Cigonia’s expertise in sexology
Our approach to sexology aims to provide you with a confidential and supportive space to explore the relationship and emotional challenges you may be facing. Our sexologists and sex therapist psychologists are here to guide you with kindness and professionalism toward a sense of well-being that is meaningful to you. Together, we work toward your personal and relational fulfillment by addressing sexual and emotional issues in a specific and personalized manner.
Please note that all sexologists at Cigonia clinic have training in sexology and are members of the Ordre des sexologues du Québec (Quebec Order of Sexologists). Some Cigonia sexologists also have a license in psychotherapy in addition to their initial training in sexology. Of course, whether they are sexologists with a bachelor’s degree or psychotherapists, these professionals can support you, but they have respective fields of intervention that are important to distinguish before a first appointment. It can be difficult to clearly understand the difference between the contribution of a sexologist with a bachelor’s degree (who will offer counseling services) and that of a psychotherapist (psychotherapy). Here are some definitions and guidelines to help you distinguish between these two types of support available at Cigonia. The reception staff will direct you to the right type of professional to meet your needs when you make your appointment.
Psychotherapy in sexology
Psychotherapy in sexology is a longer and more intensive process, recommended for complex situations. It aims to understand the root causes of difficulties and explores in depth the factors involved in symptoms and suffering, such as trauma, family history, and relationships. To practice psychotherapy, sexologists who are psychotherapists must have a master’s degree in clinical sexology, a license from the Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec (OPSQ), and a psychotherapist license from the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ).
Psychotherapy requires more regular follow-up and can take between 10 and 20 sessions, or even more, to understand and integrate the changes necessary for a satisfying sex life and relationships. It aims to promote significant changes in the client’s cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal functioning, going beyond simply helping with everyday difficulties.
The distinctive features of psychotherapy include:
- Its goal of psychological treatment for mental disorders, behavioral disturbances, or any source of psychological distress.
- Its purpose of promoting significant changes in the client’s cognitive, emotional, behavioral, interpersonal, or personality functioning.
- Its approach that goes beyond simple support or temporary advice for everyday difficulties.
This therapeutic approach aims to provide in-depth, long-term support to improve the client’s psychological and relational well-being.
The reception staff will direct you to the right type of professional to meet your needs when you make your appointment. Please note that teleconsultation is also available.
Sexological counseling
Sexological counseling is a psychosocial support approach focused on current issues and aimed at developing concrete tools to manage daily challenges in the sexual sphere. This service, generally short- or medium-term, is more direct and immediate than psychotherapy. Consultations can be individual or for couples. Sexologists who provide counseling hold a recognized bachelor’s degree in sexology and are members of the Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec (OPSQ).
We understand that finding a psychotherapist can sometimes take time. That’s why we offer counseling services to meet your immediate needs, allowing you to move forward without necessarily resorting to psychotherapy, depending on the specific requirements that motivate your consultation process.