Sex Therapist vs Sexologist: What’s the Difference and Who Can Help?

Struggling with sexual dissatisfaction, intimacy issues, or relationship concerns? If you've been looking for someone to help with intimacy, pleasure, or sexual wellbeing — maybe wondering whether you need a sex therapist, a sexologist, or something else entirely — you're not alone. It can be confusing to figure out who does what and which kind of support is right for you. This blog explains the difference between a sex therapist and a sexologist, what they do, and how to find the right professional near you to support your sexual wellbeing and relationships.

TL;DR

  • The terms sex therapist and sexologist are unregulated and therefore can mean different things.

  • Sex therapists are usually trained to treat sexual concerns within the context of psychology.

  • Sexologists are usually broadly trained in the science of human sexuality and may or may not offer therapy or clinical services.

  • Sex can reduce stress and support mental health — when it's consensual, connected, and fulfilling.

  • Support is available across Australia via telehealth with the qualified sex therapists, relationship counsellors, and intimacy coaches at Equilibrium psychology

  • A sex therapist will NOT watch you have sex and there are no props involved but you may be asked to try exercises or activities at home

What Is a Sex Therapist?

A sex therapist is usually a psychologist, counsellor, or clinical social worker — with additional training in psychosexual therapy (aka sex therapy) and sexual health. Many people think that seeing a sex therapist will be awkward, uncomfortable or embarrassing - but it's not. Sex therapists are people very comfortable talking about sex.

All Equilibrium sex therapists are fully qualified Clinical Psychologists and Clinical Psychology Registrars registered with AHPRA with special interest, training and supervision in sex therapy.

Sex therapists support individuals or partners dealing with issues such as:

  • Lack of desire or libido

  • Lack of arousal

  • Difficulty having an orgasm (anorgasmia).

  • Pain during sex (dyspareunia), such as from vaginismus.

  • Difficulty getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction).

  • Premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation or other ejaculation issues

Sex therapists can also help you work through challenges such as:

  • Sex education and correcting miseducation.

  • Sexual trauma.

  • Feelings of anxiety, fear or shame related to sex.

  • Issues around cultural, religious and societal views of sex.

  • Improving communication about sex and intimacy between you and your partner(s).

  • Mismatched sexual desire between partners.

  • Relationship issues stemming from sexual difficulties.

  • Poor body image and its relation to sex.

  • Coping with and living with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

  • Hypersexual disorder (sexual compulsion or addiction).

  • Pornography addiction.

  • Performance anxiety

  • Sexual identity and gender identity confusion

Equilibrium sex therapists base their sex therapy on evidence-based modalities like CBT, and ACT. This makes them ideal for addressing psychological, emotional, and relational roots of sexual difficulties.

What Is a Sexologist?

Although many people use the term sexologist and sex therapist interchangeably, technically a sexologist is someone who studies or teaches about sex and human sexuality.

They may work in a range of areas, including:

  • Sexual health education

  • Relationship and intimacy coaching

  • Sexuality research, policy and advocacy

  • Counselling or therapy (if they hold the relevant qualifications)

The key difference? In Australia, the title sexologist is not legally regulated and refers to a broader scope of practice. Some sexologists might be trained in counselling or therapy, but others may focus on coaching, education, or advocacy. Always check the qualifications of the person you intend on seeing.

What Do Sex Therapists Do?

They help clients improve their sexual functioning, communication, and confidence in a talk therapy context.

It's important to know that sex therapists don't treat physical or medical conditions that affect sex, such as low testosterone, for example. You may need to see a primary healthcare provider, gynaecologist or urologist for any sexual function issues first to see if there are any underlying physical causes.

Sessions may involve:

  • Normalising concerns and providing education

  • Exploring personal and cultural beliefs about sex

  • Rebuilding trust and communication between partners

  • Addressing performance pressure or anxiety

  • Healing shame around desire, orientation, or history

A female sex therapist may be requested for comfort or cultural reasons. At Equilibrium Psychology, we respect your preferences and match you accordingly.

Will a sex therapist watch me have sex?

No, you will not have sex or be watched having sex in a therapy session.

Are there props involved?

No, generally sex therapy is a talking therapy only. Occasionally you might be shown a diagram (e.g. of genitalia or particular sex therapy props such as vaginal dilators) for educational purposes if necessary.

Can I only see a sex therapist in person?

Sex therapy can occur in person or online depending on your preference, location and comfort level. Being in your own space, in your comfy clothes, can help you feel safe and open. However, some people have privacy concerns regarding virtual meetings, or find it easier to reflect with a person physically in the room.

Do you get homework?

In order to help you overcome your difficulties you will usually be assigned homework. This could be reading tasks or activities to try including: a sex menu with various activities to try with your partner and figure out what you're into; massage techniques; specific masturbation practice; communication practice; mindfulness and senate focus tasks.

'Psychosexual Therapy' and Relationship Counselling

Psychosexual therapy aka Sex Therapy is a specialised form of talk therapy that treats sexual dysfunctions and intimacy concerns using psychological strategies.

It's often integrated with broader relationship counselling, especially when sexual issues arise within couples.

The professionals that provide psychosexual therapy (sex therapy) go by many names as it is an unregulated industry- this means there is no minimum educational or professional criteria you need to meet to call yourself a sex therapist. The names sex therapists may go by include: sexologist; sex relationship therapist; sexuality counselor; or intimacy therapist. Sex therapy can also be called relationship and sex counselling or couples intimacy counselling. These terms are all largely interchangeable and mean the same thing as they all reflect the desire for both emotional and sexual support in relationships.

Can Sex Relieve Stress?

Yes — when it's safe, satisfying, and consensual, sex can relieve stress by releasing feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins.

  • Consensual sex may:

  • Lower blood pressure

  • Reduce cortisol levels

  • Improve sleep

  • Enhance mood and emotional bonding

But if sex becomes compulsive, disconnected, or shame-based, it may increase stress and create avoidance or anxiety. Therapy can help unpack this.

Why Is Sex Important for Mental Health?

Sexual connection is deeply linked to:

  • Emotional intimacy

  • Confidence and self-worth

  • Nervous system regulation

  • Relationship satisfaction

Unaddressed sexual issues can contribute to depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and even conflict avoidance in relationships. A sex therapist can support healing.

Do I Need a Sex Therapist or a Sexologist?

These terms are largely interchangeable so it is more important that you check the credentials, training and experience of whatever therapist you choose. You also need to make sure they have worked with the types of issues you are struggling with.

Equilibrium psychologists can offer you sex therapy, education and coaching around most commonly occurring sexual difficulties.

Looking for a Sex Therapist in Australia?

At Equilibrium Psychology in Sydney, many of sex therapy clinicians are trained in:

  • Psychosexual therapy

  • Trauma-informed approaches

  • Relationship counselling

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) based sex therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) based sex therapy

We work with individuals and couples navigating sexual shame, anxiety, trauma, or relational disconnection.

Why Choose Equilibrium Psychology?

  • Convenient Sydney CBD location (3 mins from Wynyard Station)

  • Highly qualified and Registered Clinical Psychologists

  • LGBTQIA+ inclusive and sex-positive

  • Evidence-based and trauma-informed

  • Medicare rebates available

  • Telehealth sessions offered Australia-wide

Next Steps

Curious about what a sex therapist does, or if it's right for you?

👉 Send a confidential online enquiry

📞 Or call our friendly team on (02) 92626156 to find a therapist that fits your needs


Last updated: August 2025


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Gemille Cribb