Sex and Intimacy Therapy

Available for both couples and individual clients, sex and intimacy therapy is a wonderful tool that supports a multidimentional approach to your health and wellness. Historically, topics related to sexual health and wellness have been avoided and even stigmatized. Healthcare providers have not been equipped to effectively discuss or treat patients with sexual health related issues which has created gaps in the education we receive that’s critical to the development of healthy sexual practices and relationships. It’s normal to have questions about if sex therapy can benefit you. Below are common questions I’ve received from patients before.

Who is this type of therapy for and how do I know if I can benefit from sex and intimacy therapy?

All humans are created to be in intimate relationships. We are wired for connection and belonging. Sex and intimacy therapy can benefit people of all ages, backgrounds, and relationship status who want to learn more about how to deepen their intimate connections with themselves and others. Perhaps you come in with specific concerns, or something more general. Either way, it’s equally important to prioritize your health through preventative care, compassionate care and pleasure.

Why would I choose to meet with a sex and intimacy therapist over a typical marriage/relationship therapist?

The greatest difference comes down to training and experience. Sex therapists typically have been in the relationship counseling field before furthering their education to specialize in human sexuality. Meeting with a sex therapist can support exploration specifically around sexual health, but with relationship at the core of treatment. It is also a posibility for sex therapists to discuss non-sexual issues if it is made known that a patient may need support with issues that take precedence over the sexual issues being presented. A sex therapist can work with clients on all of these issues and integrate them into the treatment plan, while other therapists may need to refer patients to other providers for support around sexuality.

If I meet with a sex and intimacy therapist, do we just talk about sex the whole time? Is the goal always pointed to having more sex?

Not necessarily. Talking about sex and your sexual health and history is a part of the process, but what we talk about is largely determined by what your personal goals are. Depending on your health history, there are various topics, both sexual and non-sexual, that can be discussed to support how you can show up in your intimate relationship(s). Increasing sexual frequency doesn’t determine the health of a relationship. A better indicator would be the quality of the sex you’re having as well as how well you feel in your relationship(s). It’s important to discuss all factors, sexual and non-sexual, and how they contribute to relationship quality and sexual satisfaction.

What does therapy look like on a typical day for a sex therapist?

On a typical day, the therapy process looks similar to other traditional talk therapy practices. Different therapists have unique approaches and styles, but all will conduct thourough assessments customized to support your goals and treatment plans. Sex therapy can consist of psychoeducation about specific sexual and non-sexual issues, therapeutic processing, listening and therapy interventions, or a combination of each. A therapist will never participate with clients or witness clients engaging in physical sexual activity.

I want to have a more satisfying sex life with my partner, but I don’t know where to start. Things are different now than they were before at the beginning of our relationship. I’m nervous to tell them how I feel because I don’t know if they will understand or accept me where I am now.

First, be kind and patient with yourself as you navigate these feelings. It’s normal to have feelings of apprehension, doubt and uncertainty. Second, you are not alone. Many people have made similar statements. Meeting with a sex and intimacy therapist can support you through communicating these feelings with care and concern around the hopes you have for your intimate relationship.

Please contact me with any questions you have. I’m here to support you. click the link below to message me to learn more!