Sex Therapy

Our sexuality is such an important part of our identities, but sex, and sexual issues, often go unspoken inside and outside of therapy. As humans, we are innately social and sexual beings. However, even though sexuality plays a significant role in our lives – by allowing procreation, bonding and the experience of pleasure – sex and sexual issues are rarely discussed; they are kept taboo in therapy, and especially in social relationships.

If you had parents/caretakers who did not have the knowledge, skills or desire to talk openly about sex and healthy sexuality, your entire sexual education could have taken place in junior high sex ed. class. And honestly, what do you remember from that experience besides where babies come from? Instead of learning about masturbation and pleasure, how to practice safe sex, what consent is, and how to find and access sexual health resources, our sex education is often rooted in fear as we’re constantly reminded about the dangers of sex and how to avoid STDs.

With limited and inaccurate information circulating about sex in our world, this can actually perpetuate sexual dysfunctions that go unaddressed. Consequences of a poor sexual education and living in a society where shame and sex can often go hand in hand, are shame, fear of exploring gender, sexual interest, the inability to express our sexual needs with our partners, and even feeling broken.

You might already feel like you will never be loved or experience pleasure, and perhaps you’ve given up on relationship altogether, but our practice is here to help you challenge these negative socio-cultural messages about sex, rewrite your own sexual narrative and help you feel more connected to your body and navigate relationships in a more assertive and confident way!

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Sex often goes unspoken in our world. But we are here to help you discover and express your sexuality.

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What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is very much like individual or relationship therapy except you will be working with a therapist who has received additional specialized training that can help you focus more on themes related to sexuality than you would in traditional or relationship therapy. Sex therapists can provide sex education, and can work with you – either in a one-on-one setting or with your partner – on sexual concerns and issues, including your sexual history, sexual anxiety, aversion and avoidance, and your future desires.

How does sex therapy work?

Our sex therapists understand how awkward and uncomfortable it can be for clients and their partners to open up about such a personal and vulnerable subject, and especially with a stranger. So we work hard to create a safe space where we can learn about your history and relationships and provide you with a forum where you can discuss sexual concerns and fears, receive guidance and tools on how to maximize your sexuality, and get insight into better understanding your partner and his/her/their sexuality.

They utilize a somatic approach, which means that not only will you explore your narrative and stories about sexual messages from childhood and society, but you will also learn how to connect to your body in a more present, non-judgmental, and pleasurable way. Your therapy sessions will often involve education about sexual topics through props, diagrams, and recommended readings. Your therapist may also recommend exercises for you to practice on your own or with your partner between sessions. We use cognitive and behavioral strategies and heavily rely on mindfulness, somatic approaches.

How will you benefit from Sex therapy?

You will discover a more embodied version of yourself.

First and foremost, you could improve the relationship you have with yourself by becoming more embodied and connected to yourself and freed from external expectations. We will also help you work through shame that might be preventing you from exploring your sexual beliefs and increase your confidence in exploring sexuality and expressing your preferences in a more assertive way.

Overall, the result of sex therapy can be a stronger foundation to live a happier, healthier and sex positive life.