Sex therapy is a form of counseling that is for couples as well as individuals to resolve sexual difficulties, such as performance anxieties or relationship problems. It is a specialized type of psychotherapy, which means that you are treating a mental health issue by going to a mental health professional. Sex therapy can help you improve your current or future relationships, overcome your sexual and physical difficulties, and help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your sexuality so that it can be a more enjoyable experience.
A sex therapist does not help you have sex in the literal sense. Rather, sex therapists take the tools of therapy-namely, addressing your concerns, thoughts, and feelings, and why it is inhibiting your sexuality-and giving you tools to complete the goal of resolving the issue. Sex therapists listen to your concerns within the realm of sex, such as:
• Concerns over intimacy
• Sexual anxieties
• Impulsive or compulsive sexual behavior
• Problematic sexual behavior patterns
• Concerns over past unwanted or traumatic sexual experiences
• Concerns about sexual interests or sexual orientation
• Erectile functioning concerns
• Ejaculating early (premature ejaculation)
• Difficulty with sexual arousal
• Low libido or lack of sexual desire
• Trouble reaching orgasm (anorgasmia)
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Intimacy issues related to a disability or chronic condition
• Alternative lifestyle
Sex therapy can also lead to help within other realms of mental or physical health. If the sexual problems arise from something physical-such as the side effect to a medication-you can get referred to a doctor to fix that problem. Also, if the sexual problems are present because of a different mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression, you can also begin to heal there as well, which in turn will affect your sex life. A holistic evaluation of all mental and physical issues that can alter your sex life helps determine proper and effective treatment.
Here are just a few of the issues we can help with
Navigating Open, Poly and other Alt Relationships
Healthy involvement in Alt lifestyles and Kinky practices
Solving lack of intimacy or commitment
Overcoming depression and anxiety
Accepting sexual orientation or gender identity
Getting and maintaining erections
Learning ejaculation control and timing
Improving women’s & men’s ability to orgasm
Enhancing arousal & sexual desire
Self-acceptance related to Kinky or Alt behaviors
Developing social or sexual skills
Handling sexual compulsion or obsession (mislabeled “sex addiction”)
Healing from sexual abuse, exploitation and trauma
A fulfilling sex life is healthy and natural. Physical and emotional intimacy are essential parts of your well-being. When sexual dysfunction occurs, having that fulfilling sex life can be difficult. Sex therapy may be able to help you reframe your sexual challenges and increase your sexual satisfaction
