Sexology is interested in the study of sexuality and its disorders, but also of amorous behavior, the social form of sexual relations, the relationship between sexuality and culture, and sexual deviations. The discipline thus encompasses several fields, such as biology, sociology, anthropology or even psychiatry.

Note that in France, sexology is not recognized as a medical specialty and the title of sexologist is not regulated. In other words, anyone can declare themselves a “sex therapist”.

There are many reasons for consulting a clinical sex therapist. These include:

• sexual desire disorders, troubleserection, orgasm;
• a drop in libido ;
• un vaginismus (reflex contraction of the muscles of the vagina and pelvic floor, preventing penetration);
• gender identity disorders, questions about sexual orientation;
• disgust with sexuality;
• pornography addiction;
• communication problems within the couple, emotional dependence, excessive jealousy;
• after miscarriages or abortion.

The role of the sex therapist is to find the origin of a sexual disorder, to treat it, but also to prevent it. Note that the sexologist intervenes to inform and advise in various situations, such as pregnancy, contraception, infertility, voluntary termination of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

In France, the sexologist can practice in private or in the hospital (in particular in the departments of gynecology, urology or endocrinology). In the majority of cases, he is also a doctor, psychologist or practicing a medical profession.

In Quebec, the sex therapist can work in different settings:

• in a hospital center;
• in a rehabilitation center;
• in a residential and long-term care center (CHSLD);
• in a local community service center (CLSC);
• in private practice;
• in community organizations (youth center, accommodation center, etc.);
• or in the education network.

He can work as a clinical sex therapist, and offer individual, couple, family or group sex therapies. It can also work on prevention and sex education. Thus, the clinical sexologist:

– questions the individual or the couple who have come to consult in order to better understand what brings him / them;

– then proposes ways to improve sexual and relationship life, thanks to different therapeutic approaches.

The consultation with a sex therapist does not involve any particular risks.

The training of sex therapists in France

Teachings in sexology and human sexuality are offered in universities and complement a qualifying profession (3):

• a 3-year inter-university diploma in sexology (DIUS), open to medical students and doctors;
• a 3-year inter-university diploma in the study of human sexuality (DIUESH), open to psychologists, midwives, nurses, physiotherapists or pharmacists;
• a 2-year university degree, open to educators, teachers, etc.

Note that there are also private training (and private diplomas), in particular provided by the institute of sexology (4) or the school of psycho-sexology (5).

The training of sex therapists in Quebec

To become a sex therapist, the student must obtain at least a bachelor’s degree in sexology. He can also continue his graduate studies and obtain a master’s or doctorate in sexology.

For example, to practice as a clinical sexologist, you must obtain a master’s degree in sexology and a psychotherapist’s permit issued by the Ordre des psychologues du Québec.

Note that sexologists must be registered on the membership roll of the Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec.

The University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM) 6 offers a university program in sexology, which is according to the association of sexologists of Quebec, “unique in the world” (7).

To find a sex therapist:

• in Quebec, you can consult the website of the association of sexologists of Quebec (8);
• in France, via the website of the national union of sex therapists (9) or that of the national union of clinical sexologists (10).

In France, sexology consultations are held in hospitals and are paid for by health insurance. In Quebec, the consultation is not covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.