by jennbossio | Sep 26, 2025 | Sexual Health, Training
The field of sex therapy is one that demands extensive education, training, and experience. As more people seek help for concerns related to sexual health and relationships, there has been a rise in individuals claiming to be “sex therapists” without the proper qualifications or credentials. This is a deeply concerning trend because sex therapy, when done improperly, can actually do more harm than good.
So, what is sex therapy? How do you tell if you’re working with a qualified sex therapist? And why does training matter so much? Let’s dive in.
What Is a Sex Therapist?
A sex therapist is a mental health professional who has specialized training in sexual health, relationships, and intimacy. Their role is to help individuals and couples navigate sexual concerns, ranging from issues like low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and painful sex, to sexual trauma, infidelity, and exploring non-traditional relationship structures like polyamory.
A qualified sex therapist first needs a background in mental health—typically as a psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker, or psychiatrist. From there, they pursue additional, specialized training in sexual health. This advanced training includes coursework in human sexuality, sexual dysfunctions, relationship dynamics, and the psychology of sexual health. They also complete supervised clinical experience, ensuring they can treat sexual concerns with evidence-based strategies rather than personal opinions or biases. A high quality sex therapist will also be a member of professional sexual health organizations, such as SSTAR (the Society for Sex Therapy and Research), ISSWSH (International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health), IASR (International Academy of Sex Research), or others.
In short: a sex therapist isn’t just someone who’s comfortable talking about sex. They’re someone who is specifically trained to address complex and sensitive issues with evidence-based strategies and interventions.
Why Does Proper Training Matter in Sex Therapy?
Sexual health is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized areas of health care. Without proper training, unqualified providers can inadvertently cause harm, perpetuate myths, or leave clients feeling more confused, ashamed, or isolated than when they started. Here are a few examples of how unqualified sex therapy can go wrong:
1. Perpetuating Shame
Untrained providers may bring their own biases into therapy, whether they realize it or not. These biases can lead to judgmental comments or assumptions that increase a client’s feelings of shame or inadequacy. For example, a therapist without proper training might imply that low sexual desire means the relationship is doomed, further alienating the client from their partner.
A high quality sex therapist, on the other hand, understands that sexual desire is complex and often responsive rather than spontaneous. This means that desire isn’t always about attraction or love—it’s influenced by context, emotional intimacy, and feeling safe in a relationship. A trained sex therapist can help clients uncover the real reasons behind low desire and develop strategies to rekindle intimacy without shame or blame.
2. Spreading Misinformation
Sexual health is rife with myths and outdated beliefs. An untrained therapist might unknowingly spread misinformation, such as suggesting that certain sexual issues are purely psychological when, in fact, they might have a physical or hormonal cause (e.g., painful sex due to menopause or erectile difficulties due to cardiovascular health).
High quality sex therapists are trained to recognize when a concern might have a physiological component and will collaborate with medical professionals, such as urologists, gynaecologists, or pelvic floor physiotherapists, to ensure clients receive comprehensive care.
3. Misinterpreting the Problem
Untrained therapists often lack the nuanced understanding of human sexuality needed to interpret what’s really happening. For instance, a therapist might see infidelity as purely a moral failing or a sign of a bad relationship, when in reality, there are always good underlying reasons that lead to infidelity such as attachment wounds, unresolved trauma, uncontrolled issues with impulsivity, or sexual dissatisfaction that need to be addressed.
Sexual problems are rarely black and white. A well-trained sex therapist takes a bio-psycho-social approach—looking at biological, psychological, and social factors—to fully understand the issue and create an effective treatment plan.
4. Giving Harmful Advice
One of the biggest risks of working with an unqualified sex therapist is receiving advice that actively makes the situation worse. For example, a therapist might suggest that a client “just needs to try harder” to enjoy sex or might encourage a couple to leave the relationship if one partner experiences low sexual desire. This kind of oversimplified, one-size-fits-all advice can be devastating to a person’s self-esteem and to their relationship.
In contrast, high quality sex therapists use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness-based sex therapy (MBST) techniques to help clients achieve real, lasting results.
How to Tell If You’re Working With a Qualified Sex Therapist
If you’re looking for a sex therapist, it’s essential to vet their credentials and ensure they’re properly trained. Since there’s no single licensing board that governs sex therapy in Ontario, the quality of training and experience varies widely. Some therapists are highly trained specialists, while others may list sex therapy as just one of many areas they treat—without any real expertise.
