Sexology

Introducing Lynda Carlyle Lynda Postrait

I am both a registered nurse and a sex therapist. I grew up on a farm in South Australia and completed my nursing training in Adelaide before moving to Melbourne. I graduated in 2007 with a Master of Health Science (Sexual Health) from the University of Sydney and embarked on my new career in sexology.

What is sexology and sex therapy?
Essentially, sexology is the study of human sexuality. A sexologist or sex therapist specialises in the psychological and emotional aspects of sexual health.

Sexual problems can occur for a multitude of reasons:
- Physical factors caused by medical conditions, trauma or drugs
- Psychosocial factors including cultural influences, past sexual trauma, sexual orientation, emotional factors and psychological conflicts, ineffective sexual techniques and lack of sexual skills, relationship problems, irrational beliefs and performance anxiety.

Our sexuality is uniquely personal.

Sexual attitudes, experiences and behaviours are shaped by biological, social, cultural and psychological influences. It follows that for sex therapy to be most effective, it should be individually tailored to the needs of each client. It may be short term and relatively simple, such as education and providing reassurance that the way someone chooses to express their sexuality is OK, right through to long term intensive therapy.

Sex therapy essentially aims to:
- Change self defeating beliefs and attitudes
- Teach sexual skills
- Enhance sexual knowledge
- Improve sexual communication
- Reduce performance anxiety

Who can benefit from seeing a sex therapist?
Anyone who feels they want to improve the quality of their sex life, even those who don’t have a partner. Many people feel inhibited or fearful about sex or aspects of it. Sex therapy can help resolve those issues. It is important that you feel comfortable with any therapist or counsellor you talk to.

How can I find a sex therapist?
Impotence Australia, a not for profit telephone counselling service, has a “Find a practitioner” section on their website www.impotenceaustralia.com.au that can source people in your local area. They also have a freecall number 1800 800 614 from within Australia manned by qualified therapists.

You can also find a Sexologist by going to the ASSERT (Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists) website http://assertnational.org.au/ on the right hand side of the page are Professionally Accredited members.

Ideally a sex therapist should have specialist training and experience in sexuality, and in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual problems. Their educational background may be in psychology, medicine, counselling, nursing or other related professions. Our professional body is ASSERT, The Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists. Certified members of ASSERT have passed strict professional requirements and are required to follow a code of ethics. I would be happy for anyone wishing to find a therapist to email Sassy Vibes and I will forward details of an ASSERT certified therapist in their area.

I look forward to contributing to Sassy Vibes education and sharing interesting topics related to sexuality. It is wonderful to have such a fabulous resource, created in Australia (the only one I’m aware of), that is committed to providing sexuality education and information, and that enables us to source top quality, safe products to enhance our sexual pleasure.

Wishing you happiness and great sex

Lynda Carlyle RN, MHSc (Sexual Health)

