I no longer offer consultations for premature ejaculation. This article remains a reading resource; to explore further, I recommend Étienne Vallon’s book.
If you are reading this, you have probably mentally crossed a threshold you had been putting off for a long time. You are telling yourself: “Right. This time, I’m going to see someone.” You type “sex therapist Paris premature ejaculation” into Google. And find a list of names, practices, fees and reviews. You do not know where to begin.
That is normal. The title “sex therapist” is not protected in France. Anyone can claim it. For something as intimate as premature ejaculation, you deserve better than a lucky dip.
Here is how to find your way — without losing months and hundreds of euros.
1. Sex therapist, sexologist, medical sexologist: what really differs
The three terms appear together on Google. They do not mean the same thing.
A medical sexologist is a doctor (GP, gynaecologist, urologist or psychiatrist) who has completed an inter-university diploma (DIU) in sexology. They can prescribe medication, request tests and make a medical diagnosis. Their fees are partly reimbursed by French social security when they practise under its agreed fee arrangements. For premature ejaculation, they can prescribe Viagra with the aim of “reducing stress”, Priligy on demand, or investigate an organic cause (prostatitis, hormonal imbalance).
A sex therapist is a therapist specifically trained in sexual therapy. Often a psychologist, sometimes a psychomotor therapist or pelvic floor physiotherapist. University training (a DU in sex therapy), recognised private training and clinical supervision. They do the deeper work — exercises, posture, presence, communication as a couple and unlearning conditioning. They do not prescribe medication. Fees are not reimbursed unless a specific supplementary health policy covers them.
A sexologist (without further detail): a vague title, sometimes used by thoroughly trained people, sometimes by self-appointed coaches. Investigate each case individually.
For premature ejaculation, the two professionals complement each other. Ideally, you see first a medical sexologist (or your GP) to rule out an organic cause, then a sex therapist for the deeper work. That is what saves years.
2. How to recognise a properly trained sex therapist
Four practical criteria to check before making an appointment.
Qualifications. A serious sex therapist has either a DU in sex therapy from a French medical faculty or lengthy training at a recognised school (IPS Paris, Sexodoc, EFPP, etc.). Check their website. If they list no training, move on.
Membership of a professional society. In France: AIUS (Association Interdisciplinaire post-Universitaire de Sexologie) or SFSC (Société Française de Sexologie Clinique). These are the two reference organisations. An affiliated sex therapist has completed training recognised by their peers.
A combined professional background. Many capable sex therapists are also psychologists, pelvic floor physiotherapists or specialist osteopaths. A dual background is an excellent sign — they combine therapeutic listening with an understanding of the body.
Their network. Ask in the first session: “Do you work with other professionals? Who would you refer me to if my profile does not fit your approach?” A capable therapist has a network (urologist, pelvic floor physiotherapist, medical sexologist, hypnotherapist). An isolated therapist is less often the right choice — support for premature ejaculation is rarely confined to a single discipline.
3. Warning signs to avoid
I see these patterns in the practice when patients come to me after consultations elsewhere.
Numbered promises and guarantees. “5 sessions to cure premature ejaculation.” “Guaranteed results in 3 weeks.” Premature ejaculation takes time. The duration depends on your profile (situational, generalised, anxious), your history and your partner’s involvement if you are in a relationship. No one can seriously promise you a precise timeframe. Those who do are selling, not supporting.
Psychoanalysis alone. If a therapist directs you towards “exploring your childhood, your relationship with your mother, your first feelings of attraction” without ever mentioning your body, pelvic floor, masturbation habits or breathing — they are working in just one dimension. That can be useful for some people, but it leaves many mechanical problems unchanged. For premature ejaculation, it is often insufficient.
Behavioural work alone. Conversely, if a therapist teaches only techniques (stop-start, squeeze) without paying any attention to your anxiety, relationship or history — they are doing the reverse. This works for some profiles, but often fails as soon as circumstances change (a new partner, life stress, etc.).
Coaches without clinical training. On Instagram and TikTok, many accounts offer PE “programmes”. Short videos, quick promises, a €200-a-month subscription. No clinical framework, no supervision, no responsibility if things go wrong. If the person cannot show you their qualifications or affiliation, the answer is no.
4. What a first session looks like
To demystify a moment that frightens many people.
A first session lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the practice. You arrive, are welcomed and settle in. It is an office, not a medical consulting room in the traditional sense — no white coat, no physical examination in the first session.
The therapist will mainly listen to you. You describe how long the problem has been there, how it shows itself, what you have tried, where your relationship stands if you have a partner, and what you hope for from the work. No intrusive interrogation — your pace is respected. You talk about what you are ready to say that day.
The therapist then offers an initial working hypothesis: what your premature ejaculation looks like clinically (situational, generalised, anxious), which areas will take priority (body, mind, habits, relationship), and how much time a first phase of work requires. They often give you an initial exercise to take away — something simple to try during the week.
You leave with a clearer understanding of your situation, a provisional plan, a first practical tool and — often — enormous relief. Because you have spoken. At last. To someone who understands.
5. What it costs, and how to limit the bill
Average fees in Paris (2026):
- Medical sexologist under sector 1 agreed fees: €25–30 per consultation (partly reimbursed)
- Sector 2 medical sexologist: €60–90
- Psychologist and sex therapist: €70–120
- Sex therapist with another professional background: €60–100
Supplementary health insurance. Some policies reimburse non-medical sex therapy consultations under a “psychologist” or “complementary therapy” allowance. Check your policy before starting — €30–50 per session may be covered, up to an annual limit.
Mon Soutien Psy. The national scheme reimbursing psychologist sessions (12 sessions a year since 2024) may cover psychological work alongside your sex therapy if your GP considers a referral for psychological support appropriate.
How many sessions? For premature ejaculation, allow between 8 and 20 sessions over 4 to 12 months, depending on your profile. Some men need fewer (6–8 sessions for situational profiles with swift behavioural work). Others need more (15–25 sessions for profiles combining trauma, relationship conflict and established anxiety). A serious therapist gives you an honest estimate within 2–3 sessions.
A reading resource from Scarlett Kaplan
Scarlett Kaplan no longer offers consultations for premature ejaculation.
For this subject, she recommends Premature Ejaculation by Étienne Vallon, a reading resource to explore at your own pace.
Read an extract and learn about the book.
7. If you do not want to consult someone straight away
That is a valid option too. Many men begin with a book or an online programme, see what shifts on their own and consult someone only if something remains stuck. That is sensible. You get a sense of the problem, test your commitment and arrive better prepared if you do seek support.
For those men, Sortir de votre éjaculation précoce is designed to be used independently. Seven stages of exercises, reference points to tell whether you are progressing, and clear signs for knowing when to consult someone anyway.
The only truly poor choice is doing nothing. Not because premature ejaculation is a life-threatening emergency — it is not. But because each additional month is another month of avoidance, shame and a relationship wearing away. You deserve better. So does your partner.
📖 If consulting someone is not possible for now (because of distance, budget or simply not being ready yet), Sortir de votre éjaculation précoce offers a first step: a programme to follow at home, at your own pace. Available on Amazon in French.
Scarlett Kaplan is a sex therapist in Paris. Her work brings together the body, breathing and presence. She is the author of Votre vaginisme : y voir plus clair and Sortir de votre éjaculation précoce. For premature ejaculation, readers are now directed to the book.