How to Talk to Your Pastor About Sexual Problems

Sexual problems are difficult to discuss. However, talking to your pastor about sexual problems can help you understand how sexuality is viewed in your faith and help you reconcile your sexual problems. Courses in counseling and sexuality are included in many pastoral studies, so your pastor is equipped to listen and offer advice regarding your sexual problems, In addition, she is able to guide you on the role of sexuality in your faith, which can be especially helpful if the sexual problems are due to problems of guilt and/or anxiety resulting from a misunderstanding of your faith's view of sexuality.

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your pastor. Most pastors have times set aside for counseling. Call your pastor or his assistant to schedule a convenient time for both of you.

• 2

  Prepare beforehand by listing the problems you wish to discuss. This will help your pastor and you focus on your problems in order to help you reconcile misconceptions. This is especially helpful if you are only seeing your pastor for short-term counseling.

• 3

  Relax and understand that your pastor has received training in counseling. She is equipped to listen and offer advice on sexual problems as well as any other problems you may have.

• 4

  Trust your pastor. What you say to your pastor regarding your sexual problems will remain confidential. Your pastor's counseling training prepares him to make you feel comfortable expressing your problems to him in a safe environment.