describes it as “surprisingly not abominable”, but Australian sexologists say Gwyneth Paltrow’s hands-on take on sex therapy is potentially harmful, especially given the huge increase in demand for sex and relationships counselling in Australia.includes footage of sexologists and sex therapists orgasming and simulating sex in front of clients, watching clients being intimate in bed and digitally penetrating two women.
Ms Bradfield said the message that sexologists touch or have sex with, or in front of, clients and the use of non evidence-based approaches “is potentially very harmful and could have a lot of unintended consequences” at a time when the pandemic has led more Australians than ever to seek sexual therapy.
In Australia, sexology is a registered qualification offered as a post-graduate specialisation. The Society of Australian Sexologists is the peak body for regulation and accreditation and has a rigorous application process, but the title “sexologist” is not protected, so anyone can claim it.
Lisa Torney, a Melbourne clinical psycho-sexual therapist, said demand for sexual counselling had increased enormously as people reassessed what they wanted from their lives and intimate relationships. She urged clients to research their intended therapist’s qualifications.“We have had an influx of young women in particular wanting to talk about relationship difficulties ... and couples with issues around sexual boredom and some incompatibility,” Ms Torney said.