Are you experiencing any of the following in your personal life or relationships?

• Anxiety or discomfort when having sex
• Low sexual desire/libido
• Performance anxiety
• Difficulty communicating needs or consent to sexual partners
• Trauma from negative sexual experiences such as sexual assault or rape
• Relationship problems or difficulty with intimacy
• Anorgasmia and pain during intercourse/Vaginismus

Sex can often be an uncomfortable topic of discussion, even with those closest to us. You may have been taught that sex was shameful, or were given inadequate information regarding sex and intimacy, causing confusion or anxiety about sex. You might also be struggling with sexual issues in your relationship caused by dissatisfaction, differing levels or sexual desire, or difficulty communicating likes and dislikes. Additionally, if you have been the victim of a sexual assault or rape, you might have difficultly maintaining a healthy and positive relationship with sex, or be triggered when having sex with a romantic partner.

What is sex therapy, and how does it work?

We know that discussing sex and intimacy struggles might be difficulty and anxiety provoking, which is why we strive to maintain and safe and trusting environment for you to express these struggles. You will be able to have sessions alone or with your partner, and will communicate with your therapist each step of the way to ensure your emotional safety. Sex therapy can help you resolve your sexual issues through exploration of messages sent to you about sex growing up, processing of beliefs surrounding sex and intimacy, discussion about your sexual health and negative sexual experiences, and identification of specific sexual concerns.

Depending on your beliefs and education regarding sex and intimacy, your therapist might encourage more educational information through books, videos, podcasts etc. to encourage a deeper understanding of sex and relationship with your sexuality. If you are attending sex therapy with a partner, your therapist might encourage experimentation for couples who are experiencing sexual dissatisfaction, or activities such as sensate focus for couples with a partner with sex anxiety. Your therapist might also assist you in better communication strategies and skills to communicate consent and sexual preferences to intimate partners. The therapist’s role is to work with you to identify your sexual goals and create a safe space for you to find the strategies that feel best for you to reach these goals.