To make sure you’re getting high-quality, evidence-based care, here’s what to ask or research before booking an appointment:
1. What is their background in mental health?
A qualified sex therapist should have a strong foundation in mental health. They should hold a degree in psychology, social work, psychotherapy, or a related field, with additional, specialized training in sexual health. They should be a member of a regulated health care college.
2. Where did they train?
Sex therapy is a specialty, and training matters. Look for professionals who have studied at recognized institutions or have completed high-level training programs in sex therapy. Some reputable universities with faculty specializing in sex therapy include (but are not limited to):
- University of British Columbia
3. Are they certified by a recognized organization or trained by industry experts?
Some of the most respected sex therapy credentials come from:
- AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists)
- BESTCO (Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling in Ontario)
If they’re not officially certified, ask who supervised their training. Did they learn from a recognized sex therapist or researcher? Have they worked alongside clinicians who specialize in sexual health research and evidence-based practice? I should note here, that the clinicians in my clinic are not members of these organizations.
4. Do they specialize in sex therapy—or is it just one of many services they offer?
Be cautious if a therapist lists sex therapy as one of many areas they treat. True specialists dedicate significant time and training to this field, rather than just adding it to their practice as an afterthought.
5. What methods do they use?
Ask about their approach to treatment. A high-quality sex therapist relies on evidence-based practices, rather than personal opinions, anecdotal advice, or outdated beliefs about sex.
A well-trained sex therapist will be able to address a wide range of concerns, from low libido and erectile dysfunction to sexual trauma and non-traditional relationships—always with a research-backed, nonjudgmental approach.
At The Tri Health Clinic, our therapists are leaders in the field of sex therapy, trained in the most up-to-date research and evidence-based interventions.
Who Is the Best Sex Therapist in Kingston?
Okay, let’s be real: there’s no such thing as “the best” therapist for everyone. Therapy is about finding the right fit for your unique needs and personality. That said, The Tri Health Clinic is home to some of the most highly trained sex therapists in Kingston and across Ontario. Our team specializes in addressing sexual health concerns with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to evidence-based care.
What Happens When You Go to an Unqualified Sex Therapist?
If you’re still not convinced, let’s recap some of the risks of working with an untrained provider:
- Increased shame: They might unknowingly make you feel judged or broken.
- Poor education: They could perpetuate myths or provide inaccurate information.
- Missed medical issues: They might fail to recognize when your concerns have a physiological cause.
- Harmful advice: Their recommendations could damage your self-esteem or relationships.
Your sexual health is too important to leave to chance. Whether you’re seeking help for low desire, painful sex, erectile dysfunction, or navigating non-traditional relationships, you deserve a therapist who knows what they’re doing.
At The Tri Health Clinic, We Take Sex Therapy Seriously
Sex therapy is a specialty, not a side hustle. At The Tri Health Clinic, we provide rigorous training to our clinicians to ensure they offer the highest standard of care. Our therapists are experts in evidence-based approaches and are equipped to handle everything from performance anxiety to infidelity recovery.
If you’re a clinician interested in advancing your skills in sex therapy, we also offer high-quality supervision and in-house training to help you become a true expert in this field.
Choose Your Sex Therapist Wisely
Sexual health is deeply personal, and getting help should feel empowering, not risky. If you’re looking for sex therapy, do your homework. Look for someone with the right credentials, training, and experience to support you in achieving the outcomes you deserve. And if you’re ready to get started, The Tri Health Clinic is here to help.
by jennbossio | Apr 23, 2025 | Medicine, Sexual Health
Sexual health is a cornerstone of overall health and well-being. Yet, it’s one of the most neglected topics in medical training. For many patients, their physician is the first and sometimes only professional they feel comfortable approaching with sexual health concerns. And the numbers show just how prevalent these issues are. Research suggests that up to 43% of women and 31% of men experience sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives, with many others struggling with broader sexual health concerns like low libido, difficulty with intimacy, or challenges related to physical conditions or medications.
And here’s the kicker: 40% of patients want to ask their doctor about sexual health, but very few actually do. Why? Because the physician doesn’t ask first.
This silence is hurting patients. It’s a disservice to the population, especially when the tools to address these issues exist but aren’t being used. And the root cause of this widespread problem? Medical schools are failing their students—and, in turn, their future patients—by not integrating comprehensive sexual health care training into their curricula.
