Sex Therapists in Sylva, NC

Photo of Cailey Erin Clarke, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cailey Erin Clarke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
Everyone has the potential to build resilience, communicate their needs effectively and to connect with themselves and others in a more intentional way. I specialize in treating anxiety and depression, PPD, BDD, Eating disorders, trauma, sexual trauma/violence, gender identity, sexual orientation concerns, stress management skills, sleep, major life transitions and much more. My practice allows you to build practical skills and connect mind, body and spirit to help reduce distress and increase feelings of security in self.
Everyone has the potential to build resilience, communicate their needs effectively and to connect with themselves and others in a more intentional way. I specialize in treating anxiety and depression, PPD, BDD, Eating disorders, trauma, sexual trauma/violence, gender identity, sexual orientation concerns, stress management skills, sleep, major life transitions and much more. My practice allows you to build practical skills and connect mind, body and spirit to help reduce distress and increase feelings of security in self.
(828) 532-3592 View (828) 532-3592
Photo of Stella Thepaut, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stella Thepaut
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779
I believe everyone has the capacity to heal. I also believe in the inevitable good naturedness in every human being. I am passionate about supporting others in discovering inner strength, passion, joy and meaning in life. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with training and experience in Family Systems Theory and understanding relationships from a Systems perspective. My expertise is in working with young children, adults, couples and families with a warm, caring, strengths based approach. I also provide guidance on creating healthier relationships with food, and other holistic health practices as well.
I believe everyone has the capacity to heal. I also believe in the inevitable good naturedness in every human being. I am passionate about supporting others in discovering inner strength, passion, joy and meaning in life. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with training and experience in Family Systems Theory and understanding relationships from a Systems perspective. My expertise is in working with young children, adults, couples and families with a warm, caring, strengths based approach. I also provide guidance on creating healthier relationships with food, and other holistic health practices as well.
(828) 554-2998 View (828) 554-2998
Photo of Marie Romeo, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marie Romeo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
I believe that we are all on a similar journey in life....to be fully connected and authentic people, integrating the different parts of ourselves so that we can experience love and joy and meaningful relationships. In our work together it is my hope that we can explore the different parts of yourself that keeps you from these connections and explore what it means to feel safe. Through exploring shame and early childhood trauma, depression and anxiety, as well as body love and acceptance, we can work together to support a deepening of your self-awareness and find compassion and connection to heal and nurture your deepest self.
I believe that we are all on a similar journey in life....to be fully connected and authentic people, integrating the different parts of ourselves so that we can experience love and joy and meaningful relationships. In our work together it is my hope that we can explore the different parts of yourself that keeps you from these connections and explore what it means to feel safe. Through exploring shame and early childhood trauma, depression and anxiety, as well as body love and acceptance, we can work together to support a deepening of your self-awareness and find compassion and connection to heal and nurture your deepest self.
(828) 392-5148 View (828) 392-5148
Photo of Pablo Javier Averza, MA, NCC, LCMHCA, Counselor
Pablo Javier Averza
Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sylva, NC 28779
Thank you for taking the time to seek counseling. This is a huge step to activate the change you want with your current situation. I do believe there is hope and answers. Congratulations on taking the first step! At Mind-Body Connection Counseling I offer individual, group, and couples therapy. We start with a free friendly initial consultation. If you are looking for something different, look no further.
Thank you for taking the time to seek counseling. This is a huge step to activate the change you want with your current situation. I do believe there is hope and answers. Congratulations on taking the first step! At Mind-Body Connection Counseling I offer individual, group, and couples therapy. We start with a free friendly initial consultation. If you are looking for something different, look no further.
(828) 283-0614 View (828) 283-0614
Photo of Katie Dewhurst, LPCA, Counselor
Katie Dewhurst
Counselor, LPCA
Verified Verified
Sylva, NC 28779
Not accepting new clients
I currently am not taking new clients. We all, at times, can benefit from walking with a special companion on this journey; someone who is not part of our everyday life, who has skills and experience to bring us insight and comfort. Sometimes our families, friends, or coworkers don't feel like a safe place to turn. My desire is to provide a space for understanding, healing, and hope so that you can begin to experience more fully, who you are and the beauty of your story. I see adults that struggle with anxiety, depression and life transitions challenges.
I currently am not taking new clients. We all, at times, can benefit from walking with a special companion on this journey; someone who is not part of our everyday life, who has skills and experience to bring us insight and comfort. Sometimes our families, friends, or coworkers don't feel like a safe place to turn. My desire is to provide a space for understanding, healing, and hope so that you can begin to experience more fully, who you are and the beauty of your story. I see adults that struggle with anxiety, depression and life transitions challenges.
(828) 586-5555 View (828) 586-5555

