Sexology is one of those fields that people have heard of but often feel uncertain about.
What does a sexologist actually do?
Is it different from a sex therapist?
Do you have to have a serious problem to see one?
These are questions I get regularly. So I thought I would answer some of the most common ones in this blog.
A sexologist is a professional who has undertaken specialised training in human sexuality, including sexual development, sexual health, sexual function, gender and orientation, and the psychological and relational dimensions of sexual experience.
Sexology is an academic and clinical discipline. It draws on medicine, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and education. A trained sexologist understands human sexuality in its full complexity, not just the mechanics, but the meaning.
In Australia, the peak body for sexology is the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS), and practitioners may hold a Registered Sexologist or Clinical Sexologist qualification following specific education and supervised practice.
A clinical sexologist works with individuals and couples on a wide range of sexual concerns. These include low or mismatched sexual desire, difficulties with arousal or orgasm, pain during sex, sexual anxiety or avoidance, concerns about sexual identity or orientation, compulsive sexual behaviour, and the sexual impacts of medical conditions, medications, or life transitions.
They may also work with people navigating sexual trauma, or those who simply want to understand their own sexuality more fully, what turns them on, what gets in the way, and how to have the kind of sexual experiences they actually want.
A sexologist is not a sex surrogate, does not engage in sexual contact with clients, and does not offer voyeuristic or exhibitionistic services. Clinical sexology is a talking profession, like psychotherapy or counselling.
The terms ‘sex therapist’ and ‘sexologist’ are sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re not identical. Sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy that specifically addresses sexual concerns within a therapeutic relationship. A sex therapist may or may not have formal sexology qualifications.
A sexologist may work as a sex therapist, an educator, a researcher, a public health professional, or a consultant. Some do all of these things.
In practice, if you’re seeking clinical support for a sexual concern, you want someone who has specific training in sexuality, whether that’s called a sexologist, a certified sex therapist, or a therapist with additional qualifications in sexual health.
No. Many people see a sexologist not because something is wrong, but because they want a fuller understanding of their own sexuality, their desires, their patterns, their history. Or because they want to navigate a life transition, like postpartum changes, menopause, or ageing, with more information and support.
Sexuality is a significant part of human experience, and it deserves the same quality of professional attention we give to mental health, physical health, or relationships. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from working with someone who genuinely understands this territory.
If you’re curious about working with a sexologist or sex therapist, the most important thing is finding someone with proper qualifications and genuine clinical experience in this area, not just a general therapist who occasionally addresses sexual topics.
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