Here you will find answers to the most common questions that arise when clients are considering sex therapy. If you have a question or concern that is not addressed here, please feel free to contact us and we answer your questions!
Should I see a sex therapist with my partner, or on my own?
If you are in a relationship, the decision about who should go to sex therapy can seem confusing. It might be that you are identifying a problem, but you feel that the problem is mainly related to your partner. Or maybe your partner feels that the problems are related to you.
In any relationship partners have to try and share responsibility for what is happening. It might be true that one person's behavior is, on the surface, creating a "problem" but our behaviors don't happen in a vacuum. For example if one person has lost all interest in having sex, it is likely not only the result of some internal change, but rather may be related to changes (or lack of changes) in the relationship.
Ultimately if a couple is interested in sex therapy they will probably have to go to therapy together. But if you are the one interested in therapy, and you would prefer to have an initial session on your own, there is nothing wrong with starting the process this way. Depending on where the therapy goes, you may or may not bring in your partner at a later time.
Is there a right time to see a sex therapist?
There are several ways of knowing when talking with Geri Carter would be of help or support for sexual problems.
If you are single and feel there are specific sexual concerns or issues that you can't figure out on your own or work through with the support of friends or family, then working with Geri Carter can be a helpful new way to approach the issues.
If you are in a relationship the decision about when to see Geri Carter might be a bit more complicated. Does your partner also feel that seeing a sex therapist is a positive step in resolving sexual issues or concerns? Are you planning on going together, or are you interested in going on your own?
Geri Carter will suggest having an initial consultation, and if she feels that sex therapy isn’t going to be helpful she will let you know.
What clinical training does your sex therapist have?
Geri Carter obtained her certification for sex therapy from the Florida Institute of Sex Therapy in Palm Beach Florida. This is in addition to her graduate training at the University of South Florida and over 10 years of experience as a mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist.
What educational experience and background does Geri Carter have?
Geri Carter has a graduate degree from the Department of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida, She is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for the State of Florida regulated by the Department of Health. She is a Certified Sex Therapist for the State of Florida regulated by the Department of Health.
Why Go To Sex Therapy?
Generally, choosing to see Geri Carter over a general psychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other helping professional, would be a wise decision when the issues are very specifically sex related, or when sexuality seems like a central part of the issue. Some examples of issues that bring people to sex therapy are:
- Sexual trauma
- Lack of orgasm
- Difficulties with erections or ejaculation
- Problems with differing levels of desire in a couple
- Difficulties resulting from infidelities
- Sexual concerns as a result of illness or surgery
This list is not exhaustive, and if you think you are interested in talking with Geri Carter about an issue, you can expect that she will most likely at least see you for an initial consultation to determine if you are a candidate for sex therapy or she will give you a referral for the most effective help.
Who Goes to Sex Therapy?
People of all ages, sexual orientations, genders, religions, and ethnicities may choose to seek the help of. Sex therapy is appropriate for:
- Individuals wanting to deal with sexual identity issues
- Couples wanting to increase sexual intimacy
- People who want to deal with sexual inhibitions
- People who are dissatisfied with their sexual functioning
- Couples wanting to increase their communication about sexuality
There is no one “type” of person who goes to sex therapy and there are many more reasons to see a sex therapist than those mentioned above.
What Is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of counseling for adults that focuses on sexual issues, most often for individuals in relationships (although you do not need to be in a relationship to seek sex therapy).
Sex therapy is usually solution focused. This means that the Geri Carter will try to help you develop a clearly defined issue and the goal of therapy will be to work on that issue and resolve it, or find a way to make whatever problems it causes have less of an impact on your life and sex life. Commonly sex therapy will focus on a sexual dysfunction or major sexual communication problems between partners.
Sex therapy is usually brief, lasting anywhere from a few sessions to more than a dozen sessions.
Sex therapy is usually educational and directive.
As a term and practice, sex therapy is regulated in the state of Florida by the Department of Health, meaning that therapists who call themselves a sex therapist in Florida have a current license to practice counseling and have obtained the extra required 120 hours of training in sex therapy. Geri Carter is licensed as an LMHC and has obtained the extra 120 hours and is Certified as a Sex Therapist in Florida.