Online Therapists

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
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.
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 Daphne Krantz, LCMHCA, MA, NCC, Counselor
Daphne Krantz
Counselor, LCMHCA, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28806  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My passion in life is supporting you to become your most authentic, joyous self. I believe you already have a wellspring of wisdom and clarity within, and I take great pleasure in helping you clear the way to your own inner guidance. As a proud, openly transgender woman, I find fulfillment in working with individuals and couples on transition and identity issues, communication, codependency, relational/cultural/ancestral trauma, gender, sexuality, poly/non-monogamy, depression, addiction, anxiety, psychedelic integration, and spirituality. Perhaps the path isn't quite clear, yet you're ready to take a step towards something better.
My passion in life is supporting you to become your most authentic, joyous self. I believe you already have a wellspring of wisdom and clarity within, and I take great pleasure in helping you clear the way to your own inner guidance. As a proud, openly transgender woman, I find fulfillment in working with individuals and couples on transition and identity issues, communication, codependency, relational/cultural/ancestral trauma, gender, sexuality, poly/non-monogamy, depression, addiction, anxiety, psychedelic integration, and spirituality. Perhaps the path isn't quite clear, yet you're ready to take a step towards something better.
(828) 944-4273 View (828) 944-4273
Photo of Laramie Clawson-Roberts, MA, NCC, LCMHC-A
Laramie Clawson-Roberts
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, NCC, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Waitlist for new clients
I am LGBTQIA affirming, deeply familiar with non-monogamy and polyamory, kink/ bdsm friendly, and sex-work positive.
I wish to create a safe and therapeutic relationship where you can be known, seen, and heard. I am here to empower you to tap into your own abilities and strengths in order to create your new path. My ideal clients will have a desire to work with me on topics such as gender identity or expression, relationships, sexual orientation, sexual trauma or violence, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mood disorders. I work with individuals in an open, creative, and kind space.
I am LGBTQIA affirming, deeply familiar with non-monogamy and polyamory, kink/ bdsm friendly, and sex-work positive.
I wish to create a safe and therapeutic relationship where you can be known, seen, and heard. I am here to empower you to tap into your own abilities and strengths in order to create your new path. My ideal clients will have a desire to work with me on topics such as gender identity or expression, relationships, sexual orientation, sexual trauma or violence, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mood disorders. I work with individuals in an open, creative, and kind space.
(828) 368-4074 View (828) 368-4074
Photo of Lina Rose Brucks, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Lina Rose Brucks
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Biltmore Forest, NC 28803
I am kink/poly/ sex worker affirmative and trained in a variety of methods to help clients gain insight into themselves and their relationships such as the use of tarot cards in therapy sessions and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing).
Hello! My name is Lina. I am a Hispanic mom from Texas to 3 young adults and a marriage veteran of 20 yrs. My family and I have lived in South Carolina for nearly 4 yrs. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate with the state of North and South Carolina and I specialize in sex and relationship therapy. I possess a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in systemic sex therapy and I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Sexology. What is sex therapy? It is purely talk therapy between me and each partner in the relationship. Relationship and sexual satisfaction go hand in hand.
I am kink/poly/ sex worker affirmative and trained in a variety of methods to help clients gain insight into themselves and their relationships such as the use of tarot cards in therapy sessions and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing).
Hello! My name is Lina. I am a Hispanic mom from Texas to 3 young adults and a marriage veteran of 20 yrs. My family and I have lived in South Carolina for nearly 4 yrs. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate with the state of North and South Carolina and I specialize in sex and relationship therapy. I possess a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in systemic sex therapy and I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Sexology. What is sex therapy? It is purely talk therapy between me and each partner in the relationship. Relationship and sexual satisfaction go hand in hand.
