Mental Health awareness and understanding has exponentially grown in the last decade, with society placing a much greater emphasis on recognizing and addressing mental health issues. Although there is still some stigma around it, we have finally made it to the point of seeking mental health services being part of mainstream discourse. We have even seen a few new docuseries focused on the matter, discussions about mental health have increasingly become part of comics’ repertoire in stand-up comedies, becoming a prevalent theme and subject of discussion. The newest movies and TV shows frequently have a character mentioning therapy in a positive light (in contrast with the “you need therapy” as an insult).

It has certainly become more popular to seek degrees in mental health fields and for people to seek this services. To be honest, in some states or areas, it is a very competitive field. There are hundreds of clinicians to choose from and, to complicate matters more, it’s sometimes hard to figure out the difference between services, specialties, and which would benefit us most.

Therapy, counseling, and coaching are frequently used approaches aimed at improving an individual's well-being and assisting them in overcoming challenges. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences in their objectives, methodologies, and intended outcomes. This blog will explore and compare therapy, counseling, and coaching to provide a clear understanding of each and help you determine which might be the best fit for your needs. Please note that this is not intended as medical advice, always consult with these providers what your intent to engage in their services is to find out if it’d be a good fit or not.

What is Clinical Sexology?

Clinical sexology is a specialized field within mental health that focuses on addressing emotional, psychological, and relational aspects related to human sexuality. What sexologist do strongly depends on their interests, background, and educational and professional training. Some may work in research, teaching, as medical providers, offer sex therapy, sexological bodywork, sex counseling, sex coaching, relationship coaching, and more… Clinical Sexology by itself does not have a licensure but typically these providers, such as myself, have specialized training and a strong background in the area of the field they are working on.

Clinical Sexologist support individuals as they navigate challenges and concerns related to their sexual well-being and their intimate relationships. They utilize various therapeutic techniques to facilitate understanding, healing, and empowerment concerning sexual experiences, desires, and identities. Within that, they may also have practice focus such as educating and guiding individuals, couples, and/or polycules through forming healthy and thriving relationships, managing conflict and communication difficulties, exploring sexual dysfunction or other concerns, and/or explore eroticism, kink, and BDSM.

Key Aspects of Clinical Sexology:

1. Specialized Focus: Clinical sexology emphasizes the unique and diverse aspects of human sexuality, addressing concerns related to sexual health, behavior, orientation, and relationships.

2. Expertise in Sexual Health: Clinical sexologists possess expertise in areas such as sexual dysfunction, sexual identity, relationship dynamics, communication, and sexual trauma, offering comprehensive support for individuals and couples.

3. Guided and Supportive Process: Clients work closely with clinical sexologists to explore their sexual concerns, preferences, and challenges in a non-judgmental and supportive environment.

4. Integration of Approaches: Clinical sexologists often integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches to address both the psychological and physiological aspects of sexual health, ensuring a holistic treatment experience.

In short, what is therapy?

Therapy, sometimes referred to as psychotherapy, is a structured and guided process that involves addressing emotional and psychological issues that affect an individual's mental health. Therapists, who are typically licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or clinical social workers, utilize various therapeutic techniques to help clients understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapy often delves into past experiences and traumas to provide insight and healing. The primary goal of therapy is to promote self-awareness, emotional healing, and mental health recovery.

Key Features of Therapy:

1. Focuses on past experiences and traumas.

2. Addresses mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and more.

3. Typically conducted by licensed mental health professionals.

4. Emphasizes understanding and healing underlying psychological issues.

What is counseling?

Counseling is a more focused and short-term form of mental health support, often dealing with specific life challenges or transitions. Counselors, who may hold various titles such as counselors, therapists, or mental health counselors, work with individuals, couples, families, or groups to help them navigate and cope with specific problems. This can include relationship issues, grief, stress, career decisions, and other life events. The primary aim of counseling is to assist individuals in developing coping strategies and finding solutions to immediate concerns.

