Therapists in Massapequa, NY
![Photo of Daniel Raffaele - Daniel Raffaele LCSW PC, LCSW, MS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bbd61ca-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel Raffaele LCSW PC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MS
Verified Verified
Massapequa, NY 11758
Difficulties with intimacy are prevalent. People are pessimistic and frightened of marriage. Levels of anxiety, depression, and "pushing away" defense mechanisms are increasing and we tend to seek the emotionally familiar. We fall in love based on our earliest experiences with bonding, or lack of it. Thus, if these feelings are based upon aberrations of bonding, we are constantly drawn to those who cannot bond & connect. If you continually repeat the same mistakes in your life you may be emotionally "stuck" due to these early feelings.
Difficulties with intimacy are prevalent. People are pessimistic and frightened of marriage. Levels of anxiety, depression, and "pushing away" defense mechanisms are increasing and we tend to seek the emotionally familiar. We fall in love based on our earliest experiences with bonding, or lack of it. Thus, if these feelings are based upon aberrations of bonding, we are constantly drawn to those who cannot bond & connect. If you continually repeat the same mistakes in your life you may be emotionally "stuck" due to these early feelings.
![Photo of Lorraine Stidd, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5363ff1e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a licensed clinical social worker and coach with certification in Gestalt psychotherapy and the Gestalt model of coaching, my practice is centered around individuals, couples and all types of families. I practice therapy and coaching with a holistic and action-oriented approach that encompasses the realms of body, emotion, mind and spirit. My focus is supporting my clients in promoting self-care and self-awareness in the present as they create their own unique life experience. My combined therapeutic and coaching work is interactive and supportive with the goal of helping clients move toward change and growth.
As a licensed clinical social worker and coach with certification in Gestalt psychotherapy and the Gestalt model of coaching, my practice is centered around individuals, couples and all types of families. I practice therapy and coaching with a holistic and action-oriented approach that encompasses the realms of body, emotion, mind and spirit. My focus is supporting my clients in promoting self-care and self-awareness in the present as they create their own unique life experience. My combined therapeutic and coaching work is interactive and supportive with the goal of helping clients move toward change and growth.
![Photo of Cristina Murphy, LMHC, CAMSII, DVS, TS, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85fc4c64-4ce3-44b1-9632-2a2780574afc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cristina Murphy
Counselor, LMHC, CAMSII, DVS, TS, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Massapequa, NY 11758
Anxiety, insecurity, anger and depression get in the way of success and even more than that - they get in the way of you being happy with yourself and your life. Freeing yourself of these issues gives you the opportunity to experience life in a new way that improves your life, relationships, and your performance at work/school. Therapy can help you with these issues and you can begin to enjoy life again.
Anxiety, insecurity, anger and depression get in the way of success and even more than that - they get in the way of you being happy with yourself and your life. Freeing yourself of these issues gives you the opportunity to experience life in a new way that improves your life, relationships, and your performance at work/school. Therapy can help you with these issues and you can begin to enjoy life again.
![Photo of Jeanne Schwarz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4241f68e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a practicing psychotherapist who has a vast knowledge base. I work with children/adolescents, families and marital discord. I also facilitate a support group for single women who are divorced or single.
I am a practicing psychotherapist who has a vast knowledge base. I work with children/adolescents, families and marital discord. I also facilitate a support group for single women who are divorced or single.
![Photo of Jessyka Roseburg, LMHC, MS, C-DBT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e0446f5-0165-4b75-a28e-f4e31191cb42/4/320x400.jpeg)
Are you tired of feeling anxious, depressed, and stressed out? Life is full of difficulties, obstacles, and making tough decisions. You do not have to deal with this universal experience alone! Together we can explore and process past traumas, gain a deeper understanding of how they are impacting your life and interpersonal relationships today, and decide if now is the right time to make the healthy changes necessary to thrive.
Are you tired of feeling anxious, depressed, and stressed out? Life is full of difficulties, obstacles, and making tough decisions. You do not have to deal with this universal experience alone! Together we can explore and process past traumas, gain a deeper understanding of how they are impacting your life and interpersonal relationships today, and decide if now is the right time to make the healthy changes necessary to thrive.
