What Is Sex Therapy? 4 Myths You Should Ignore

If you think sex therapy is just about spicing things up in the bedroom or learning how to “do it better,” then I’ve got news for you: that advice is steering you in the wrong direction.

In today’s post, I’m going to show you the TRUTH about sex therapy.
Not only will I break down four common sex therapy myths that just need to be retired already, but I’ll also help you understand what sex therapy really is and how it can support your emotional, mental, and relational wellness, not just your sex life.

Let’s get into it.

Sex Therapy Myth #1:

“Sex therapy is only for couples who can’t stop fighting (or who aren’t having sex at all).”

Okay, pause. This one’s tired.

Sure, couples who are experiencing sexual tension, mismatched desire, or intimacy struggles can benefit from sex therapy, but they’re not the only ones.

Sex therapy is for anyone who wants to understand, heal, or reclaim their relationship with sexuality. That includes folks struggling with sexual pain, low desire, shame around pleasure, body image issues, anxiety during intimacy, or past trauma that’s impacting their connection to sex.

What to do instead:
If something doesn’t feel quite right, whether emotionally, physically, or relationally, you don’t have to “just live with it.”
A trained sex therapist can help you untangle the beliefs, blocks, and body responses that are getting in the way, so you can feel more confident, connected, and empowered.

Sex Therapy Myth #2:

“Something must be wrong with you if you’re seeking sex therapy.”

Here’s the truth: deciding to work on your sexual wellness is not a red flag. It’s a power move.

Sexuality is part of your overall health, just like sleep, nutrition, or stress management. And yet, many of us were raised in environments that avoided these conversations, shamed curiosity, or only talked about sex in the context of dysfunction.

What to do instead:
Normalize it. Talk about it. And if you’re feeling disconnected, confused, or even curious, seek support without shame. Therapy isn’t about being “broken.” It’s about being brave enough to choose healing and growth.

Sex Therapy Myth #3:

“It’s all about positions, toys, and how-tos.”

Whew. If I had a dollar for every time someone thought sex therapy was just glorified sex ed...

While we can talk about anatomy, communication tools, and yes, even how to explore safely and consensually, sex therapy isn’t about turning you into a Cirque du Soleil performer in the bedroom.

It’s about unpacking the stories you’ve been told about sex, gender roles, pleasure, and worthiness. It’s about noticing how those messages show up in your relationships, your body, and your sense of self.

What to do instead:
Come in with curiosity, not performance pressure. This work is about you, your beliefs, your values, your desires, and how you want to feel in your body and relationships.

Sex Therapy Myth #4:

“If I just fix my body (or change my partner), the sex stuff will work itself out.”

Oof. This one’s sneaky.

Sure, hormones, health conditions, and relationship dynamics can impact sexual connection, but it’s rarely just one thing. And it’s almost never solved by forcing your body to “act right” or blaming your partner for not reading your mind.

What’s really at play?
Stress. Emotional safety. Trust. Communication. Trauma. Self-esteem. Identity. Nervous system responses.

What to do instead:
A holistic approach to sex therapy looks at the whole you, your body, your brain, your relationships, and your lived experiences. Because guess what? You’re not a machine. You’re a layered, worthy human being, and your sexuality deserves that same level of nuance and care.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it: 4 sex therapy myths that needed a one-way ticket to the trash.

Sex therapy isn’t just about “fixing” problems or getting a new bedroom routine. It’s about healing, discovery, reconnection, and reclaiming the parts of yourself that the world told you were too much, too dirty, or too complicated.

You deserve to feel safe in your body.
You deserve relationships where your pleasure, boundaries, and needs matter.
You deserve to be heard, without shame or judgment.

Ready to explore sex therapy?
Let’s talk.

Book a connection call or read more about Sex Therapy here.