Sex Coaching vs. Sex Therapy

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At Kinkish, I offer sex coaching to help you explore your desires, build confidence, and live out your kinks…without the chaos. But coaching isn’t the right fit for everyone.

Here’s how to tell if it’s the support you need.

What is Sex Coaching?

Sex coaching is a collaborative, forward-focused process that helps you:

  • Explore kink in an informed way

  • Communicate desires

  • Set boundaries

  • Navigate power dynamics & kink spaces with intention

  • Set personal goals

  • Stay accountable

Coaching is not clinical. I won’t diagnose, treat mental health conditions, or process deep trauma. Think of it like having a knowledgeable guide who helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps individuals or couples address emotional, psychological, and relational concerns related to sex and intimacy. It’s provided by a licensed mental health professional and often focuses on healing, insight, and long-term well-being.

A sex therapist can help you:

  • Work through sexual trauma, shame, or abuse

  • Navigate desire discrepancies or loss of intimacy

  • Address anxiety, body image issues, or sexual performance concerns

  • Heal from past experiences that affect your ability to connect or feel pleasure

  • Manage sexual dysfunctions (like pain, arousal issues, or ED) when linked to emotional or psychological factors

Sex therapy is clinical and therapeutic, meaning it can include diagnosis, treatment plans, and coordination with medical professionals when needed.

Wait…Aren’t You Both?

Yes! Some sex coaches—like me—are also licensed therapists. This means I bring clinical experience, deep listening skills, and trauma awareness to my coaching work. But when I’m coaching, I’m not acting as your therapist.

That means:

  • No mental health diagnoses

  • No insurance billing

  • No deep trauma processing

Instead, coaches focus on helping you take action, build skills, and move toward the version of your sexual self you want to become, with the safety and insight of someone who deeply understands emotional nuance.

Coaching Might Not Be Right If You’re Dealing With:

Ongoing trauma or sexual abuse history

  • Mental health conditions that impact daily life

  • Sexual dysfunction with a psychological cause

  • Active substance abuse

  • Unsafe or coercive relationships

In these cases, we’ll help you find kink-aware therapists or crisis resources that can support your healing.

Still Unsure?

I get it—everyone’s situation is different. Feel free to book a free consultation to chat about what you’re looking for. If coaching isn’t the right fit, we’ll gladly point you in the right direction.

FAQ

  • It’s completely normal to feel nervous at first! I create a nonjudgmental, confidential space where you can talk openly about things that are often difficult to discuss. Many of my clients say that the initial anxiety fades pretty quickly after just 1-2 sessions.

  • No…and yes. Sex coaching is a talk-based service. So, we talk about your kinks and ways you can explore them with others. There is no physical touch or explicit sexual exchange involved. All sessions are conducted professionally and ethically.

  • It varies! Some clients come for just a few sessions to work on a very specific goal, while others choose ongoing support over several months. Once we meet for the first session, we can determine a timeline together based on your needs.

  • Sex coaching is not covered by insurance because it’s not considered a medical or mental health treatment. Unlike sex therapy, which involves formal diagnoses, sex coaching is an out-of-pocket investment.

    If cost is a concern, please don’t hesitate to ask about payment plans or referrals to other resources.

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