Frequently Asked
Questions
What is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is a
specialized form of
psychotherapy that helps a
person or couple to solve a
sexual problem. Together, we do a lot
of talking and exploring
together to try to figure
out just what the problem
is. The exploration includes
the symptoms, how long the
problem has occurred, when
it began, and what you’ve
tried to work it out on your
own or with another
therapist. We look at all
aspects of your
relationship, to see if
problems in one area are
causing problems in another
area. If it feels
appropriate, Dr. Buehler might give
you some reading or
activities to do between
sessions. Most importantly,
we work
as a team to try to bring
about some change so that
you and your partner are
happier about your
relationship, both in and out
of the bedroom.
What specific problems do
you treat?
There are many kinds of
sexual concerns that people
bring into our office. Some
of the specific problems
that we see include:
If you don't see your exact
problem listed here, don't
feel embarrassed. Call us
anyway and we'll let you
know how we might help.
What are Dr. Buehler’s
qualifications?
Dr. Buehler is a highly
qualified
professional. She is a
licensed psychologist and
certified as a sex therapist
by a national organization,
AASECT.
Please
click here to
learn more about Dr.
Buehler.
What is a sex therapist?
A sex therapist is
someone who treats people
with sexual concerns. Please
be aware that the word
“therapist” is not a legally
protected term; anyone can
call him- or herself a
“therapist.” You want to
make sure that you see a
licensed mental health
professional for your sexual
concerns. These include
psychiatrists,
psychologists, marriage and
family therapists, and
licensed clinical social
workers. It also includes
psychological assistants and
registered psychologists who
may be working toward hours
required for licensure.
What type of therapy do you
do?
Dr. Buehler uses
evidence-based
interventions. As a Doctor
of Psychology (Psy.D.), she
is trained to analyze
research for effective
treatments to use in
practice. Using research
doesn’t mean that therapy
will be as dry as toast, or
that you will be a guinea
pig. It simply means that
Dr. Buehler is always
reading articles and books
to find out what
psychologists and medical
doctors are learning.
Compassion and humor are
also part of treatment.
The most important
ingredient for effective
therapy, though, is you. You
need to feel that your
therapist understands you.
It is Dr. Buehler’s job, and
pleasure, to make you feel
welcome and comfortable in
her office so that you can
talk about what’s on your
mind and work together to
figure out how to make
things better.
Do you use surrogates?
No. No touching or
nudity is ever appropriate
in a psychotherapy session.
Please see the booklet
Psychotherapy Never Includes
Sex (PDF).
How long does therapy take?
Most people find that
they can resolve their
concerns within 12-16
sessions. However, some
people need more time in
therapy. This depends on
several things, including
the complexity of the
problem, how long the
problem has occurred, and
even how much time you can
devote to working on the
problem between sessions.
Dr. Buehler will
discuss your goals with you
and check in periodically to
make sure that therapy is on
track. If you are not making
progress or think it is too
slow, you can bring that up.
In fact, it is your therapy,
so you should always feel
free to discuss any part of
it.
It is important to be
realistic about what can be
accomplished in therapy. It
isn't going to change your
partner into the fantasy
mate of your dreams.
(Sorry!) We aren’t going to
make all your pain go away
forever. (Really, we wish we
could.) What therapy can do is
help you to enjoy sex
and have a healthier
relationship.
How often do we meet?
That depends on many
factors, but generally
people come to therapy once
a week. How often we meet is
discussed in the first
session.
Is therapy confidential?
Psychotherapy is
completely confidential,
with some legal exceptions.
Psychotherapists do consult
with one another on cases in
order to provide the best
treatment, but never give
any specific information
away. Also, you may wish to
have your psychotherapist
collaborate with a medical
provider; if so, a specific
release of information must
be signed that allows this
communication. If you have
concerns about
confidentiality, we invite
you to discuss them.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. Only a medical
doctor can prescribe
medication. We highly
recommend that patients who
want or need psychotropic
medication work with a
psychiatrist, and we are
able to provide referrals.
We are also legally able to
counsel people regarding
medications within a scope
of practice regulated by the
State.
How long is a session?
Sessions are 50 minutes
in length. The so-called
“therapeutic hour” allows
your therapist to write
notes about your session,
prepare for the next
patient, and return phone
calls. We appreciate your
cooperation in ending
sessions on time.
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