What Is a Sexologist? A Comprehensive Guide to the Education of Sex

One of my favorite TV shows is “Sex Education.” It’s a heartwarming show about the bright and empathetic son of a sex therapist, who, along with his crush, makes money giving sex advice to his quirky and colorfully dressed classmates.

But most of the time, what everyone needs is a healthy dose of emotional guidance and, as the show’s title suggests, sex education. “Sex Education” brilliantly represents all the nuanced and evolving facets of sexology, the study of human sexuality.

Sexology is a large umbrella field covering sex therapists, counselors, educators, and researchers, all of whom contribute to our understanding of how sex functions in society and the lives of individuals.

Most people intuitively understand that sex is an essential and sensitive part of human life. And with the growing availability of sexual resources and media online, more people feel comfortable with their sexuality. But outside clearly medical sexual issues — such as erectile dysfunction or STIs — they don’t know where to turn for questions and guidance related to sexual health. 

Fortunately, sexologists are wonderful resources, and they can work with you on issues from sexual confidence to understanding your sexual or gender identity. I’ll walk you through some of the different objectives of working with sexologists so you can figure out if working with one or learning more about the field might improve your sex life and health.

Sexologists are experts in human sexuality. While they may perform clinical work, such as sex therapy, they often perform their own research and act as an academic expert in sexuality.

While there isn’t one certification in sexology, many sexologists complete Master’s degrees or PhD in a field related to sexuality. Sexology is an interdisciplinary field, combining psychology, biology, sociology, and more to give experts a comprehensive picture of sexuality.

Roles & Responsibilities

Sexology can be both an academic and professional discipline. Some sexologists may be primarily researchers, bettering this blossoming field’s understanding of how sexuality functions. Many still work with clients, and their work is often a mix of sexual education and talk therapy focused on sexual issues.

Some areas of research and practice within sexology include sexual identity, sexual behavior, sexual health, and sexual dysfunction. While some sexologists specialize in one specific component of sexuality, many can work with clients on a broad range of sexual issues.

Sexology Today

Historically, sexology was housed within psychology and, to an extent, medicine. At the turn of the 20th century, doctors often diagnosed women presenting with both mental and physical ailments with “hysteria,” the treatment for which was often using an early vibrator.

For the most part, early therapists were ill-equipped to treat sexuality, which was taboo and over-medicalized. Homosexuality was listed in the DSM as a mental illness until 1974.

It’s safe to say sexology has come a long way. In addition to the presence of sex therapists and sexologists as their own specialists, most therapists are better able to discuss sexuality in a professional and affirming way.

So, what issues can a sexologist help with? Sometimes, it’s tricky to know what type of professional is best suited for each issue. Here are some of the types of work sexologists can do.

Providing Therapy for Individuals and Couples

Most sexologists provide sex therapy for both individuals and couples. They can address sexual dysfunction, performance anxiety, and intimacy issues, among other concerns. When you work with a sex therapist, they’ll address the physical issues, like encouraging you to obtain erectile dysfunction medication, as well as the emotional issues that may affect sexual connection.

Sex therapists often specialize in sexual concerns related to relationships, orientation, and sexual identity. If you’re working through your sexual orientation, a general therapist may get out of their depth. Working with a sex therapist can help you work through the nuances of sex-related issues in a way that may be deeper than other professionals.

Clinical sexologists also use traditional therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or somatic therapy. If you have a therapeutic modality that works best for you, look for a sexologist who practices it.

Conducting Research

Sexologists contribute to scientific research on human sexuality. While sexologists may be housed within different academic departments, some research groups, such as the Kinsey Institute, concentrate specifically on human sexuality.

Like scientists in any field, sexologists study a diverse array of topics and areas of interest within human sexuality. Some areas of particular focus for sexology researchers include sexual behavior patterns, the impact of culture on sexual practices, and sex and romantic relationships.

Education and Advocacy

Sexologists work as and alongside sex educators in schools, clinics, and community programs. They help develop sex education curriculums to be accurate, inclusive, and affirming.

Many sexologists are also passionate about promoting sexual health awareness and providing education on safe sexual practices. They work in safe sex advocacy campaigns and help ensure that everyone has access to contraceptives, abortion, and sexual health screening.

Through both education and advocacy, sexologists inform people about the importance of informed consent. Their work helps make sex and relationships safer, happier, and more fun for everyone.

Sexology is a large field, and its practice can look like countless different things. Here are a few different types of sexologists and the work they do. Who knows — maybe one of these jobs seems like a good fit for you!