![Photo of Christina Murphy - Counseling For You Long Island, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/946343bd-bebc-42ce-bf1f-512dd3159ebc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling For You Long Island is a group of therapists that have a passion for helping others. They are devoted to helping people through difficulties they are experiencing and are nonjudgemental, supportive and knowledgeable about the issues people face in the world today. Whether you are dealing with trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, or any other issues that cause stress or get in the way of leading a healthy and happy life, there is someone here to help you.
Counseling For You Long Island is a group of therapists that have a passion for helping others. They are devoted to helping people through difficulties they are experiencing and are nonjudgemental, supportive and knowledgeable about the issues people face in the world today. Whether you are dealing with trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, or any other issues that cause stress or get in the way of leading a healthy and happy life, there is someone here to help you.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Linda Duemig, MHC-LP, MSEd, CSTIP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22928d6b-af8b-4c44-ad49-543792cbae97/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be a challenging journey, but you don't have to go through it alone! Having an outlet or someone outside your situation to work things through can help. I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, relationships, depression, or self-esteem, to name a few! Additionally, I am a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional. I help individuals and couples overcome barriers to intimacy (sexual & love addiction, avoidant behavior, betrayal trauma, pornography, infidelity, low-sex relationships, body image issues, sexual dysfunction, & more), helping clients lead to fulfilling & exciting relationships, physically and emotionally.
Life can be a challenging journey, but you don't have to go through it alone! Having an outlet or someone outside your situation to work things through can help. I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, relationships, depression, or self-esteem, to name a few! Additionally, I am a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional. I help individuals and couples overcome barriers to intimacy (sexual & love addiction, avoidant behavior, betrayal trauma, pornography, infidelity, low-sex relationships, body image issues, sexual dysfunction, & more), helping clients lead to fulfilling & exciting relationships, physically and emotionally.
![Photo of Rosara Torrisi, LCSW-R, MEd, CST, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e8849ae-a927-4fd0-8862-6d958ac4c944/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rosara Torrisi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, MEd, CST, PhD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Syosset, NY 11791
You can feel confident knowing you're working with a Certified Sex Therapist.
I am dedicated to helping people work through life's unique challenges. I am here to assist you in reaching new solutions and working toward your goals. I can support individuals in coping with depression, anxiety, sexual identity or orientation, life skills for young adults, and sexual dysfunction. Couples or those in relationships may be seeking therapy for communication and relationship skills, sexual enrichment, mismatched desire, premarital counseling, or erectile and orgasm difficulties. I am an LGBT-Affirmative, Kink-Aware, and Poly-Inclusive therapist. I was Voted the number 1 Sex Therapist on Long Island for 2015 and 2017.
You can feel confident knowing you're working with a Certified Sex Therapist.
I am dedicated to helping people work through life's unique challenges. I am here to assist you in reaching new solutions and working toward your goals. I can support individuals in coping with depression, anxiety, sexual identity or orientation, life skills for young adults, and sexual dysfunction. Couples or those in relationships may be seeking therapy for communication and relationship skills, sexual enrichment, mismatched desire, premarital counseling, or erectile and orgasm difficulties. I am an LGBT-Affirmative, Kink-Aware, and Poly-Inclusive therapist. I was Voted the number 1 Sex Therapist on Long Island for 2015 and 2017.
![Photo of Sherry Henig, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b745ad6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
And, as a certified sex therapist, I am able to help with problems with intimacy.
Put simply, I'd like to help you and/or your family member(s), feel less worried, less sad, and, in general, less distressed. With over 40 years of experience, I feel that I've been able to provide that to many hundreds of people with whom I've worked. Whether it's your child or teen who is suffering (I work with all manner of child and adolescent issues, including ADHD, academic underachievement, oppositional defiance, anxiety, depression and limitations in social skills) or whether it's you, your relationship or your family that is troubled, I have the experience to help resolve issues.
And, as a certified sex therapist, I am able to help with problems with intimacy.
Put simply, I'd like to help you and/or your family member(s), feel less worried, less sad, and, in general, less distressed. With over 40 years of experience, I feel that I've been able to provide that to many hundreds of people with whom I've worked. Whether it's your child or teen who is suffering (I work with all manner of child and adolescent issues, including ADHD, academic underachievement, oppositional defiance, anxiety, depression and limitations in social skills) or whether it's you, your relationship or your family that is troubled, I have the experience to help resolve issues.
