The third criterion is that the sex therapist, having both biological and psychological sophistication, must be able to demonstrate extensive post-graduate training specifically within the areas of sexual function and dysfunction, sex counseling, and sex therapy.
http://www.americanboardofsexology.com/whatis.htm
Sex Therapist. To many of us, and to society in general sex is often quite a taboo subject. There is nothing necessarily embarrassing about a person's sex life, but it tends to be a very private matter that many people simply do not like to discuss. Dr. Rachel Needle works as a Sex Therapist. Her work as a psychologist focuses on exploring patients feelings, concerns and difficulties with sex. There are a lot of strange conclusions that people can and do draw from the title of sex therapist.
http://careersinpsychology.org/interview/dr-rachel-needle/
Counselors usually do not talk as much as the client because only the client knows where the pain and resistance lie, and the client is ultimately the one who will do the work to resolve the issue. If you are seeking help, keep in mind that counselors will not solve your problems for you.
http://www.yourtango.com/experts/therapistsandcounselors
A weekend workshop or possession of a few sex therapy films does not meet this criterion, and the prospective client should feel free to ask for a list of specific training experiences in these specialized areas. The fourth requirement to be met is that of having expertise in relationship counseling.
http://www.americanboardofsexology.com/whatis.htm
Counselors typically work one-on-one to help uncover the source of stress, pain, resentment, frustration etc. in a person's life. Often, they help clients determine goals and set into motion a plan to create and sustain positive change.
http://www.yourtango.com/experts/therapistsandcounselors
That is, the sex therapist should also be a skilled marital, family and/or group therapist. In order to work effectively with sexual problems, the sex therapist must be able to work effectively with non-sexual relationships as well. Sexual behavior does not occur in a vacuum-it occurs within a relationship! The total relationship must, therefore, be accurately evaluated and treated.
http://www.americanboardofsexology.com/whatis.htm
In fact, counselors often see clients who are dealing with relationship, marital, personal growth issues, and many other matters that do not fall within the parameters of a diagnosable mental health concern.
http://www.yourtango.com/experts/therapistsandcounselors
Unfortunately, it is not a required part of clinical training to become a Psychologist. Some graduate programs do offer a course in Human Sexuality and/or Sex Therapy but typically no more than one and it is not required.
http://careersinpsychology.org/interview/dr-rachel-needle/
Sex therapy employs many of the same basic principles as the other therapeutic modalities, but is unique in that it is an approach developed specifically for the treatment of sexual problems. That is, sex therapy is a specialized form of treatment used with one aspect of the wide range of human problems.
http://www.americanboardofsexology.com/whatis.htm
They provide a safe place where clients can talk about any and all problems on their mind. counselors are trained to listen in an objective manner and offer helpful feedback, insight and clarification. In session, counselors usually operate in the role of a guide.
http://www.yourtango.com/experts/therapistsandcounselors
what do sex therapist do
A sex therapist works effectively with sexual problems and with non-sexual relationships as well.  In order to work effectively with sexual problems, the sex therapist must be able to work effectively with non-sexual relationships as well.