Dr. Charles and Amy Miron, a husband and wife team of sex therapists, met Nov. 13 with nearly 50 students to discuss the specialized counseling career.

“A good sex therapist has to be a good therapist,” says Charles Miron. “They must be aware of the biological, psychological, individual causes and concerns, as well as relationship dynamics.”

Sex therapy is different from psychotherapy, they say, because it provides an intervention for a specific problem. Therapists come from varied backgrounds and have different types of graduate training.

“We thought the Mirons would be great, informative speakers, and it would give students the chance to hear how to open doors to non-traditional psychology careers,” says Cody Crutchley ’09, president of the Psychology Club, who invited the couple to campus.

Crutchley says he hopes the discussion sparks student interest in exploring a Psychology degree and provides information for students like Psychology majors Sierra Hall ’09 and Anna Beers ’10, who want to become sex therapists.

“I believe sex therapy helps to encourage communication, honesty, and helps build healthier and satisfied couples,” says Hall.

“Most people are shy on the subject,” says Beers. “But I think it should be something that should be talked about in a productive way more often. I was very excited to find out that I could have a very plausible career option by putting together my interest in sexual relationships with my love of listening and helping other people."

Sex therapists come from a variety of backgrounds, according to Dr. Steve Conley, Executive Director of the American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists.

“We’re seeing a great deal more interest in our certification programs, and our membership is growing,” says Conley.

The Mirons, who entered the profession in 1973, have for more than 30 years taught a course in human sexuality at the Community College of Baltimore County’s Catonsville campus, in addition to holding private practice. They co-authored the book, “How to Talk with Teens about Love, Relationships and S-E-X.”

For more information on the American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists, click here : http://www.aasect.org/