Sexologists vs Sex Therapists: Understanding the Differences

A sexologist and a sex therapist both operate within the realm of human sexuality, yet they differ in their focus, training, and methodology. Here's a summary of the main distinctions:

1. Focus and Scope

• Sexologist

  • A sexologist is a general term for someone involved in the study and practice within the field of sexuality.

  • They might engage in research, education, advocacy, or consulting, alongside providing therapy.

  • Their work frequently involves exploring cultural, social, and scientific dimensions of sexuality, and they may not always offer clinical therapy.

• Sex Therapist

  • A sex therapist concentrates on assisting individuals or couples in overcoming sexual issues or concerns through counseling and therapeutic methods.

  • The therapy is client-centered and aims to tackle issues like performance anxiety, mismatched desires, intimacy problems, or past traumas.

2. Training and Credentials

• Sexologist

  • May possess varied academic backgrounds, such as psychology, sociology, medicine, or anthropology.

  • Advanced degrees in sexology or certification from bodies like the American College of Sexologists (ACS) or the World Association of Sexology (WAS) are typical.

  • Some sexologists focus on research or teaching instead of providing therapy.

• Sex Therapist

  • Usually a licensed mental health professional, like a psychologist, social worker, or counselor, with specialized training in sex therapy.

  • Certification often comes from organizations such as the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).

  • They emphasise therapeutic methods, often incorporating psychological techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or trauma-informed care.

3. Practice

• Sexologist

  • Can engage in various domains, such as education (e.g., teaching about sexuality), research (e.g., studying sexual behaviors or public health), or policy advocacy.

  • May or may not provide one-on-one counseling or therapy.

• Sex Therapist

  • Offers one-on-one or couples therapy sessions to tackle specific sexual issues.

  • The practice is therapeutic and solution-oriented, often involving ongoing sessions with clients.

4. Approach

• Sexologist

  • Adopts a macro or holistic approach, examining sexuality from cultural, societal, and biological perspectives.

  • May focus on education, public health initiatives, or advocacy for sexual rights.

• Sex Therapist

  • Adopts a client-centered approach, concentrating on the specific challenges of individuals or couples.

  • Employs therapeutic tools to address psychological, emotional, or relational facets of sexual health.

When to See Each?

• See a Sexologist if you’re looking for:

  • Education or information about sexuality.

  • Understanding of cultural or societal factors affecting sexuality.

  • Assistance in exploring sexuality in a non-clinical setting.

• See a Sex Therapist if you’re seeking:

  • Help with sexual dysfunction or performance issues.

  • Guidance for managing relationship or intimacy challenges.

  • Therapy for trauma, anxiety, or emotional obstacles impacting your sexual health.

In practice, some professionals may function as both sexologists and sex therapists, combining education and therapy to best support their clients.