A Sexologist Vs Sex Therapist

The question is frequently asked – What is a Sexologist? What qualifications do you need to be a Sexologist? There is further confusion between what differentiates a Sexologist to that of a Sex Therapist. The following synopsis aims to clarify these differences.   

Sexology/Sexologist

Sexology is the general term for the scientific study of human sexuality and sexual behaviour. The people who study this field, are generally referred to as Sexologists.

Some people think Sexologists and sex therapists are one and the same. There is a difference with reference to Sexologists who choose to pursue a career as a sex therapist by working directly with patients in a clinical setting, whilst others may explore careers such as researching sexual behaviour, or sexual health.

Additionally, these persons may choose to become a sex educator helping in expanding sexual knowledge in the general public domain, or a medical doctor specialising in sexual health and treating diseases associated with sexual behaviour, like sexually transmitted infections and other physical symptoms.

Lastly another group of individuals working in Sexology are able to act as public policy activists regarding sexually related issues, such as legalising prostitution, LGBTQI&A rights and building on the general rights of marginalised individuals allowing everyone to have fulfilling sexual relationships.

How do you become a Sexologist?

A small number of Universities in the world offer degrees in sexology, or human sexuality at undergraduate and post graduate levels. It is common that people who do choose to pursue the academic process to become Sexologists, have
educational backgrounds in disciplines such as sociology, psychology, biology, medicine, public health (nursing) or anthropology.

Sexologists generally have a master’s or doctoral degree, although some individuals have another type of advanced professional degree. Although a board certification is not required to call yourself a Sexologist, many students in this field seek credentials from professional organisations such as the American Board for Sexology, or the International Society for Sexual Medicine.

To be certified, you typically need to show a relevant advanced academic degree, relevant work experience in the field and completion of a certain number of training hours. These requirements however may vary based on the certification.

Sex Therapist

Sexologists who are also sex therapists work with clients, either individually or as a couple, to improve and address problems and aspects contributing to distress in their sexual functioning. This might include sexual education for couples who may experience problems such as mismatched libidos, difficulties reaching fulfilling orgasms, sexless relationships, sexual trauma
and other issues specific to personal problems regarding sexual identity and problematic sexual behaviour like pornography addiction.

Sex therapists should have specific qualifications such as an advanced degree in either psychology, psychotherapy or counseling, and specific courses in sex therapy training and clinical experience. Unfortunately, these terms are not currently regulated, so anyone is able to call themselves a Sexologist or a sex therapist. It is good practice when you are looking for
someone to help you in this area, to check their qualifications first.

Do not expect any physical contact during a sex therapy session with a Sexologist!

People sometimes think that a sexologist would do ‘hands-on’ work. This would be regarded as unethical conduct within the profession and is defined as such by the professional boards situated under the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA). An HPCSA registered practitioner can be charged by the HPCSA, in the event of unprofessional behaviour. Therefore it is rather a matter of “All talk, No action”.

This would clearly differ from being a sex surrogate, which is a different profession all together by involving actual sexual contact with clients.
Thus, if you are in need of, or you are interested in consulting with a certified Sexologist or professional sex therapist, the SASHA website would be able to direct you to a list of professionally qualified Sexologists and sex therapists in South Africa.

Author

Dr Eugene Viljoen (Past President of SASHA)

Clinical Psychologist
B.Sc. Hons. (Physiol. & Bioch.)
B.Sc. Hons. (Psych.); M.Sc. (Clin. Psych.)
Dipl Aviation Psych & Physiol. (USA) Ph.D
ISSM/EFS Certified Clinical Sexologist (European Federation for Sexology)

Email: drviljoen@mweb.co.za
Phone: 012 346 4760
Website: www.eugeneviljoen.co.za