Sex Therapists in Arden, NC

Photo of Shannon South, LCMHC, ThD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shannon South
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, ThD
Verified Verified
Arden, NC 28704
I am an integrative therapist focused on healing the split associated with trauma. Trauma can disconnect you from your authenticity and power, creating a misalignment in your mind-body and spirit. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Inner Counselor are two highly effective approaches used for healing. I see clients with panic disorder and depression, sexual abuse, abusive relationships, codependency and self-esteem issues and more. Bringing health and balance back around areas that have become compulsions (eating, sex, alcohol, relationships, etc.) is another important part of this personal healing journey.
I am an integrative therapist focused on healing the split associated with trauma. Trauma can disconnect you from your authenticity and power, creating a misalignment in your mind-body and spirit. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Inner Counselor are two highly effective approaches used for healing. I see clients with panic disorder and depression, sexual abuse, abusive relationships, codependency and self-esteem issues and more. Bringing health and balance back around areas that have become compulsions (eating, sex, alcohol, relationships, etc.) is another important part of this personal healing journey.
(828) 351-9963 View (828) 351-9963
Photo of Jill Marie Calderon, PhD, Psychologist
Jill Marie Calderon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Arden, NC 28704
I am a fully licensed psychologist who has been serving a variety of populations for over 10 years. My experience has primarily been in working with individuals with serious mental illness including personality disorders, trauma and those involved in the criminal justice system, specifically for crimes related to sex offenses. I believe my experience allows me to have a unique understanding of the origins, symptoms and challenges faced by those struggling with serious mental illness. I believe an effective therapeutic relationship requires a collaborative, non-judgmental, trusting atmosphere and that is my focus in my practice.
I am a fully licensed psychologist who has been serving a variety of populations for over 10 years. My experience has primarily been in working with individuals with serious mental illness including personality disorders, trauma and those involved in the criminal justice system, specifically for crimes related to sex offenses. I believe my experience allows me to have a unique understanding of the origins, symptoms and challenges faced by those struggling with serious mental illness. I believe an effective therapeutic relationship requires a collaborative, non-judgmental, trusting atmosphere and that is my focus in my practice.
(828) 929-1433 View (828) 929-1433
Photo of Paul Fugelsang - Open Path Psychotherapy Collective, MA, LPC, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, PhD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Arden, NC 28704
We're a network of specialized, licensed therapists in the Asheville area who have joined together to provide reasonably priced therapy (between $40 and $70 a session) to middle income individuals and couples. If you make between $25,000 and $100,000 annually our network is designed to meet your needs.
We're a network of specialized, licensed therapists in the Asheville area who have joined together to provide reasonably priced therapy (between $40 and $70 a session) to middle income individuals and couples. If you make between $25,000 and $100,000 annually our network is designed to meet your needs.
(828) 592-2517 View (828) 592-2517
Photo of Marjorie Skwara, MA, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marjorie Skwara
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Arden, NC 28704
Not accepting new clients
A few areas of my particular expertise and interest are: healing developmental needs and trauma, healing relationship/attachment issues, recovery from current and past abuse, sexual issues, loss and grief, mood and anxiety problems, addressing fertility, conception, pregnancy, parenting, menopause/andropause and aging, spiritual development, and freeing our creativity.
Whether you have a current personal or relationship crisis, or an ongoing problem, I can help you increase your peace, satisfaction, effectiveness, and understanding of yourself and others. Want joy and satisfaction in your life, and yet circumstances, known or unknown, seem to keep getting in the way? I offer tools for changing that. We will work with both the conscious brain, and with the instinctive brain, which has a mind and a life of its own. Many who've had much therapy, made good changes but not fundamental shifts, have happily transformed their lives working this way with me.
A few areas of my particular expertise and interest are: healing developmental needs and trauma, healing relationship/attachment issues, recovery from current and past abuse, sexual issues, loss and grief, mood and anxiety problems, addressing fertility, conception, pregnancy, parenting, menopause/andropause and aging, spiritual development, and freeing our creativity.