Ripponlea Medical Centre
100 Brighton Road, Ripponlea, Vic, 3185

Ph (03) 9525 6200

EMAIL: lyndacarlyle@bigpond.com

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March 2nd, 2010 Rosa Barrientos said:: Hello! My name is Rosa Barrientos, and I am a student at the University of Maryland in Maryland, U.S. I am interested in pursuing a career in human sexuality, and I am conducting interviews with professionals who have my dream job. I am interested in interviewing you as a sexologist, via e-mail, focusing on your career and work. Thank you very much for your time and consideration, Rosa Barrientos
October 2nd, 2009 Susana said:: Hi.... I really enjoiyed the article, my name is susana and I´m from Perú (south america) I´ve already finished the university and i´m looking to study sexology, the problem is that in my country there is not a special university, institute or academic to study for....can you give me some advances?
July 29th, 2009 Lynda Carlyle said:: Hi Brooke. Sex therapy is a great career. It can take you in so many different directions. I just love it. I studied a Masters at The University of Sydney, which offers a fantastic post-graduate course where you can do a Certificate, Diploma or Masters level in sexual health, depending where you want to go with it. Check out www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/sexualhealth/ for details. Patricia Weerakoon is the course coordinator - a delightful woman. She would love to advise you how to follow your dream. Her number is 02 9351 9256. Good luck!
July 28th, 2009 brooke said:: i admire your profession and would like to follow in your footsteps. any ideas on getting started? i want to study sexology and become a sex therapist
March 14th, 2009 Lynda Carlyle said:: Hi Virginia I empathise with your situation. It is important your son sees a psychologist or sex therapist experienced with sexual identity issues to help improve his self esteem. It is always better to make life decisions from a positive and supported position. The Gay & Lesbian Switchboard 1800 631 493 is a phone counselling service for same sex attracted young people & PFLAG (Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) is a great support organisation for parents. Talk to someone.
February 21st, 2009 Lynda Carlyle said:: Thankfully, Clare managed to find me in Melbourne, no thanks to technology!
February 21st, 2009 Lynda Carlyle said:: Hi Ngo Like Alexandra, your comment also got lost. Hopefully my answers to Marianna and Shahid will help you too and answer your questions. We need sexologists everywhere.......keep them coming!
February 21st, 2009 Lynda Carlyle said:: Hi Alexandra. Sorry, your comment got lost in cyberspace and was found recently. Hopefully you have found someone in the interim but if not, I know Dianne Ervine, who is an excellent therapist in Adelaide. Her website is counsellingsa.com.au and email address dianne@counsellingsa.com.au. She consults in Glenelg and Blackwood. She would also be able to refer you to someone closer if you prefer.
February 21st, 2009 Lynda Carlyle said:: Hi Shahid. The University of Sydney Graduate Program in Sexual Health is offered in both an on-campus format or on-line. If you are interested in going for the Diploma or Masters, you can do the whole course on-line except for a 2 week face-to-face counselling practicum that you need to complete in Sydney. Go to www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/sexualhealth/ for information for international students. Students from all over the world are doing this course. They would love to have you as a student.
February 19th, 2009 Shahid yousaf said:: Hello Mrs! My name shahid,i living in pakistan,i want to study Sexology but i do not know where teach it,you can guide me please.
February 17th, 2009 Lynda Carlyle said:: Hi Marianna Psychology is a fantastic background for going into sexology. The path I took was through The University of Sydney which offers a post-graduate course where you can do a Certificate, Diploma or Masters level in sexual health, depending where you want to go with it. Check out www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/sexualhealth/. Patricia Weerakoon, who is the course coordinator, is delightful & helpful and would be happy to advise you. Her number is 02 9351 9256. It\'s a great career choice. Good luck!
February 13th, 2009 Marianna said:: Hi, my goal is to become a sexologist/sex therapist. I am currently working towards a Psychology Bachelors with a minor of Criminal Justice. I was told that from there I can go up to study for Sexology. Is that correct? I feel lost and I wouln\'t like to end up with a career that I really don\'t like. Help!
November 23rd, 2008 Alexandra Gaut said:: I would like the name(s) of a female sex therapist in Adelaide, either in the CBD or in the Gawler (5118) area please. Thank you.
October 31st, 2008 ngo anh giap said:: Hello Mrs! My name Ngo,i living in Vietnam,i want to study Sexology but i do not know where teach it,you can guide me please.
October 26th, 2008 Virginia Lovell said:: my son has recently told me he is Gay, he said he has tried to have relationships with girls but always gets rejected. he said when he is masterbating he fantasises about being with another boy although he has wanted to think of being with girls. he feels he has no choice because of his thoughts and feelings towards boys he is 16 yrs of age, has low self essteem concerning his looks and his body but many people comment how hansome he is. he has never had a bond with his father, and we have been seperated for 9 years so he has not really had a male influence in his life, he is very close to me his mum and has an older sister who is 19. do you think he is confused and do you think sexual therapy would help him.
October 17th, 2008 Clare said:: Hi there, I need help! I have been with my husband for ten years now(I am 28 y.o) and I love him dearly. But my libido has vanished. I have MS which may be a contributing factor. I really want to get this problem sorted. Could you please recommend a therapist who may be able to help us. I live in Bayside Melbourne. Thank you so much.