(803) 805-8328 View (803) 805-8328
Photo of Jill Marie Calderon, PhD, Psychologist
Jill Marie Calderon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
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 Amber J Schwab - Amber St. Germain , MA MFT
Amber St. Germain
MA MFT
Verified Verified
Woodfin, NC 28804
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 Cherie Anna Montou, MEd, LCMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Cherie Anna Montou
Counselor, MEd, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I want to support you with depression, anxiety, relief from trauma, sex therapy, culture-related stress, personality disorders, and self-doubt.
If you're dealing with fear, worry, anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, communication skills, or feelings of pain, I'm with you on your path to healing and growth. Together, we can work towards a brighter and more fulfilling future. I also support individuals and couples through stages of sexual development, helping them understand and embrace their changing sexual needs. Lingering effects of cultural & religious trauma can lead to feelings of shame and confusion about sexuality. Kink/Poly informed, LGBTQ+ affirming. Sex and disability. Aging and sex. Low libido. Performance anxiety.
I want to support you with depression, anxiety, relief from trauma, sex therapy, culture-related stress, personality disorders, and self-doubt.
If you're dealing with fear, worry, anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, communication skills, or feelings of pain, I'm with you on your path to healing and growth. Together, we can work towards a brighter and more fulfilling future. I also support individuals and couples through stages of sexual development, helping them understand and embrace their changing sexual needs. Lingering effects of cultural & religious trauma can lead to feelings of shame and confusion about sexuality. Kink/Poly informed, LGBTQ+ affirming. Sex and disability. Aging and sex. Low libido. Performance anxiety.
(828) 809-0591 View (828) 809-0591
Photo of Shannon South, LCMHC, ThD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shannon South
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, ThD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I am an integrative therapist focused on helping you embody more peace, love and joy. Trauma and pain 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 rapid healing. I see clients with panic disorder and depression, sexual abuse, codependency, self-esteem issues and those wanting more from life.. Bringing health back around areas that have become imbalanced (eating, sex, alcohol, relationships, etc.) is another important part of loving your life and yourself.
I am an integrative therapist focused on helping you embody more peace, love and joy. Trauma and pain 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 rapid healing. I see clients with panic disorder and depression, sexual abuse, codependency, self-esteem issues and those wanting more from life.. Bringing health back around areas that have become imbalanced (eating, sex, alcohol, relationships, etc.) is another important part of loving your life and yourself.
(828) 351-9963 View (828) 351-9963
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 Heath Wise, LCMHC, CST, CSAT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heath Wise
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, CST, CSAT
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
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.
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 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 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)
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy and specialized training in Couples Therapy, DreamTending, Clinical Sex Therapy, Gender Variance, Ayurveda & Vedic Astrology; Depth Psychology & Jungian Analysis; NVC, Gottman, Hendrix, and Johnson couples dynamics.
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.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy and specialized training in Couples Therapy, DreamTending, Clinical Sex Therapy, Gender Variance, Ayurveda & Vedic Astrology; Depth Psychology & Jungian Analysis; NVC, Gottman, Hendrix, and Johnson couples dynamics.
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; asexuality; 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; asexuality; 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 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 Kelley Johnson, PhD
Kelley Johnson
PhD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28804
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

See more therapy options for Sylva

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.