Whether you have a current personal or relationship crisis, or an ongoing problem, I can help you increase your peace, satisfaction, effectiveness, and understanding of yourself and others. Want joy and satisfaction in your life, and yet circumstances, known or unknown, seem to keep getting in the way? I offer tools for changing that. We will work with both the conscious brain, and with the instinctive brain, which has a mind and a life of its own. Many who've had much therapy, made good changes but not fundamental shifts, have happily transformed their lives working this way with me.
(828) 527-6123 View (828) 527-6123

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Corrine Shuster, LCSW, CST, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Corrine Shuster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801  (Online Only)
My goal is to help you uncover your unique path and enhance your emotional, mental, spiritual, and sexual well-being.
I offer telehealth therapy across North Carolina and am here to support you. With extensive knowledge in mental health, relationships, and sexual issues, I’m committed to helping you navigate your unique challenges.
My goal is to help you uncover your unique path and enhance your emotional, mental, spiritual, and sexual well-being.
I offer telehealth therapy across North Carolina and am here to support you. With extensive knowledge in mental health, relationships, and sexual issues, I’m committed to helping you navigate your unique challenges.
(984) 336-2846 View (984) 336-2846
Photo of Dr. Tom Murray Sex Therapist | Couples Counselor, PhD, LMFT, LCMHCS, CFMHE, CSTS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Tom Murray Sex Therapist | Couples Counselor
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LCMHCS, CFMHE, CSTS
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
With my brief-oriented approach, backed by the science of what works in sex therapy and couples counseling, you'll gain clarity, break old patterns, tackle mind-chatter, and experience satisfying sex and intimacy.
Should I stay or should I go? A huge question that's weighed on you. It keeps you up at night, stressing you out. Life would be so much easier if your relationship wasn't so hard. You wish you could communicate better; feel understood. But, damn, your shit and their shit get in the way. Not to mention the pressures of career, aging parents, or demanding children. It all gets thrown in the mix, leaving you exhausted, distracted, and disenchanted by the status quo. You want things to change (better sex, intimacy, connection); you're finally ready to take charge of your life in a new and meaningful way. You've come to the right place!
With my brief-oriented approach, backed by the science of what works in sex therapy and couples counseling, you'll gain clarity, break old patterns, tackle mind-chatter, and experience satisfying sex and intimacy.
Should I stay or should I go? A huge question that's weighed on you. It keeps you up at night, stressing you out. Life would be so much easier if your relationship wasn't so hard. You wish you could communicate better; feel understood. But, damn, your shit and their shit get in the way. Not to mention the pressures of career, aging parents, or demanding children. It all gets thrown in the mix, leaving you exhausted, distracted, and disenchanted by the status quo. You want things to change (better sex, intimacy, connection); you're finally ready to take charge of your life in a new and meaningful way. You've come to the right place!
(336) 728-6066 View (336) 728-6066
Photo of Charlotte Taylor, LCMHC, CPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Charlotte Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, CPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28806
Worried that your therapist is going to give you a blank stare as soon as you start talking about your sex life? Want more than just a nod and a "hmmm" from your therapist? Let's do this! I am passionate about providing non-pathologizing care for queer, non-monogamous, kinky, and gender diverse individuals, relationships, and families. If you're ready to change something, and you're ready to start today- you've come to the right place.
Worried that your therapist is going to give you a blank stare as soon as you start talking about your sex life? Want more than just a nod and a "hmmm" from your therapist? Let's do this! I am passionate about providing non-pathologizing care for queer, non-monogamous, kinky, and gender diverse individuals, relationships, and families. If you're ready to change something, and you're ready to start today- you've come to the right place.
(828) 348-6425 View (828) 348-6425
Photo of MB Tabor, LCSW, LISW-CP, CST, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
MB Tabor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-CP, CST
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) helps you improve your communication and your sexual intimacy, so you can feel close, playful, and connected again.