Clinical Sexologists

Clinical sexologists are the people you’re most likely to seek out to work through sexuality in your own life. They specialize in therapy and clinical practice, often diagnosing and treating sexual problems. These practitioners — sometimes referred to as “sex therapists” — are experts at applying scientific sexual research to the real lives of their clients.

Some common areas of treatment include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low libido, and vaginismus. But if you have a more particular sexual issue or need help working through sex with your partner, a clinical sexologist can be a great source of expertise.

Research Sexologists

Research sexologists are engaged in research projects focused on sexual health, behavior, and psychology. Like other researchers, they conduct studies and work with other experts in the field to update our collective understanding of human sexuality.

Much of our modern understanding of gender, sexual identity, and even the physical process of sex itself is thanks to the work of research sexologists.

Sex Educators

Some sexologists work on the education side, providing sexual education in schools, universities, or community programs. They use their extensive expertise in the field to help young adults better understand their sexual health and make informed decisions about sexuality as they age.

While different topics may be more or less applicable depending on the age of students, sex educators teach about subjects like consent, contraception, healthy relationships, and sexual orientation.

Academic Sexologists

Academic sexologists are engaged in the academic side of sexology. They often work as and alongside research sexologists, publishing research, writing textbooks, and teaching at universities. 

Academics work to review the scientific literature and existing research and sexology, and they combine this information into applicable theories in human sexuality.

Sex Coaches

Sex coaching is a non-therapeutic form of sexology focused on creating actionable steps for individuals and couples to improve sexual pleasure, intimacy, and connection.

While sex coaches may complete training to become a coach, unlike therapy, there is no licensing process to practice coaching. Sex coaches combine their own study of sexology with their individual theories to give their clients unique coaching experiences.

Just as there are different types of sexology, there are many different paths to becoming a sexologist. Because it’s an interdisciplinary field, there are many different options for what aspiring sexologists can study, from psychology to social work to public health.

Specialized Certification and Licensing

While there’s no specific license you need to be a sexologist, generally, you may need a certificate, license, or advanced degree, depending on the type of work you want to do within the field.

 For those looking to be sex therapists in particular, the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) is the most respected certification body. Students can become certified sexuality educators, sexuality counselors, and sex therapists, ensuring employers and clients alike that they know what they’re talking about.

Continuing Education

More than most disciplines, sexology is rapidly growing and evolving. Sexologists have a responsibility to stay up to date on the latest research in human sexuality. They can do this by reading research and academic journals, attending workshops and conferences, and participating in the sexology community.

I’ve personally seen how important staying current with sexuality research can be as a professional. I asked my doctor for a birth control prescription, which she denied due to my family history of breast cancer. 

It was only after seeing a gynecologist who was more involved with the current birth control research that I learned the link between birth control use and breast cancer had been disproven. My first doctor was going off old information, which could have serious impacts on my sexual health.

As rewarding a field as sexology can be, it isn’t for everyone. While some people might be uncomfortable talking about sex for work, certain personality traits and skills make for great sexologists.

Empathy and Sensitivity

To be a sexologist — especially a clinical sexologist or sex coach — it’s essential that you’re empathetic to everyone you work with. It’s not just about the physical. You need to understand the emotional and psychological aspects of sexuality.

Additionally, your clients are always going to feel vulnerable, so you need to know how to make them feel comfortable discussing personal topics. They need to understand that you offer a confidential and judgment-free zone.

Scientific Knowledge

While science can be learned, you must put in the work to make sure that you do, indeed, learn the science of human sexuality. Whether you’re educating 10th graders in a classroom or writing public policy, you have to be an expert on human sexual biology, psychology, and cultural factors.

Communication Skills

For most people, sex is one of the hardest things to talk about. Sexologists must be excellent communicators, able to talk comfortably with a diverse range of people about sensitive topics. 

While most sexologists are naturally good communicators, communication skills can be learned. If you want to get better at talking about sex, just practice.

Open-Mindedness

Above all, sexologists need to be open-minded. This includes being open to new research, as well as respecting sexual diversity, including orientation, preferences, and identity.

If you’re considering becoming a sexologist, make sure you feel comfortable working with people, preferences, and identities out of the mainstream. The goal of most sexology is not to change people but to make them feel comfortable and empowered in who they are.

Sex thrums in the background of most people’s lives, yet we’re still so uncomfortable talking about it directly. Sexual repression can have many adverse effects, from preventing people from understanding the nuances of consent to keeping them from getting tested for STIs. 

Sexology helps fight the negative relationship many people have with sexuality through gaining knowledge about human sexuality. Sexologists are educators, scientists, and advocates of sexuality, helping to create a brighter future where people can be themselves unapologetically.