Beliefs and Attitudes Held Toward Sex Therapy and Sex Therapists.

ABSTRACT

There is a growing recognition that sexual problems can adversely impact health, well-being, and quality of life. Sex therapy provides individuals with an effective means of understanding, improving, and resolving their sexual difficulties. Yet, few individuals access a sex therapist when experiencing sexual difficulties and research on perceptions toward this service remains limited. The current study aimed to explore attitudes and beliefs held by a sample with a current or previous history of sexual problems toward sex therapy and therapists. A total of 27 individuals aged 19-53 participated in unmoderated structured interviews that were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The results were organized into five categories, (1) overall perceptions of sex therapy, (2) when and for whom is sex therapy, (3) expectations, (4) beliefs about sex therapists, and (5) sources of beliefs. While the results indicated that participants held positive attitudes toward the service and about others seeking sex therapy, none had accessed sex therapy for their previous or current sexual problems. Numerous barriers relating to stigma, cost, and accessibility appeared to hinder the utilization of the service. The inaccurate and unrealistic beliefs about sex therapy and sex therapists highlight the need for increased education regarding the profession, which could reduce barriers and increase accessibility.