You feel like your partner just doesn't get it - like they don't understand you. You're stuck in a pattern that seems to never end: one of you gets quiet and the other gets louder, and this cycle seems to repeat over and over again. Your sex life is strained. But talking about sex is hard.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) helps you improve your communication and your sexual intimacy, so you can feel close, playful, and connected again.
You feel like your partner just doesn't get it - like they don't understand you. You're stuck in a pattern that seems to never end: one of you gets quiet and the other gets louder, and this cycle seems to repeat over and over again. Your sex life is strained. But talking about sex is hard.
(864) 310-7881 View (864) 310-7881
Photo of Katie Moran, MEd, LCMHCA
Katie Moran
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MEd, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803  (Online Only)
My specialty and interest is in relationship and sex therapy, but almost everyone has other issues and concerns going on simultaneously! We can address any other mental health concerns and goals in session as well.
Want to talk about relationship and sex-related issues, but feeling like you don't have a safe space to do so? I know how it feels when topics seem "off-limits" even in certain therapy settings! My therapeutic goal is to provide a comfortable, safe, and completely open environment where we can process whatever is going on! I approach all clients with a positive, curious attitude and uniquely alter my treatment plan modalities for each individual.
My specialty and interest is in relationship and sex therapy, but almost everyone has other issues and concerns going on simultaneously! We can address any other mental health concerns and goals in session as well.
Want to talk about relationship and sex-related issues, but feeling like you don't have a safe space to do so? I know how it feels when topics seem "off-limits" even in certain therapy settings! My therapeutic goal is to provide a comfortable, safe, and completely open environment where we can process whatever is going on! I approach all clients with a positive, curious attitude and uniquely alter my treatment plan modalities for each individual.
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Photo of Heath Wise, LCMHC, CST, CSAT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heath Wise
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, CST, CSAT
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
I have years of experience and specialized training and certification in helping individuals and couples to heal from the effects of sexual addition, sexual dysfunction and sexual trauma.
Whether you are in a crisis in your family or you are single and just want to improve your relationships, counseling can greatly impact the outcome. Having a supportive professional listen to your specific situation and help you with the tools to change or improve it is one of the most effective things that you can do, especially around areas of sexuality or trauma.
I have years of experience and specialized training and certification in helping individuals and couples to heal from the effects of sexual addition, sexual dysfunction and sexual trauma.
Whether you are in a crisis in your family or you are single and just want to improve your relationships, counseling can greatly impact the outcome. Having a supportive professional listen to your specific situation and help you with the tools to change or improve it is one of the most effective things that you can do, especially around areas of sexuality or trauma.
(828) 395-1261 View (828) 395-1261
Photo of Kelley Johnson, PhD
Kelley Johnson
PhD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28802
I offer comprehensive sex education to people of all ages and parenting programs designed to help parents raise their children to be empowered sexually healthy adults.
Talking about intimacy issues can be challenging and intimidating. I take every measure to create a calm and comfortable environment for us to talk in a matter-of-fact way. I work with people who would like to: experience more satisfaction in their intimate life; learn how to talk more comfortably to their partner about sexuality, sensuality, and intimacy; address a sexual problem that is causing concern in their life or relationship; receive help connecting with their partner in the bedroom; and explore ways to bring more pleasure to their partner.
I offer comprehensive sex education to people of all ages and parenting programs designed to help parents raise their children to be empowered sexually healthy adults.
Talking about intimacy issues can be challenging and intimidating. I take every measure to create a calm and comfortable environment for us to talk in a matter-of-fact way. I work with people who would like to: experience more satisfaction in their intimate life; learn how to talk more comfortably to their partner about sexuality, sensuality, and intimacy; address a sexual problem that is causing concern in their life or relationship; receive help connecting with their partner in the bedroom; and explore ways to bring more pleasure to their partner.
(828) 848-8253 View (828) 848-8253
Photo of Kara Catrelle, MSW, LCSW, CVA, CAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kara Catrelle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CVA, CAP
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28805  (Online Only)
student of Clinical Sexology & Hypnotherapy; MSW in Clinical Social Work Loyola University-Chicago.
