How To Be A Sexologist? Indications, Training And Advice

Sexology is the science that studies sexual behavior in its broad sense of the word. There are many people who, interested in this science, wonder where to study, what requirements are necessary to access this profession and even what are the functions performed by a sexologist.

This article is just about that, about how to be a sexologist and what basic information must be taken into account when considering this professional career.

What are the areas of Sexology?

Sexology is made up of three fundamental areas The first has to do with education where, through educational projects, objectives and content of general interest are worked on with different populations (youth, seniors, disabled people, etc.), and contexts: schools, institutes, training centers. older, among others.

The second area is the clinic which addresses not only sexual dysfunctions in patients (rapid ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia, etc.), but also relationship problems and any other sexual difficulties.

Finally, the third pillar of sexology and the one least addressed by professionals, is sexological research which is the one that nourishes the previous two with scientific knowledge.

Is sexology a specialty of psychology, medicine or other disciplines?

Over the last few years, sexology has been closely linked to psychology and more specifically to its clinical area being another topic to be covered in many master’s degrees in clinical psychology.

However, the independence of sexology from other disciplines is as indisputable as its multidisciplinary nature, which means that this science is comprised not only of psychologists but also of educators, social workers, doctors and other health professionals.

What functions does this professional perform?

Training in sexology is an opportunity for many professionals due to the specificity of the discipline. The functions of a sexologist are summarized as follows:

Thus, the scope of action of sexologists is very broad, given that sexuality has various facets and all of them have great importance in society and in people’s private lives. For example, we can distinguish between three main areas: research, intervention and education. In all of them, furthermore, psychology has a relevant role linked to both sexual physiological processes and the generation of a self-concept from experiences of this type.

What degree do you need to obtain to be a sexologist?

In no country in the world is sexology officially recognized as a discipline like psychology, medicine or nursing, among others, with the exception of Canada, where it exists as a university degree. In this sense, we find in most cases the absence of official requirements and itineraries that leads a person to develop the skills attributed to the sexology professional, the sexologist, although there are recommendations.

These recommendations come from the hand of Undertake specialized training in sexology, as an expert or master’s degree Thus, we can opt for two training routes, the university, choosing one of the numerous universities that offer training of this type, or the private route, normally entities (psychology and sexology centers) that have professionals who act as teachers who manage different sexological projects in the educational and clinical field.

It is important to note that it is indifferent to undergo training of this type at a university or in a private entity to practice as a sexologist, since the absence of regulations in this regard does not make it necessary to choose one or the other option.

However, if the motivation is to obtain training that allows us to have a good base from which to begin practicing at a lower price than that normally offered by the university route, whose rates are increasingly higher compared to the private route, We could choose one of the many sexological centers that offer an expert or master’s degree of this type.

Like is logic, Each university, sexological center or academy will establish the contents to work on by the student, it being essential to choose that training that includes a sufficient syllabus that addresses the two most relevant branches of sexology, educational and clinical. An example is the content covered by Psychological Training in its master’s degree in sexology at its two levels: expert in sexology and specialist in sexual therapy.

It is important when choosing training, to opt for one that allows you to obtain the necessary skills to perform the functions as sexologists, both on an educational level (Sexual Education projects) and on a clinical level (consultations).

A recommendation: Professional Master in Sexology and Couples Therapy

In Murcia, Instituto de la Pareja carries out an interesting training program to specialize in Sexology from the path of psychological intervention: the Professional Master in Sexology and Couples Therapy. Thus, this Master also trains students in couples therapy, one of the facets of psychologists’ activity that most often go hand in hand with sexual problems.

This is a 10-month training and professionalization program, consisting of 60 ECTS credits and 600 practical hours, to learn the theoretical and practical foundations of sexology. In addition, all its teaching staff come from the world of sex therapy, medicine, psychotherapy, and sciences related to this field.

Among its contents there are topics as interesting and important as the treatment of paraphilias and sex addiction, sexual education the components of love in a couple, jealousy and insecurities, the exercises to use in sexual therapy, etc.

Conclusion: how to be a sexologist?

In summary, We are talking about a relatively new science, which is not subject to regulations some, something that allows access by practically any interested person who undergoes advanced training with a minimum quality that allows them to acquire the necessary tools to address cases or projects related to the subject.

Each student who wants to train in this specialization, however, has the responsibility of training in a way that allows them to provide a service of the highest quality.