Online vs In-Person Sex Therapy

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialized skill set within the therapy field. While many therapists can and do discuss sexual concerns with a client, few are certified in the field or have relevant past experience in the field. All of the therapists at Respark have completed or are enrolled in the Sexual Health Alliance. This rigorous training program gives our therapists the ability to help with a wide variety of sexual issues including desire discrepancies, polyamory, kink, and more.

Benefits of Online Sex Therapy

In general, sex therapy is far more common in left-wing states and in more densely populated areas, meaning that some clients may not have a certified sex therapist anywhere near them. This is where online sex therapy makes a big difference; it allows people from all across the country to access practitioners in this specialized field who may not be available to them for face-to-face visits.

Additionally, without the space rental and operation fees that therapists usually cover, telehealth therapy could possibly be lower in cost for the client. Traditional therapy can be pricey, making it inaccessible to certain populations. Since sex therapists in particular are sometimes not in a client’s insurance network, these costs may be out-of-pocket for many clients. Similarly, virtual therapy has a more flexible time schedule and cuts down on the amount of time spent on therapy by removing commute times. 

For those with physical disabilities, commuting to a physical space may be more difficult than arranging a Zoom or phone session. Certain clients may also have disabilities that prevent them from accessing or fully benefitting from the services of sex therapy. Those with physical and mental limitations may be able to benefit more from online therapy, which removes some of the barriers to entry. Some clients may experience anxiety, and discussing private issues such as sexuality may add to this anxiety, which is why being in the safety of their own space may feel more relaxed.  

It is also important to consider the needs of the clients. One example of clients who may benefit from online sex therapy is couples in long-distance relationships. Sex therapists may serve as a beneficial support system for this kind of relationship, and the online format enables them to interact with both clients in the same session. For other individuals and couples, a virtual option may lack some of the intimacy of face-to-face therapy that is fostered by proximity, eye contact, and physical touch. However, studies have shown that certain methods of online therapy have proven to be equally as effective as in-person therapy at treating certain disorders and maladaptive behaviors. 

Benefits of In-Person Sex Therapy

For some clients, in-person therapy may make them feel more relaxed and involved, allowing them to share more personal information, which is important for productive and successful therapy. For others, they may actually feel safer and more comfortable behind their screens in the presence of their own home or office space. At the same time, not everyone has the privilege to feel safe enough in their space to share and may not have privacy to share. Depending on each client’s circumstance, they may feel drawn to one option over the other.

Looking For an Online or In-Person Sex Therapist?

Respark Therapy not only offers online therapy, but we excel in it. Their online therapy precedes the pandemic, so they are experienced in navigating the complicated nature of telehealth. Because of this, they are able to work with clients all over the states of Texas, Colorado, Washington, Utah, and Missouri, bringing sex therapy to people in areas who would not otherwise be able to access it. Not in any of those states? No problem! We also offer sex coaching. Our coaches are able to see clients for many of the same needs as our therapists but from anywhere in the world.

Additionally, Respark offers a free consultation over the phone, which can be beneficial in helping clients decide whether online therapy is a good option for them.

Take our quiz below to learn which coach or therapist is right for you!

By Sydney Sullivan