Why Don’t Physicians Ask About Sexual Health?
Doctors don’t ask about sex. Patients don’t bring it up. And so, the silence persists. But why are physicians avoiding these conversations? Here are a few of the most common reasons:
1. Fear of Opening Pandora’s Box
Physicians worry that asking about sexual health will lead to a flood of complex issues they don’t know how to address, which could extend the length of an appointment and take time away from other concerns.
2. Lack of Training
Many physicians simply don’t know what to ask or how to respond. Sexual health is a specialized area that rarely makes its way into the standard medical curriculum, leaving doctors unprepared to navigate these discussions.
3. Assumptions About Patients
Some doctors assume that if a patient has a sexual health concern, they’ll bring it up themselves. But in reality, most patients are waiting for their doctor to initiate the conversation, as they feel embarrassed or uncertain about how to bring it up.
4. Personal Discomfort
Sexual health is still a taboo topic for many people, and doctors are no exception. Personal queasiness, cultural norms, or a fear of being perceived as intrusive can prevent physicians from addressing it.
5. Belief That It’s “Not Their Job”
Many doctors view sexual health as outside the scope of their practice, especially in fields like cardiology or oncology. However, sexual health impacts—and is impacted by—virtually every area of medicine, making it relevant for all healthcare providers.
The Ripple Effect of Ignoring Sexual Health
When sexual health isn’t addressed, the consequences go far beyond the bedroom. Ignoring this critical aspect of well-being can impact a patient’s physical health, emotional health, relationships, and even adherence to medical treatments.
1. Impact on Cancer Patients
Prostate cancer and breast cancer, two of the most common cancers, often come with significant sexual side effects. Yet, sexual health concerns are rarely discussed in oncology care. Patients are left to navigate these life-altering changes alone, compounding their distress and impacting their recovery.
2. Medication Adherence
Did you know that men often stop taking heart medication because it impacts their sexual function? Similarly, people avoid or discontinue antidepressants due to their effects on libido and sexual performance. When physicians don’t address these concerns or offer alternatives, patients are less likely to stick to their prescribed treatments.
3. Mental Health and Relationships
Sexual health issues are closely tied to mental health. Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem can result from or exacerbate sexual dysfunction. And let’s not forget the strain these issues can place on relationships, further isolating patients who may already feel like they’re struggling alone.
Where Medical Schools Are Getting It Wrong
Currently, medical schools are failing to prepare their students for the reality of patient care. Sexual health is either absent from the curriculum or given a cursory glance. This creates a gap in physicians’ ability to provide holistic care.
Contrast this with programs like the one at the University of British Columbia, where sexual health is given the attention it deserves. UBC’s two-day training on sexual health, led in part by renowned sexual medicine physician Dr. Rosemary Basson, is a shining example of what’s possible. It integrates the sexual response cycle into the training, utilizes standardized patients (including those with spinal cord injuries), and teaches medical students to address sexual health concerns comprehensively.
Programs like these prove that medical schools can do better—they just need to prioritize it.
The Research on Sexual Health Training
Studies show that sexual health training improves both physician confidence and patient outcomes. When doctors are equipped to discuss sexual health, patients are more likely to share their concerns, adhere to treatments, and feel supported in their care.
Moreover, addressing sexual health concerns doesn’t have to be a time-consuming Pandora’s box. With the right training, physicians can integrate these conversations seamlessly into their practice, asking simple, effective questions that open the door for patients to share.
The Solution: Train Physicians From the Ground Up
The best way to address this gap is to start early. Sexual health care needs to be integrated into the medical curriculum from the very beginning. This doesn’t mean turning every medical student into a sexual health expert, but it does mean giving them the tools to ask the right questions and provide appropriate referrals when needed.
Training should include:
• Basic Sexual Health Education: Covering the sexual response cycle, common dysfunctions, and their treatments.
• Communication Skills: Teaching students how to ask sensitive questions in a nonjudgmental way.
• Special Populations: Including training on sexual health in cancer patients, those with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ populations.
• Practical Applications: Using standardized patients and case studies to build real-world skills.
Why Sexual Health Is Too Important to Ignore
Sexual health isn’t just about sex. It’s about quality of life, emotional well-being, and physical health. Ignoring it means failing to provide comprehensive care.
It’s time for medical schools to step up. By integrating sexual health training into their programs, they can prepare future physicians to meet their patients’ needs, improve treatment adherence, and ultimately enhance overall health outcomes.
