What the Heck is Sex Coaching? Part Two

WRITTEN BY RACHAEL LINDBERG, M.S., LPC, SXI

PSYCHOTHERAPIST & BOARD CERTIFIED SEXOLOGIST

Last year, I wrote a blog called “What the Heck is Sex Coaching?” introducing a form of coaching that addresses sexual health and relationship concerns. As a clinical certified sexologist, I wanted to reintroduce the sex coaching services that Heights Family Counseling has to offer. As a reminder, the sex coach does not engage in sexual intercourse or intimate contact with clients. Professionalism is as high of a priority in sex coaching as it is with other medical and mental health services. Sex coaching addresses concerns such as difficulties with orgasm, emotional or sexual intimacy, painful sex, erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, relationship conflicts, body image, sex education, and kinks/fetishes. Depending on the presenting concern, sex coaching can be provided for individuals and couples. The limits of confidentiality and principles of HIPAA are the same as it applies to individual or couples therapy. 

 

As a sex coach, I utilize the PLISSIT model, which was created by Jack Annon as a modality for sex therapy. PLISSIT stands for:

  • Permission- Receiving permission from your coach, therapist, partner, or self (most important!) to embrace your sexuality and desires. Permission is often the first step in sex coaching as the coach provides a nonjudgmental, empowering space to promote exploring and improving sexuality.

  • Limited Information- Educating clients about anatomy, sexual health, and the process of sex coaching or sex therapy through a variety of modalities, coaching, support groups, websites, podcasts, or books. 

  • Specific Suggestions- Directed interventions, exercises, and activities that can be used as home assignments either solo or with a partner(s) to encourage exploration and practice newly learned skills. 

  • Intensive Therapy- Referring clients to other health professionals such as a psychiatrist, mental health therapist, or pelvic floor therapist. Sex coaches who are also licensed mental health professionals may transition into that role if deemed appropriate. 

 

Sex coaching can be brief and solution-focused or longer depending on the presenting concern and treatment needs. Some clients find it helpful to go in once for a single consultation to seek information regarding the best sex toy for stimulating the G-spot or for guidance on having a developmentally-appropriate sex talk with their teen. When working with a sex coach, interventions can vary widely depending on the presenting concern. Sex coaching places emphasis on present functioning by utilizing solution-oriented strategies to solve a specific concern. Mental health disorders or past trauma are assessed and a referral is made to a sex therapist or a licensed mental health professional to address those concerns. Physical or medical conditions will be referred to a PCP and/or pelvic floor therapist for an evaluation. Interventions can include but are not limited to: social skills coaching, communication and negotiation skills training, sensual touch exercises, orgasm training, psychoeducation regarding body anatomy and sexual health, exploring a Yes, No, Maybe list, and creatively discovering strategies for arousal and intimacy with a partner(s). 

 

Sexual health concerns do not always require ongoing treatment or counseling. As a board-certified sexologist, I now offer a three-part consultation in the hopes of encouraging individuals and couples to seek education and interventions for sexual health concerns. Sex coaching consultations include: (1) an intake, (2) a consultation session in which I provide education and research-based interventions, and (3) a follow-up session to discuss any improvements or barriers to implementing change. Additional sessions can be provided upon request. Referrals to additional mental health providers for either individual or couples counseling may be recommended depending on the frequency or severity of the concerns since sex coaching does not adequately address symptoms or conditions that may require mental health treatment. 

 

Consider Couples or Sex Therapy/Coaching:

If you are looking for couples or sex therapy/coaching to promote a healthy relationship,  a skilled therapist can help with these goals. At Heights Family Counseling, we offer online and in-person counseling. 

 

Begin Counseling in Houston, TX or San Antonio, TX: 

Our team of skilled therapists is passionate about helping you build the life you want. We are value-driven and help people navigate life to make sense of their stories. Together, we ensure they are creating meaning and purpose in their lives. We would love to work with you. Follow these steps to begin counseling in Houston, TX & San Antonio, TX, or online therapy in Texas:

1. Contact our counseling clinic to set up a free phone consultation

2. Meet with one of our  therapists

3. Begin sex therapy/coaching to help strengthen your relationship

 

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