With over 25 years in the mental health field and 13 years in private practice, I offer a multitude of personal and professional experience. Much of our suffering is due to dissatisfaction in relationships. Sadly, many relationships end prematurely when we are most hurt and emotionally vulnerable. However, this is the time when the very intimacy we were lacking prior has the potential to finally break through. I give you tools and insight to heal old wounds that are holding you back from experiencing the love you seek within yourself and others. Together we address the intrapsychic conflicts and longings of the soul.
student of Clinical Sexology & Hypnotherapy; MSW in Clinical Social Work Loyola University-Chicago.
With over 25 years in the mental health field and 13 years in private practice, I offer a multitude of personal and professional experience. Much of our suffering is due to dissatisfaction in relationships. Sadly, many relationships end prematurely when we are most hurt and emotionally vulnerable. However, this is the time when the very intimacy we were lacking prior has the potential to finally break through. I give you tools and insight to heal old wounds that are holding you back from experiencing the love you seek within yourself and others. Together we address the intrapsychic conflicts and longings of the soul.
(828) 782-3435 View (828) 782-3435
Photo of Wendy Eliot, LCMHCA
Wendy Eliot
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Fairview, NC 28730
I specialize in sex therapy with competence in many other areas.
Clients I have worked with include: survivors of sexual violence; partners seeking to rebuild or recover sexual and emotional intimacy; partners in the aftermath of sexual infidelity; sex workers; people with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation; a sexuality; partners looking to explore ethical non-monogamy or polyamory. I work with clients building their relationship to their bodies, their sexual identities, and desires. My clients also include people processing complex grief, communication barriers in relationships, and exploring values and shifting behaviors to promote authenticity, mindfulness, and integrity.
I specialize in sex therapy with competence in many other areas.
Clients I have worked with include: survivors of sexual violence; partners seeking to rebuild or recover sexual and emotional intimacy; partners in the aftermath of sexual infidelity; sex workers; people with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation; a sexuality; partners looking to explore ethical non-monogamy or polyamory. I work with clients building their relationship to their bodies, their sexual identities, and desires. My clients also include people processing complex grief, communication barriers in relationships, and exploring values and shifting behaviors to promote authenticity, mindfulness, and integrity.
(828) 547-9479 View (828) 547-9479
Photo of Monisha Berkowski, PhD, CST, Psychologist
Monisha Berkowski
Psychologist, PhD, CST
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, I am uniquely qualified to help you improve your relationship to intimacy.
Does it feel you or your relationship are stuck in a cycle that isn't working for you? By recognizing and repairing these patterns, we can cultivate lasting change in our relationship to ourselves and others. Most of my clients want to improve their relationships, sex lives, or explore their identities or transitions. I specialize in sex and relationship therapy, enhancing intimacy and desire, improving mismatched libido, and working through pain or dysfunction, particularly within the queer community. My approach is active, inquisitive, humorous, and nonjudgmental. I offer a balance of insight-oriented work and practical tools.
As an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, I am uniquely qualified to help you improve your relationship to intimacy.
Does it feel you or your relationship are stuck in a cycle that isn't working for you? By recognizing and repairing these patterns, we can cultivate lasting change in our relationship to ourselves and others. Most of my clients want to improve their relationships, sex lives, or explore their identities or transitions. I specialize in sex and relationship therapy, enhancing intimacy and desire, improving mismatched libido, and working through pain or dysfunction, particularly within the queer community. My approach is active, inquisitive, humorous, and nonjudgmental. I offer a balance of insight-oriented work and practical tools.
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Photo of Amber J Schwab - Amber St. Germain , MA MFT
Amber St. Germain
MA MFT
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I focus on trauma healing, relationships, Sex Therapy and Attachment Science.
Are you attracted to unavailable people? Are you continually struggling with your health? Does having a job you love feel impossible? Are you in an unhappy relationship? It can be heartbreaking not to have the relationship, health, or fulfilling work you want, despite your best efforts. Using Sex Therapy and Attachment Science, I can help you change your sex, relationship and money templates. Our sex, relationship and money templates are based on our experiences in life, especially in childhood, as well as inherited family stories and traumas. They inform everything we think, feel and attract and we can change them for the better.