If medical schools continue to neglect this critical area, they’re not just failing their students—they’re failing the population as a whole.
Let’s Talk About Sex (Health)
Sexual health is an essential part of medicine, and it’s time we treat it as such. Physicians have the power to change lives by addressing these issues head-on, but only if they’re given the tools to do so.
To medical schools: Get with the program. Train your students in sexual health, and help them become the well-rounded, effective physicians their patients need.
And to patients: If your doctor isn’t asking about your sexual health, don’t be afraid to bring it up. Your well-being matters, and there are solutions out there for whatever you’re facing.
Let’s make sexual health a priority—for everyone.
by jennbossio | Jan 14, 2025 | Sexual Health, Training
Sexual health is one of the most intimate, complex, and essential facets of human well-being. And yet, it’s often overlooked or mishandled in therapy due to a lack of high-quality, specialized training. If you’re a mental health professional considering sex therapy as a specialty, or if you’ve noticed clients presenting with sexual health concerns that you’re unsure how to address, it’s time to consider what becoming a sex therapist really entails. Spoiler alert: it’s more than just adding “sex therapy” to a long list of general skills.
Sex therapy is not just a buzzword—it’s a highly specialized area of practice requiring rigorous training, deep introspection, and a commitment to ongoing education. This blog is a guide for therapists seeking to develop or refine their skills in sex therapy. We’ll talk about the importance of quality training, how untrained sex therapy can go wrong, and why it’s critical to approach this work as a specialist, not a dabbler. If you’re serious about becoming a sex therapist, or you’re ready to take your expertise to the next level, let’s dive in.
What Is Sex Therapy, and What Does a Sex Therapist Do?
Let’s start with the basics. What is sex therapy? Sex therapy focuses on addressing psychological, relational, and emotional aspects of sexual health and functioning. While medical issues related to sexual health (e.g., erectile dysfunction or hormonal imbalances) may require a physician’s input, sex therapists work with clients to navigate challenges like:
- Low sexual desire
- Mismatched libidos in relationships
- Difficulty with arousal or orgasm
- Pain during sex (e.g., vaginismus or dyspareunia)
- Navigating non-traditional relationships (e.g., polyamory or open relationships)
- Recovering from sexual trauma
- Sexual identity and orientation concerns
- Compulsive sexual behaviours
A sex therapist’s role is multifaceted: we educate, guide, and support clients through some of the most vulnerable conversations they’ll ever have. But here’s the thing: you can’t just decide to call yourself a sex therapist. Or, well, you can—sex therapist isn’t a protected term in Ontario—but if you do it without the proper training, you risk doing more harm than good.
How Untrained Sex Therapy Can Go Wrong
Sexual concerns are deeply tied to our identities, relationships, and overall well-being. Mishandling these topics as a therapist can have serious consequences. Here are a few examples of how things can go wrong without proper training:
1.Implicit Biases Take Over
We all have implicit biases—shaped by our upbringing, culture, and personal experiences. Without careful training, therapists risk projecting their own beliefs or judgments onto clients. For example, you might unintentionally pathologize consensual kinks or non-monogamous relationships simply because they’re outside your comfort zone.
2.Over-Simplification of Issues
Sexual concerns are rarely straightforward. They’re often intertwined with mental health, physical health, trauma, and relational dynamics. Therapists without specialized training might reduce complex issues to surface-level advice that doesn’t address the root causes.
3.Focus on the Wrong Things
Imagine a client with sexual pain issues, and the therapist assumes it’s all “in their head,” neglecting to suggest a referral to a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Or a client struggling with erectile dysfunction is told to “just relax,” without exploring the interplay of anxiety, relationship stress, and physiological factors.
4.Harming the Client-Therapist Relationship
Sexual health is an area where trust is paramount. A misstep, like shaming a client or dismissing their concerns, can make them feel invalidated and cause lasting harm.
If you’re not trained in sex therapy, don’t try to “wing it.” It’s not fair to your clients—and frankly, it’s not fair to you as a professional, either.
The Importance of High-Quality Training in Sex Therapy
So, how do you avoid these pitfalls? The answer lies in high-quality training. Here’s what that should look like:
1.Foundational Knowledge
A solid foundation in human sexuality is non-negotiable. This includes understanding sexual anatomy, physiology, the sexual response cycle (like Rosemary Basson’s work on responsive desire), and the wide range of sexual and relational dynamics clients may present with.
