The 4 Types Of Sexologists (and Their Main Functions)
Sexology is a relatively recent discipline, which is still trying to establish itself properly as scientific knowledge within the branches of health. Many sexologists come from other disciplines, especially psychology, medicine, and other health professions.
Although in essence all sexologists have the same skills, it should be said that, depending on the university degree they have completed, they will have a more organicist or more psychological vision of sexuality, its physiological and mental processes involved.
Next Let’s discover what the main types of sexologists are in addition to highlighting the main characteristics of sexology as a discipline, what it is responsible for and how it can help.
Although there is no standard classification of the main types of sexologists, we can differentiate between them based on the specific field they work in when they carry out their therapy. Likewise, to further understand the types of sexologists, let’s first understand what sexology is.
In essence, sexology is the science that studies everything that has to do with sex Sex is not simply two people having sexual relations. It involves a whole series of physiological and mental processes that must be studied in a scientific and in-depth way, such as sexual identities, the types of relationships and interactions during the process, the degree of intimacy between lovers and any other sexual aspect that is involved. may come to mind.
Sexology studies both functional and healthy sexual relationships and those in which some type of dysfunction occurs, as may be the case of relationship problems in which sex is affected or problems such as vaginismus or impotence. There are infinite ways to experience sexuality, and this is why the work of sexologists is very broad, although progress must always continue to understand sexuality in its entirety.
What kind of profession is it?
Sexology, as of today, is still not a university degree, but rather a postgraduate or master’s specialization. Sexologists come from different disciplines, with the figure of the sexologist being especially common who has studied medicine, clinical psychology or some other health career.
It is normal that, depending on where it proceeds, sexual problems are approached either from a more organic perspective or from a more psychological one, although it is normal that training in sexology tries to reduce this type of bias.
It should be said that Within the sexology community, not everyone is a doctor or clinical psychologist There are also educators, sex workers and researchers who try to have a greater understanding of sexuality in addition to raising awareness among the population about what healthy sexual relationships are and what behaviors should not be avoided.
Likewise, regardless of where you come from, it is worth understanding that sexology is a discipline in itself, and that the figure of the sexologist does not tie you to what you have previously studied.
What functions does the sexologist perform?
Among the main functions performed by sexologists we have:
Although in most cases in which the sexologist has medical and/or psychological training, they do not have to perform all of these functions. Depending on the type of previous university training and what type of specific sexological training has been acquired, the sexologist will focus on one or the other
In most cases, sexologists who evaluate and treat sexual problems have health training, while those who disseminate knowledge are usually educators and social workers.
What are the types of sexologists?
As we have mentioned, sexology is a relatively recent discipline and in many aspects it bases its theoretical foundations on medicine and clinical psychology. Although more or less independent, much of his knowledge means that he cannot avoid acquiring an overly organicist and psychological vision of sexuality. Likewise, since there are non-health sexologists, we can speak of a more or less broad repertoire of specialization, although not officially.
1. Sexologist specialized in sexual disorders
This sexologist is the one who has studied clinical psychology. It tries to evaluate, diagnose and treat psychological problems that have hindered the individual’s sexual life or the couple who has come for consultation.
Erection and vaginismus problems are increasingly common, becoming the most common reason for consultation in the field of sexology. It is common for men and women who suffer from such problems to begin to avoid sexual relations with their partner
Although all of these problems may have physical causes, the most common are psychological ones, especially among young adults. Whether due to fear, anxiety or fear of not meeting sexual expectations, many people suffer from problems in bed due to purely psychological problems.
In the long run, many more aspects of the person end up being damaged, such as their security, self-esteem and self-confidence. All this is increasing, causing sexual problems to become chronic and transfer to other spheres of the individual’s life
This is why sexual therapy is so important, since detecting these problems can help avoid greater evil, psychological problems of other types and various relational difficulties.
Among the main sexual disorders with a possible psychological basis we have: erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, lack of sexual desire, anorgamia, dyspaurenia, vaginismus, delayed ejaculation and sexual dissatisfaction.
2. Sexologist specialized in organic injuries
The sexologist specialized in organic injuries has medical training Although without taking into account the psychological aspects involved in sexual behavior it is very difficult to have an adequate vision of sexual problems, it is true that any type of physiological problem involved in these processes must be ruled out.
Whether checking if there are any type of infection in the genitals, erection problems, medical diseases underlying the main sexual problem or any other medical reason these types of sexologists try to improve the sexual health of their patients.
It may be that the person does not have any psychological problem that negatively influences their sexuality, but the fact of not being able to “start” puts their long-term psychological health at risk. It is for this reason that it is very important to ensure that there is no medical problem and, if there is, treat it appropriately.
Some problems can be treated with drugs, while others may require surgical intervention or psychoeducation (eg, becoming aroused more frequently).
3. Sexual educators
Sex educators have received sexological training to help the population become more aware of sexually transmitted diseases, sexual identities and orientations, intercourse and what the sexual response is like.
In a sexual education session, topics such as transsexuality, femininity, masculinity, contraceptive methods, emotional dependence are discussed The objective is to ensure that the population does not have fear or taboos regarding sex, with the intention that they do not miss out on a vital and very important aspect of their lives.
These sex educators address fathers, mothers, boys, girls and older people so that they understand that sex, as long as it is agreed upon and respectful, is healthy, necessary and there is nothing wrong with it.
Another fundamental aspect of this type of sexologists is to fight against stereotypes that continue to exist in relation to sexuality, given that they accentuate sexual problems even more.
4. Sexologist specialized in couples therapy
The sexuality problems suffered may not have as serious a component as a sexual mental disorder. Even so, They can have a serious impact on relationships, creating tensions between lovers and, sometimes, being a factor that causes the breakup
The sexologist specialized in couples therapy tries to detect what problems occur in the intimacy of the couple, see how to improve sexual relations between them and start a whole therapy and psychoeducation plan to awaken the flame of love and sex between them. lovers.
Conclusion
Sexuality is a relatively recent discipline, which is still in the process of creating fields of specialization within it. Even so, it is possible to find different types of sexologists, more focused on one or another type of sexual problem depending on their previous training. A sexologist focused on mental disorders of a sexual nature is not the same as one who focuses on medical problems, nor is one who aims to raise awareness among the population about healthy sexuality.
