By Belle Hann
She may have one of the more unusual careers in Footscray, but Lauren Muratore loves being a sex therapist. “It is pretty cool, I have to say.”
She runs her practice Integrated Sex and Relationship Therapy on Paisley Street where she helps both individuals and couples heal the most intimate aspects of their lives. A common issue she sees in her practice is sex drive differences between couples. She also works with people seeking to “open” their relationships and explore additional sexual partners.
Lauren is quick to point out, though, that “sex therapy isn’t always about sex.” Often issues in the bedroom indicate deeper issues in a relationship, as well as an individual’s past traumas.
Has she seen any spike in business during COVID-19?
“100 percent…intimacy is definitely at the forefront. People are finally stuck at home to talk about relationship issues rather than being too busy with life.”
She also notes that lockdown has also worked really well for some couples, too.
“It has prompted individuals to do a lot of introspection…to face issues and get to the bottom of things.”
To become an accredited sexologist, Lauren completed a masters degree in psychosexual therapy, as well as an additional degree in counselling. She decided to become a sexologist to combine her passion for both sexuality and helping people in a non judgemental way.
Lauren readily admits her job can surprise people. When she tells people she is a sex therapist she is often greeted with shocked looks or confusion. Sometimes people mistakenly believe she watches people have sex, or that she can prescribe Viagra.
Being a sexologist is a very satisfying career for many reasons. The best part, Lauren says, is: “seeing clients have those lightbulb moments.”
“I love seeing couples after several sessions who are not having luck in the bedroom have a really good intimate moment or a massive shift in the relationship. That is an amazing day in the office.”
Curious to find out more? Visit integratedsextherapy.com.au to learn more about Lauren’s practice.
So What Do You Do? is a regular column exploring unusual careers in the inner-west of Melbourne.
