You’ll need good listening skills as well as the ability to be nonjudgmental if you want to work as a sex therapist. Sex therapists typically have strong counseling skills and the ability to educate clients on a variety of sexual issues, problems, and techniques. The educational and licensing requirements for becoming a sex therapist differ depending on where you live. Many states that do require sex therapists to be licensed require students to complete an educational program that teaches them about mental health, counseling, and ethics.
Many people seek help from sex therapists when they are dealing with sexual issues, both within and outside of relationships. Sex therapists usually have a background in mental health or general medicine, as well as specialized sexuality training. A sex therapist is required to be a medical doctor or licensed in some area of mental health counseling in some jurisdictions. In other areas, there are few restrictions on providing sex therapy, and people with only a high school diploma or no formal education can call themselves “sex coaches” or “sexologists.”
You might want to volunteer for a charity or organization that provides social services, counseling, or other types of interpersonal support before becoming a sex therapist. You will gain empathy, listening skills, and a better understanding of many different types of human struggles as a result of this work. Request feedback on your work with clients from the supervisors in these settings, as this can help you determine whether you have the necessary skills to become a sex therapist.
You will typically develop skills and knowledge in several areas if you enroll in a formal training program to become a sex therapist. Prepare to take courses in physiology, anatomy, and psychology theory. Your school may also require you to complete a practicum working with clients in a supervised environment. In fact, many jurisdictions require mental health professionals, including sex therapists, to complete one or more supervised internships or practicums as part of their licensing process. You may be assigned to work in a school-sponsored student clinic, or you may be assigned to work in a private clinic or a community counseling center.
You may be able to participate in continuing education programs and workshops as part of your training to become a sex therapist. These programs, which are frequently supervised and taught experienced professionals, can assist you in honing your therapeutic and educational abilities. Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to learn about new sexuality research that will help you better serve your clients.