex, or they want to spice up their sex life. 

But the truth is, single people can benefit from seeing a sex therapist just as much as people in relationships!

Here are some of the ways sex therapy can help you grow into your best sexual self.

Engage in Self-Discovery

Do you have questions about your identity? Curious about exploring new things? Writing a new script for your life? 

Sex therapy gives you the opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and judgment-free zone. 

As we go through life, we can internalize society’s expectations of us—how we’re supposed to behave, what we’re supposed to want, and what’s considered “normal.” 

It can lead us to keep our inner desires to ourselves, preventing us from leading the sexually fulfilling lives we deserve. 

Therapists are trained to help you navigate your thought patterns and help you shed the ideas and beliefs that aren’t serving you.

Maybe you want to explore:

  • Your sexual and gender identity
  • Kink, BDSM, and other sexual interests
  • Filling the gaps in your own sexual health education
  • How your desires and needs have changed over the years

Sex therapy is the perfect place to start those inquiries into the self.

Make Time and Space for Your Needs

It’s nearly impossible to engage in self-discovery without consciously carving time for yourself. 

In the demands of everyday life, many of us get caught up in our responsibilities and put our own needs last. 

This can lead to us living on autopilot and not taking the time to get to know ourselves. It’s easy to lose track of who we are and what we want.

When was the last time you sat down and reflected on your identity as a sexual individual? 

What brings you pleasure? What are your desires? What do you value most?

If you’re struggling to answer these questions, it’s time to sit down and look inward.  

And what better time to focus on you than when you’re single? 

Therapy can serve as that time you give to yourself to explore your needs and ultimately, grow as your own self-advocate. 

Treat Sexual Pain 

Experiencing pain when you have sex is not just physically painful. It can be emotionally draining when doctors don’t believe you. 

Feelings of hopelessness and isolation can set in. You might start to think that maybe sex is just not for you.

Sex therapists are trained to treat sexual pain conditions, so you can start healing from the years of pain and emotional trauma you’ve been through. 

Whether you have:

  • Dyspareunia
  • Generalized or provoked vestibulodynia
  • Lichens sclerosis
  • Hypertonic pelvic floor
  • Vaginismus
  • Vulvodynia
  • Or another sexual pain condition

A sex therapist will work with you to provide a comprehensive treatment plan so you can start seeing relief. 

Address Erectile Issues

Erectile-related issues like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation are incredibly common, but can cause a lot of embarrassment and frustration. 

Maybe the issue is even keeping you from pursuing the relationship you’d love to have. 

If you’re exasperated because your body just isn’t responding the way you’d like, a sex therapist can help.

Sex therapists go through extensive, specialized training to help address a range of sexual issues, and erectile dysfunction is one of them. 

Whether your struggle is linked to stress, anxiety, or a chronic condition—sex therapy will help you get to the root of the issue. 

Together with your therapist, you’ll develop an intervention plan to help you achieve your goals—whether it’s boosting confidence, building greater ejaculatory control, or easing your anxiety.

Heal From Past Trauma Around Sexuality

Trauma is complex and it can be challenging to process your experiences on your own. 

When the past is holding you back, it can feel impossible to engage in self-discovery or be present in ways you would like to be. 

Therapy can be a powerful tool for healing from past trauma — sexual trauma or other traumatic experiences. Sex therapy can address what’s impacting your ability to access pleasure and connect with your sexuality. 

Trauma-informed sex therapy can support you if:

  • You feel detached from the idea of yourself as a sexual person
  • You are not sure how to access pleasure anymore
  • You experience overwhelming emotions around sex
  • Your trauma is making you avoid sex and/or relationships

While the path to healing from trauma is not always easy, it is possible to reclaim the pleasure you want in life. And your therapist is there each step of the way to guide you.

Boost Your Communication Skills

As couples and sex therapists we never stop talking about the importance of communication in relationships. 

And guess what, anyone regardless of relationship status can benefit from good communication skills!

So many people are afraid or embarrassed to talk about their sexual wants and desires.

Do you have a hard time voicing your needs? Therapy can help you as you build your competence and confidence, so you can communicate with ease. 

Plus, effective communication skills are relevant across all aspects of life—not just romantic relationships. 

Most importantly, you’ll learn the skills to articulate your desires and advocate for your needs.

Is Sex Therapy For Single People Too? Yes!

So yes, single people can absolutely go to sex therapy. And can gain a lot from it!

Going to sex therapy can be a self-affirming and empowering act of self-care. You’re prioritizing your needs, taking your sexuality seriously, and investing in your personal growth. 

If you’ve never had the opportunity to connect with your identity as a sexual individual, therapy offers that safe space.

Sex therapy is a place where you can explore your curiosities, traverse the terrain of your desires, and finally discover yourself. Ready to speak with our therapists? Contact us here.

FREE WORKBOOKS

Improve Your Relationship Without Paying a Therapist

By The Center

Need help but not ready for therapy? We’ve got you!
Our free workbooks are full of therapist-approved advice to help you create the loving relationships and positive sexual experiences you deserve.

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Your free confidential consultation includes:

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  • Free 30-minute consultation with your therapist prior to your first appointment
  • Ongoing support from our team to ensure you have everything you need to make therapy a success

 

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