Key Features of Counseling:

1. Addresses specific life challenges or transitions.

2. Offers short-term assistance and focused problem-solving.

3. Helps individuals develop coping strategies and solutions.

4. Can be conducted by licensed counselors or therapists.

What is Life Coaching?

Coaching is a collaborative and future-oriented process that focuses on personal and professional growth and development. Coaches, often referred to as life coaches, career coaches, or executive coaches, work with clients to set and achieve goals, enhance skills, and improve performance in various aspects of life. The coaching relationship is based on the belief that individuals have the answers within themselves, and the coach's role is to facilitate self-discovery and accountability. The primary goal of coaching is to empower individuals to reach their full potential.

Key Features of Coaching:

1. Future-focused with an emphasis on personal growth and achievement.

2. Helps individuals set and achieve goals.

3. Enhances skills and performance in various life domains.

4. Focuses on self-discovery and empowerment.

Comparing therapy, counseling and coaching:

• Focus and Approach: Therapy and counseling often delve into past experiences and emotions, seeking to heal and understand underlying psychological issues. Coaching, on the other hand, looks forward, concentrating on setting and achieving goals and enhancing personal skills and abilities.

• Duration and Scope: Therapy is usually longer-term and involves a deeper exploration of one's psyche and past experiences. Counseling is generally shorter-term and more focused on specific issues. Coaching typically involves a set number of sessions with a specific focus on achieving goals within a defined timeframe.

• Credentials and Training: Therapists and counselors are required to have specific licenses and undergo extensive training in mental health. Coaches may have certifications but often come from diverse professional backgrounds without standardized licensing.

• Client Involvement: In therapy and counseling, the professional guides and directs the process, often providing diagnosis and treatment plans. In coaching, the emphasis is on the client's active involvement, with the coach serving as a facilitator and guide.

Why work with a Clinical Sexologist? Well, here’s why you may want to work with me…

Note that there are many factors to consider when choosing which might be the best approach for you. Being as open and honest as you can with why you’re seeking services and if there are specific goals you’d like to achieve is important for you to find the right fit. Look into the providers’ biographies and see which of the things mentioned relate to your experience.

In my work, I pull from many theories and approaches as well as personal experiences to provide the best support based on your needs. There are times that we just need someone to talk to, while at others we need specific exercises or accountability to reach out goals. I can offer both.

I like to start by exploring what made you make an appointment, if you have had any prior experience in therapy or counseling, and what has worked for you in the past -as well as what’s not working anymore. From a holistic approach, I explore with you how brain, body, mind, and relationships interact with one another. I invite you to explore my blog page to see some of the theories or approaches I integrate in my practice.

One of the pillars of my work is understanding, and expanding, self-regulation abilities. This is our capacity to manage thoughts manage and control one's thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and impulses in order to achieve a desired outcome or goal. It involves being aware of and understanding one's internal experiences and using that awareness to guide and adapt one's actions. Self-regulation encompasses skills such as managing stress, delaying gratification, controlling impulses, focusing attention, and handling challenges in a constructive and adaptive manner. It's an essential aspect of emotional intelligence and plays a significant role in personal and professional success, well-being, and healthy relationships.

This ability fosters sexual and relational well-being in many ways. When clients are open to trying mindfulness practices, I give assignments and practice in-session breathing, body-scans, progressive muscle relaxation exercises, visualizations, and more. Research from the past several years has been supporting ancient wisdom in the benefits of mindfulness practices. Moreover, I help my clients adapt these practices to their specific goals such as having better sex, managing conflict in relationships in a more positive way, managing their emotions, and/or managing stress in the workplace.

Final words…

Understanding the differences between therapy, counseling, coaching, and Clinical Sexology is essential in choosing the right approach for your needs. Whether you seek to heal emotional wounds, navigate life challenges, or achieve personal and professional goals, each of these approaches offers unique benefits and can play a significant role in enhancing your overall well-being and life satisfaction. Consulting with a mental health professional to determine the most suitable approach for your specific situation is always recommended.

If you’re interested in exploring topics arounds sexuality, relationships, stress and emotional regulation, and/or somatic and mindfulness practices, let’s chat!