First sex therapy session: what can I expect?
Discover what happens during a first sex therapy session:
framework, follow-up and tools to move towards well-being.
Did you know that the process of change begins even before we meet?
You book your first appointment, and something is already set in motion, whether you’re fully aware of it or not yet.I invite you to consider the therapeutic space, whether physical or virtual, as a collaboration, a joint investigation, where we are together exploring the situation that brings you here.
As we explore your story, initial insights and connections will emerge. From the very first session, I always provide elements for understanding, avenues for reflection, and concepts of psychosexual education.At the end of the session, I will suggest exercises and media resources for you to explore before our next meeting, and we will discuss the initial steps to take for the continuation of our work together, which we will continue to explore as our investigation unfolds.
Generally, a second appointment takes place 2 to 4 weeks later. After a few sessions and once the initial changes are noticeable, we can space the sessions out to 6-8 weeks or more, depending on your pace, needs, desires, and, unfortunately… your budget*.*In terms of budget, I offer you my skills, tools, and energy to support you in achieving your goals. Your involvement is just as essential: it’s what makes the process so effective and allows for faster, and therefore more economical, progress on all levels.
This framework is a guideline. I will suggest areas of focus, the tools that seem most appropriate, a recommended frequency, and together we will tailor the therapy to suit your specific needs.
*Sexology/sex therapy consultations are unfortunately not covered by our current healthcare system. They are tax-deductible, and I will send a summary invoice of the sessions at the end of the year upon request.
We love to learn.
We love what we’ve learned.
We take care of what we love.
- What happens during the first sex therapy session ?
You explain the situation to me, I take notes, and then present them to you in a coherent table. We explore the past, what’s causing problems in the present, and your hopes for the future. You don’t need to be structured in your explanation of the situation; you can wander, go off on tangents, I’ll follow along and organize the information. I’ll ask you more specific questions to ensure I understand you as fully as possible, share hypotheses, and help you delve deeper into your thoughts and feelings about what brought you to therapy. In this way, we map out your situation and will continue this work in each subsequent session. - How long does the first sex therapy session last?
Each session lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. - What should I prepare before my first sex therapy session?
You can bring something to take notes with; it’s always useful for referring back to concepts covered, exercise instructions, or for sharing them with your partner if necessary. - How many sessions are needed after the first sex therapy session?
The number of sessions required varies depending on the situation that led you to seek help, your goals, your motivation, and your involvement in the process. A single session can be impactful enough to be sufficient, but it’s more common for 3 to 20 sessions to be necessary. At the beginning of the process, sessions are scheduled approximately every 2 to 4 weeks. Once the first changes are noticeable, we will gradually space the sessions out by mutual agreement to about 6 to 8 weeks. Then we can agree on a session every 3 months, then 6 months, and finally annually, with the aim of fostering independence in a safe environment and ensuring that the changes are consolidated—perhaps even to the point where you forget why you came to see me in the first place. Can I stop at any time?
You are, of course, completely free and in control of the frequency of sessions and the duration of therapy. We regularly review the process and redefine the focus areas as needed. It is always beneficial to conclude the process with a final session that allows us to take stock, consolidate learning and resources, and highlight future areas of concern to ensure the sustainability of your progress.
Some people appreciate having once a year a sex therapy consultation to have a check-up of their sexual health, much like a check-up at the medical doctor’s office.
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