2.Bias Awareness and Personal Work
Training in sex therapy isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s also about doing your own work. What are your implicit biases? What are your personal hang-ups about sex? High-quality training includes space for reflection so that you can show up for your clients without judgment.
3.Evidence-Based Approaches
As sex therapists, we use tools like Sensate Focus, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Interventions. Quality training ensures you’re equipped with evidence-based techniques rather than relying on myths or pop psychology.
4.Supervision and Mentorship
Learning doesn’t stop when the course ends. Supervision with a skilled sex therapist is critical for refining your skills, navigating complex cases, and ensuring that you’re providing ethical, effective care.
How to Become a Sex Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re serious about becoming a sex therapist, here’s how to get started:
1. Start with a Strong Foundation
Before specializing in sex therapy, you need to be a competent generalist. Complete your training as a therapist (e.g., clinical psychology, social work, psychotherapy) and build experience addressing mental health and relational issues. Sexual concerns rarely exist in isolation, so you need to understand the broader context of your clients’ lives.
2. Pursue Specialized Training
Look for programs like the University of Guelph’s Sexuality Studies courses or organizations like AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) or BESTCO (Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling in Ontario). These programs provide comprehensive training in human sexuality and sex therapy interventions.
3. Seek Supervision
This is where I come in. At The Tri Health Clinic, we offer supervision and in-house training for therapists looking to hone their skills. Our model emphasizes high-quality care, integrating evidence-based practices, and ensuring that therapists are well-equipped to handle complex sexual health concerns.
4. Learn to Be a Generalist Specialist
What does this mean? It means understanding that sexual concerns are tied to every facet of mental and physical health. Depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, relationship stress—all of these can manifest as sexual dysfunction. To be an effective sex therapist, you need to address the whole person, not just their sexual symptoms.
Why Sex Therapy Is a Specialty, Not a Side Hustle
You’ve probably seen therapists list “sex therapy” among a laundry list of specialties. And while it’s possible to have multiple areas of expertise, true sex therapy requires deep, specialized training. It’s not something you can tack on to your practice after a weekend workshop.
At The Tri Health Clinic, we believe in doing things differently. Our therapists are specialists—not dabblers. We invest in ongoing education, evidence-based practices, and supervision to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality care. If you’re a therapist who wants to take your skills to the next level, we’d love to help you get there.
Why Join The Tri Health Clinic?
If you’re serious about becoming a sex therapist, or if you’re already a highly skilled therapist looking to deepen your expertise, The Tri Health Clinic is the place to be. We offer:
- In-House Training: Learn from some of the most skilled clinicians in the field.
- Supervision with Experts: Refine your skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
- A Supportive Community: Join a team of like-minded therapists committed to excellence.
Let’s Elevate the Field of Sex Therapy Together
Sex therapy is a growing, essential specialty—but only when done right. If you’re ready to invest in your career, serve your clients at the highest level, and set yourself apart in a saturated market, let’s connect. Whether through one-on-one training, supervision, or joining our team, we’ll help you become the therapist your clients deserve.
by jennbossio | Dec 11, 2024 | Consultation, Medicine, Sexual Health, Training
Sexual health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it remains a subject often shrouded in silence within healthcare settings. This blog aims to shed light on the importance of breaking down these barriers and creating spaces for open, honest discussions about sexual health. By doing so, we empower both healthcare providers and patients to address concerns, seek appropriate care, and ultimately lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
The Impact of Taboos on Sexual Health:
Taboos surrounding sexual health can have far-reaching consequences. Patients may hesitate to share important information with their healthcare providers, leading to misdiagnoses or inadequate treatment plans. Providers, on the other hand, may feel unprepared or uncomfortable addressing sexual health concerns, potentially overlooking crucial aspects of a patient’s well-being.
My Goal is to Tear Down Sexual Myths:
In the realm of sexual health, breaking down taboos is my forte. With a career dedicated to this cause, I’ve pioneered research and clinical interventions that illuminate the path towards a healthier, more fulfilling sexual life. A cornerstone of my work revolves around post-prostate cancer treatment, an area where I’ve crafted inventive cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based treatment manuals. Through these innovative approaches, we’ve shattered preconceived notions, proving that post-treatment, not only can intimacy endure, but it can thrive. This is at the core of my practice – liberating individuals and couples from restrictive notions of how sex “should” be. By embracing a more holistic, experience-driven approach, we unlock a world of pleasure and connection. It’s not about performance, it’s about relishing the moment.
