Sex Therapy
We grow up in a culture that discourages children from expressing their curiosity about sex. This can lead us as adults to experience shame when discussing sexual issues and make it difficult to feel comfortable expressing our sexual desires to our partners. When talking about sex is already uncomfortable it can feel particularly challenging to talk about sexual issues with a professional. As an experienced Sex Therapist, I can assure you that sexual issues are common and that I will aim to provide a safe and comfortable environment in which to talk about your sexual concerns.
If you are experiencing any of the following I can be of help:
Lack of Sexual Desire
Erectile Dysfunction
Lack of Arousal
Premature Ejaculation
Inability to Experience Orgasm
Delayed or Inhibited Ejaculation
Pain During Intercourse
Vaginal Spasms Preventing Intercourse (Vaginismus)
Sexual Problems Resulting from Childhood Trauma and Abuse
Compulsive (Out of Control) Sexual Behavior
Difficulties Achieving Sexual Compatibility
Infrequent Sexual Interactions
Sexual Challenges Posed by Aging, Illness, or Medical Treatment
What Is Sex Therapy?
Depending on the problem, what seems to be causing it, and whether or not the person(s) having the problem is/are in a committed relationship, Sex Therapy usually involves a combination of individual and/or couples therapy sessions and behavioral exercises to be done at home, either by the individual or the couple, designed to facilitate overcoming the particular difficulty being treated.
Some of these exercises are used to diminish anxiety and preoccupation with one’s ability to perform and aim to develop sexual confidence. Others facilitate sexual communication between partners. Yet others help partners reconnect erotically with each other in ways that lead to their having enjoyable, rather than just satisfactory, sexual interactions.
My Approach
My approach to treating sexual problems begins with an assessment to provide me with an understanding of what is blocking an individual or a couple from having optimal erotic experiences. This usually involves a discussion of the problem including how long it has been present, what factors played a part in precipitating it, what factors play a part in maintaining it, and what has already been tried in an attempt to overcome it.
This is then followed by taking a history of the person’s experience growing up in their family and how their sexuality developed. The information gathered from this assessment then leads to a formulation of what is blocking the person from having enjoyable sexual experiences and what would be the best approach to overcoming them. This formulation is then shared with the individual or the couple to see if it resonates, and if not, how it might need to be modified and improved.
LGBTQ+ AFFIRMING
I am committed to providing an informed, affirmative approach to working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, nonbinary, trans, polyamorous, sexually non-monogamous, and kink-practicing individuals and couples.