I focus on trauma healing, relationships, Sex Therapy and Attachment Science.
Are you attracted to unavailable people? Are you continually struggling with your health? Does having a job you love feel impossible? Are you in an unhappy relationship? It can be heartbreaking not to have the relationship, health, or fulfilling work you want, despite your best efforts. Using Sex Therapy and Attachment Science, I can help you change your sex, relationship and money templates. Our sex, relationship and money templates are based on our experiences in life, especially in childhood, as well as inherited family stories and traumas. They inform everything we think, feel and attract and we can change them for the better.
(828) 373-1727 View (828) 373-1727
Photo of Basil Guyer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Basil Guyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28810  (Online Only)
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. I've been providing psychotherapy since 2017, and have a long career history in disability work. Overall I have 17 years experience in Carework. I work primarily with adult individuals & couples with marginalized identities (in gender, sexuality, ability, neurotype, race, body size, etc), and I also provide EMDR Intensives as well as Autism & ADHD Assessments for adults.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. I've been providing psychotherapy since 2017, and have a long career history in disability work. Overall I have 17 years experience in Carework. I work primarily with adult individuals & couples with marginalized identities (in gender, sexuality, ability, neurotype, race, body size, etc), and I also provide EMDR Intensives as well as Autism & ADHD Assessments for adults.
(919) 289-8164 View (919) 289-8164
Photo of Miriah Feehery, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Miriah Feehery
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, EMDR
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I treat: Adults, pre-adolescents and adolescents, Trauma, substance abuse, process addictions, family dynamics, sexuality, sexual abuse, LGBTQ specific issues, relationship and attachment issues, self-harm, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, adoption issues, domestic violence, and bipolar disorder.
Wholeness leads to healing. I guide my clients to accept all parts of themselves and find balance in their lives. I entered the field of counseling with a passion for treating trauma (big T and little t trauma). Along the way I gathered some exceptional tools for doing so, including EMDR and a somatic approach to psychotherapy. Not so far removed from trauma, I have also developed a specialty in treating addiction of all kinds. I have seen the power of emotional healing to transform people's lives in ways they always wanted but didn't know how. I am here to help whenever the client is ready to do that brave and powerful work.
I treat: Adults, pre-adolescents and adolescents, Trauma, substance abuse, process addictions, family dynamics, sexuality, sexual abuse, LGBTQ specific issues, relationship and attachment issues, self-harm, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, adoption issues, domestic violence, and bipolar disorder.
Wholeness leads to healing. I guide my clients to accept all parts of themselves and find balance in their lives. I entered the field of counseling with a passion for treating trauma (big T and little t trauma). Along the way I gathered some exceptional tools for doing so, including EMDR and a somatic approach to psychotherapy. Not so far removed from trauma, I have also developed a specialty in treating addiction of all kinds. I have seen the power of emotional healing to transform people's lives in ways they always wanted but didn't know how. I am here to help whenever the client is ready to do that brave and powerful work.
(828) 882-2438 View (828) 882-2438
Photo of Shaaron Boyles - Milestone Evaluation and Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Milestone Evaluation and Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
She is a clinical member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers and the National Organization of Forensic Social Workers.
Shaaron Boyles, LCSW has been working with sexual offenders and those involved with the criminal justice system for over 20 years. She is clinical director of Milestone Evaluation and Therapy with a team of qualified professionals to provide extensive evaluations to those who require it from the courts or simply want to gain a better understanding of their behavior. Sex Offender Specific Evaluations are conducted on an individual basis with the whole person in mind. From this, specific treatment recommendations (when appropriate) will set an individual up for success.
She is a clinical member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers and the National Organization of Forensic Social Workers.