The Role of Healthcare Providers:
Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in fostering open dialogues about sexual health. By actively seeking training and resources, providers can equip themselves with the knowledge and confidence needed to broach these sensitive subjects. Creating a safe, non-judgmental environment allows patients to express their concerns and questions without fear, leading to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
In today’s diverse and ever-evolving society, it is crucial for healthcare providers to address sexual health in a comprehensive and compassionate manner. Many individuals face unique challenges and experiences related to their sexual health, and it is the responsibility of medical professionals to ensure that they receive appropriate care and support.
When healthcare providers take the initiative to further their understanding of sexual health, they are better equipped to recognize and address a wide range of issues. Training programs and resources can provide valuable insights into various sexual health conditions, behaviors, and practices, helping providers to better comprehend and validate their patients’ concerns. With this knowledge, providers can offer relevant advice, treatment options, and preventative measures tailored to each individual’s needs.
Moreover, by creating a safe and non-judgmental environment, healthcare professionals can help patients overcome any hesitations or reservations they may have about discussing sensitive topics. Patients need to feel comfortable when discussing their sexual health concerns, as this is crucial to accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. When patients feel safe, they are more likely to openly communicate their symptoms and experiences, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions and provide appropriate care.
By fostering open dialogues about sexual health, healthcare providers contribute to a more inclusive healthcare system. Patients from all backgrounds, orientations, and gender identities deserve equal access to healthcare services and support. Addressing sexual health issues with sensitivity and empathy helps break down barriers and eliminates the stigma that can surround these topics. It allows patients to feel understood and valued, enhancing their overall experience and improving the quality of care they receive.
Tips for Healthcare Providers:
- Education and Training: Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in sexual health. Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences dedicated to this field.
- Initiate the Conversation: Incorporate questions about sexual health into routine assessments. Use inclusive language to signal that this topic is welcomed and valued.
- Active Listening: Pay close attention to patients’ concerns, and validate their experiences. This builds trust and encourages open communication.
- Provide Resources: Offer educational materials, reputable websites, or referrals to specialists who can provide further support and information.
- Normalize Discussions: Communicate that discussing sexual health is a standard part of comprehensive healthcare. This helps reduce stigma and encourages patients to be more forthcoming.
In Conclusion:
Breaking free from the taboos surrounding sexual health is a crucial step towards holistic healthcare. Over the course of my career, I have worked to exemplify the positive impact that can be achieved when open dialogues are fostered. I work closely with therapists, physicians, nurses, and other health care providers to feel better equipped to do just this: Talk with their patients about the importance of sex! And not just the bad parts of sex, like STIs and birth control, but the fun parts too. Intimacy, desire, arousal, and sexual function are all critical elements of living a good, healthy, fulfilling life. Who else will talk with our patients about it, if not us, as members of their healthcare teams?
By embracing this paradigm shift, healthcare providers can play a vital role in enhancing the well-being and overall quality of life for their patients. Together, we can create a healthcare landscape where sexual health is recognized, valued, and prioritized.
Contact me today if you would like to learn more.
by jennbossio | Nov 1, 2024 | Consultation, Sexual Health, Therapy, Training
As a clinical psychologist specializing in sex and couples therapy, I’ve seen firsthand how essential thorough assessments are in guiding treatment and achieving successful outcomes. When clients come to us, often grappling with sexual dysfunction or relationship difficulties, there is a natural inclination to focus solely on these immediate concerns. However, without a comprehensive assessment, we might miss underlying mental health issues that profoundly impact their intimate lives and relationships.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
One of the most important aspects of my work is to look beyond the presenting problems. Many times, clients may be struggling with conditions like depression or PTSD, which can significantly affect their sexual health and relationship satisfaction. It’s not uncommon for someone dealing with a mental illness to experience decreased libido, difficulties with arousal, or challenges in maintaining an emotional connection with their partner.
When clients are unaware of these underlying issues, they might feel frustrated that their efforts in couples therapy are not yielding the desired results. “I went to couples therapy for so long, but things haven’t gotten better! We must truly be doomed,” is a sentiment I’ve heard too often. This frustration can lead to a sense of hopelessness, which is why a thorough initial assessment is vital.
