Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals have numerous clinical opportunities to consider the personal developmental histories and the current individual and relationship psychology of their patients. The presentation of any sexual difficulty provides clinicians with such opportunities. Although most of our patients do not seem to initially appreciate it, sex is about many subtle yet vital things. It is about the unique unfolding of the individual self, the ability to be psychologically intimate, the capacity to give and receive pleasure, the capacity to love and be loved, and the ability to manage the expected and unexpected changes throughout adulthood. Patients often expect mental health professionals to be knowledgeable, skillful, and interested in addressing sexual concerns. This section provides a background for clinicians to enable them to grow into their patients' expectations.