Shaaron Boyles, LCSW has been working with sexual offenders and those involved with the criminal justice system for over 20 years. She is clinical director of Milestone Evaluation and Therapy with a team of qualified professionals to provide extensive evaluations to those who require it from the courts or simply want to gain a better understanding of their behavior. Sex Offender Specific Evaluations are conducted on an individual basis with the whole person in mind. From this, specific treatment recommendations (when appropriate) will set an individual up for success.
(828) 360-9755 View (828) 360-9755
Photo of Marielisa Montero-Savinon, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marielisa Montero-Savinon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28803  (Online Only)
I'm a Gottman trained therapist & Sex Therapist.
I am passionate about helping people be the best version of themselves. With compassion and understanding, I work collaboratively with each individual to help them build on their unique strengths whilst moving forward. I can help you overcome challenges by breaking negative cycles of interaction, healing connections and improving communication. Areas of interest include: PTSD, trauma, DID, depression, anxiety, and grief/loss. I have training in EMDR, and my approach is solution focused, narrative and cognitive behavioral. I am licensed in FL, TX & NC.
I'm a Gottman trained therapist & Sex Therapist.
I am passionate about helping people be the best version of themselves. With compassion and understanding, I work collaboratively with each individual to help them build on their unique strengths whilst moving forward. I can help you overcome challenges by breaking negative cycles of interaction, healing connections and improving communication. Areas of interest include: PTSD, trauma, DID, depression, anxiety, and grief/loss. I have training in EMDR, and my approach is solution focused, narrative and cognitive behavioral. I am licensed in FL, TX & NC.
(336) 715-3345 View (336) 715-3345
Photo of Tanashati Nyanda Akambi, LCSWA, MPhil, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tanashati Nyanda Akambi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, MPhil
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28806  (Online Only)
My clients may struggle with trauma; relationships and intimacy; sexuality; gender, or other identity exploration. More concretely, their therapeutic work might mean developing deeper connections with friends and intimate partners, learning how to process feelings of shame resulting from harm done to or by someone, or exploring self-expression within and outside of social roles. I am deeply passionate about creating and maintaining a space for people to align with their most authentic selves, especially while navigating the often accompanying grief while also celebrating the empowerment that we are sure to find along the way.
My clients may struggle with trauma; relationships and intimacy; sexuality; gender, or other identity exploration. More concretely, their therapeutic work might mean developing deeper connections with friends and intimate partners, learning how to process feelings of shame resulting from harm done to or by someone, or exploring self-expression within and outside of social roles. I am deeply passionate about creating and maintaining a space for people to align with their most authentic selves, especially while navigating the often accompanying grief while also celebrating the empowerment that we are sure to find along the way.
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Sex Therapy

Who is sex therapy for?

Sex problems are common in relationships. Many people want a better sex life and want to feel loved and desired by their partner. It is difficult for couples to resolve sexual problems on their own because people often feel ashamed to talk about their sexual desires fearing they are not normal, when in fact a very broad range of preferences and behaviors are normal. A sex therapist can help clarify this and other matters.

Why do people need sex therapy?

Many people do not know how to talk about their erotic needs or their emotional needs, both of which are addressed in sex therapy. Couples often live with sexual difficulties for years before seeking help, and in that time, partners may experience so much disappointment and alienation that they may fear their problems mean they are incompatible. Once people experience disappointment, it is difficult to find resolution without help.

What happens in sex therapy?

People have many misconceptions about what takes place in sex therapy. First, it is a form of talk therapy in which partners discuss their sexual concerns; it does not involve touching or physical exploration of any kind. Sex therapy typically helps couples get comfortable talking to each other about sex so that, in the privacy of their home life, they can openly discuss their sexual desires and make decisions about what they want to do. Couples are typically assigned activities to do at home that build intimacy skills.

What kinds of problems do sex therapists treat?

Very often, partners differ in their degree of sexual desire and struggle over how often to have sex. Or they may have fights about porn use or have difficulty connecting sexually after one partner is unfaithful. Men may have problems with premature ejaculation. Women may find themselves struggling to become aroused or to achieve an orgasm. Sometimes partners feel like they have lost the sense of attraction to their partner. These are all common issues dealt with in sex therapy.