The Importance of Diagnosing Mental Health Conditions
Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to effective treatment. In my practice, I’ve diagnosed individuals with depression or PTSD, and recommended pausing couples therapy to prioritize personal therapy. However, the reaction is often one of disbelief: “You think THIS is depression? This is nothing! ” This reluctance to acknowledge and address their mental health can prevent clients from making the progress they seek in their relationships and sexual lives.
Depression, for instance, is not just about feeling sad. It can manifest as irritability, lack of motivation, and disinterest in previously enjoyed activities, including sex. PTSD can lead to emotional numbness, avoidance behaviors, and hypervigilance, all of which can severely disrupt intimacy and connection with a partner. Addressing these conditions head-on is crucial before, or in tandem with, focusing on sexual and relational issues.
A Bio-Psycho-Social Approach
Assessment is the cornerstone of effective therapy. By identifying and addressing mental health issues early on, we can tailor our therapeutic approach to better meet the needs of our clients. This might mean integrating individual therapy with couples therapy or coordinating care with other healthcare providers to ensure that clients receive comprehensive support.
In practice, this approach has shown me that when clients begin to manage their mental health effectively, improvements in their sex lives and relationships often follow. They start to see the connection between their internal experiences and their external interactions, leading to more sustainable changes.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on my journey as a psychologist who sees clients and who trains other therapists, I realize how vital it is to advocate for a deeper understanding of mental health within the realm of sex and couples therapy. Mental health stigma not only hinders individual well-being but also impedes the potential for fulfilling and healthy relationships. By fostering a compassionate, open, and non-judgmental space, we can encourage clients to acknowledge and address their mental health needs.
At the Tri Health Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves a fulfilling and healthy sex life and relationship. But achieving this often requires us to look beyond the surface and understand the deeper issues at play. Comprehensive assessments are not just a procedural step; they are a compassionate approach to ensure that our clients receive the most effective and holistic care possible.
A Call to Action
For mental health professionals and clients alike, recognizing the importance of mental health in sex and couples therapy can lead to more effective and satisfying outcomes. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, don’t hesitate to seek a thorough assessment and comprehensive treatment. Prioritizing mental health is the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling intimate life.
Let’s continue to break the stigma and foster an environment where mental health is addressed openly and compassionately, paving the way for better relationships and overall well-being.
by jennbossio | Oct 1, 2024 | Consultation, Medicine, Sexual Health, Therapy, Training, Uncategorized
Six years. Wow. Looking back at when I first opened The Tri Health Clinic in 2018, I’m honestly overwhelmed with a mix of pride, gratitude, and excitement for what’s still to come.
It all started when I returned to Ontario after a few intense, transformative years in British Columbia. There, I had the absolute privilege of working with Dr. Lori Brotto and Dr. Rosemary Basson—two giants in the field of sex therapy. Their pioneering work, especially on the sexual response cycle, deeply shaped how I view sexual health, how I practice therapy, and how I train my clinicians today.
When I hired Tri Health’s first clinician, it felt like a huge leap. It wasn’t just about growing from being a solo practitioner to becoming a team—it was about creating a collective that would tackle sexual health in a way that hadn’t really been done before. Our goal was (and still is!) to remove the shame, the stigma, and the loneliness that so many people feel when it comes to their sex lives. We wanted to build a clinic that put evidence-based care at the forefront, and a place where people across Ontario could get the help they need.
By 2019, the clinic grew, and we needed more space. Moving into a larger office with four offices felt like a dream come true—but it didn’t stop there. Today, we’ve got six offices and a team of 15 clinicians, all working together to provide the best damn care we can. We’ve helped over a thousand people, and it’s surreal to think about the ripple effect that has on people’s lives. Sex and intimacy are often such isolating struggles, but every day, we get to remind people: you are not alone.
Looking ahead, our mission is clear. We want to keep growing, but not just for the sake of growth. We want to reach more people, help more individuals and couples, and most importantly, educate more medical professionals about how crucial sexual health is to overall well-being. We want to make sex therapy—and talking about sex—a normal part of healthcare in Ontario. Because sex is a part of life. It’s something we all deserve to feel good about.
The next six years? We’re just getting started.
We’re building something that, I hope, will make a lasting difference in this province. We’re not just a clinic; we’re becoming the go-to place for anyone in Ontario who needs support with sex or relationship issues. And I’m so damn excited for what’s to come.
Here’s to many more years of growth, learning, and—above all—helping people rediscover joy, connection, and pleasure in their intimate lives.
With gratitude,
– Jenn
