Sexologist

What is a∙e sexologist?

A sexologist is a professional whose expertise concerns the field of human sexuality in its entirety. Furthermorea sexologist must be registered on the Board of the Ordre des sexologues du Québec to use this title (OPSQ). ThenIt is important to know that there are two types of sexologists: sexologist in a helping relationship and clinical sexologist or psychotherapist.

Sexologist in a helping relationship

First and foremost, the helping sex therapist is a∙e professional∙le who holds a bachelor’s degree in sexology as well asa permit issued by the Ordre des sexologues du Québec (OPSQ).

It is important to know that thea relation d’aide ou intervention de soutien est une aide qui vise à faire face aux difficultés courantes de la vie de la personne ainsi qu’à améliorer sa santé sexuelle. It also aims to achieve greater well-being in daily life. Then thehe helping sexologist is trained∙e to perform an assessment of sexual behavior and development. Indeed, this assessment consists of establishing an overall portrait of the difficulty in order to build an intervention plan including realistic objectives or also to determine if a recommendation is necessary.

Clinical sexologist or psychotherapist

As for the clinical sexologist, he/she holds a clinical master’s degree in sexology and, of course, a license issued by the Ordre des sexologues du Québec (OPSQ). The clinical sexologist∙ne can be certified to do the assessment of sexual disorders, also known as sexual dysfunction. It is interesting to know that he/she can also hold a permit in psychotherapy provided by the Order of Psychologists of Quebec (OPQ).

Certainly, this authorizes him to simultaneously bear the title of psychotherapist. Psychotherapy is a psychological treatment that aims to promote significant changes in a person’s cognitive, emotional or behavioural functioning, interpersonal system, personality or health status. So this treatment goes beyond help with everyday difficulties or an advice and support report, or the helping relationship.

It is possible to consult a sexologist for various problems.

Difficulties related to sexual development, such as:

• Difficulty with sexual desire
• Sexual Compulsion
• Erectile dysfunction
• Disgust or discomfort with sexuality
• Difficulty with ejaculation
• Pain on penetration
• Difficulty related to orgasm
• Addiction to pornography
• Exhibitionism and voyeurism
• Fetishism
• Fantasy or erotic universe
• Sexual violence
• Gender identity and sexual orientation
• Etc.

Emotional and relationship difficulties, such as:

• Difficulties related to intimacy
• Difficulties in love
• Communication problems
• Emotional dependence
• Excessive jealousy
• Self-confidence or self-esteem
• Body image
• Extra-marital relationships
• Domestic violence
• Stress management
• Performance anxiety
• Repetition of inappropriate relationship patterns or behaviors
• Separation, divorce and bereavement
• Etc.

Health-related challenges, such as:

• Pregnancy and infertility
• Abortion and miscarriage
• Menopause and andropause
• Sexual and blood-borne infections
• Difficulties gynecological or urological
• Disabilities
• Impact of certain diseases (heart attack, cancer, diabetes, etc.)
• Etc.

How do meetings with a sexologist take place?

The first and possibly the second meeting allow for an assessment of sexual behaviors and development. This allows us to adequately target the person’s needs and expectations in order to orient them towards an intervention plan or recommendations. The sexologist may need to refer to another professional∙e. The following meeting allows us to set realistic objectives with the person and to begin the process of helping them. This takes place in the respect of the rhythm of the person as well as in the listening, the benevolence and the non-judgment. A∙e sexologist may work with individuals, couples, families, groups or communities. Meetings can be spread over a short period of time or several months.

Other services that may be offered by a∙e sexologist include:

• Conferences and training
• Personal Growth Workshops
• Sexuality Education
• Sex-legal expertise
• Scientific research
• Clinical supervision