Have you ever wondered what a sexologist does? Do you know exactly what training a sexologist has received? Is everything you hear about this profession true? Reading this article may surprise you.
Last update: January 20, 2022
The sexologist is a little known figure, as he is surrounded by a certain veil of mystery. Before describing this professional figure, it would be good to define sexology. We refer to the science that studies the sexes, that is, how they identify, intersect, differentiate and interact with each other on an intimate and public level.
Therefore, he does not study sex, in the singular, but the sexes, in the plural, since there are two of them, with all the resulting differences: infinite ways of living and feeling man or woman.
It is a scientific discipline that is about one hundred years old. It is neither established nor normalized like other disciplines that are more or less present in our life. Precisely because it is so young, uncertainty, ignorance and even some prejudices reign over it.
When a discipline does not have a long history behind it, it needs time to stabilize, institutionalize, gain sufficient approval and social consideration. In addition to this, on this science weighs the popular belief that it only deals with "problems in bed", it actually encompasses many other situations.
In light of the above, it is not surprising that the figure of the sexologist is still unknown to most. What exactly does he do or what is his training are just two of the most frequent questions.
Qualities of the sexologist?
Contributions in the field of sexology can be grouped into four categories: education, counseling, therapy and research. These four areas guarantee a very varied set of professional profiles, making it impossible to define one in particular.
However, there are a few traits or qualities that a sex therapist should have or that at least they would help him to practice his profession in the best possible way. We refer to:
- Relational skills. In practically all areas, the sexologist will have to deal with individual or couple difficulties and this requires a certain delicacy in terms of treatment, words, forms and, ultimately, communication. Finding a balance between closeness to the patient and professionalism without being cold is a difficult job that requires practice.
- Curiosity. The sexologist is immersed in a continuous learning process because he has to face difficult issues to deal with or simply because the study of the sexes involves a great diversity. The person who has chosen this profession, therefore, will be curious by nature and will feed on knowledge.
- Mental openness. The sexologist must not only be willing to learn every day, but must also be willing to be open enough to draw information from many sources and not discard or take it for granted before processing it. In view of the continuous and rapid evolution of sexology, the professional must always keep up to date.
What training has the sexologist received?
We now know the characteristics recommended for practicing his profession, but we probably have no idea of ​​the academic training necessary to become a sexologist. It is important to point out that depending on the country of reference, sexology is more or less advanced. In the countries where it is more advanced, this discipline has gained a place in the academic and professional fields.
For example, in Spain the sexologist is a professional who has obtained a degree in Medicine and Surgery or in Psychology, and subsequently the certificate of attendance of a training course in Sexology.
In other countries, however, training in medicine and / or psychology is not essential; in fact there are excellent professionals trained in sexology after having undertaken courses in sociology, journalism, physiotherapy, philosophy, social assistance or anthropology. This discipline is so broad thatand the diversity of academic profiles guarantees a very wide variety of approaches.
What myths revolve around this professional?
Sexologists are concerned only with problems related to the erotic sphere
It is true that sexologists deal with problems relating to sexual relations, but not only. Numerous situations, in fact, can be treated by a sexologist, such as relationships, a separation or a betrayal.
"If you are a sexologist, you are certainly very good in bed"
This myth may sound cute and even funny, but the truth is that it can generate difficulties and unrealistic expectations on the intimate conduct of a sexologist.
"Esse good in bed" is an expression that is rejected by sexology, because there is no "right way" to engage in sexual intercourse. There are many, and we must choose the one that offers us the most pleasure and satisfaction.
He goes to school to teach how to put on a condom
More than a myth, this is an image that has been built over time. It is important to talk about sexual health; knowing how to put on a condom, knowing the various methods of contraception and sexually transmitted diseases, but even more making sure that adolescents decide to have sex because they want to and not because they give in to pressure.
It is also important teach how to manage intimacy within the couple, so that young people know that one should not try to control the intimacy of the partner. And this is just one example of the possible interventions at school by the sexologist.
Conclusions
There is a clear need to make the population of the professional in sexology known to the population in order to dispel the myths that belittle it. To take full advantage of this will be all those who need sexual assistance at any point in their life.