![Photo of Linda Rose, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e1f7ea6-0f8c-44f9-9742-4829b0fdaa7e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sex therapy can be both individual or within a couple.
Are you unhappy with your life or in your relationships? Would you like to make improvements in your mood, self esteem or sexual life? I am a seasoned therapist who has worked successfully with individuals, groups, and couples. In addition to helping people with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem and empowerment, I have recently been specializing in relationship and sex therapy. I use various modalities and work to develop a relationship with my clients to help them make changes they desire in their lives. I work with clients to build a trusting relationship wherin the theraputic work can develop.
Sex therapy can be both individual or within a couple.
Are you unhappy with your life or in your relationships? Would you like to make improvements in your mood, self esteem or sexual life? I am a seasoned therapist who has worked successfully with individuals, groups, and couples. In addition to helping people with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem and empowerment, I have recently been specializing in relationship and sex therapy. I use various modalities and work to develop a relationship with my clients to help them make changes they desire in their lives. I work with clients to build a trusting relationship wherin the theraputic work can develop.
![Photo of Nashon Clark - Love Inspires Psychotherapy LCSW PC, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1212a53f-7c91-45c7-ac0e-e4461f18aee6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Love Inspires Psychotherapy LCSW PC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Farmingdale, NY 11735
With a specialty as a Sex and Relationship Therapist, I provide strategies to overcome emotional conflicts and sexual disorders that interfere with intimate connection and relationship success.
Do you struggle with finding your balance and maintaining peace? Are you repeating the same negative patterns, feeling stagnant, ashamed, anxious and overwhelmed? I will work with you to build solutions that fit you when you have: the desire to improve any aspect of your life• trouble adjusting to a new situation or life transition• conflicts that keep you from being closer to people you care about• anxiety• depression• lack information or embarrassment about sex• questions about relationships or sexual health..... I hold space for you to discuss and explore personal related topics confidentially without shame and judgement.
With a specialty as a Sex and Relationship Therapist, I provide strategies to overcome emotional conflicts and sexual disorders that interfere with intimate connection and relationship success.
Do you struggle with finding your balance and maintaining peace? Are you repeating the same negative patterns, feeling stagnant, ashamed, anxious and overwhelmed? I will work with you to build solutions that fit you when you have: the desire to improve any aspect of your life• trouble adjusting to a new situation or life transition• conflicts that keep you from being closer to people you care about• anxiety• depression• lack information or embarrassment about sex• questions about relationships or sexual health..... I hold space for you to discuss and explore personal related topics confidentially without shame and judgement.
![Photo of Leann Borneman, LCSW, CST, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce91680f-8dd6-4e1c-afc8-995fe99c7891/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leann Borneman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Garden City, NY 11530 (Online Only)
I focus on Anxiety, ADHD & sexuality of all stages of life for individuals & couples.
You are here because you are done feeling stuck and you want change. Sexual Dysfunctions, Anxiety & ADHD can be really overwhelming and debilitating. Feeling shame, guilt or embarrassment is exhausting and can make you feel alone. Anxiety can make it feel like you can hardly breath and keep your head above water at times. We all deserve to feel in control and confident within ourselves. Wouldn't it be great to feel empowered with who you are, feel confident & secure again with no restrictions? Become the version of yourself that you have been longing for.
I focus on Anxiety, ADHD & sexuality of all stages of life for individuals & couples.
You are here because you are done feeling stuck and you want change. Sexual Dysfunctions, Anxiety & ADHD can be really overwhelming and debilitating. Feeling shame, guilt or embarrassment is exhausting and can make you feel alone. Anxiety can make it feel like you can hardly breath and keep your head above water at times. We all deserve to feel in control and confident within ourselves. Wouldn't it be great to feel empowered with who you are, feel confident & secure again with no restrictions? Become the version of yourself that you have been longing for.
![Photo of Nassau Wellness - Nassau Wellness: Couples Therapy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/405df3e2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nassau Wellness: Couples Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mineola, NY 11501
Our clinicians' specializations include: relationship issues, sex therapy, and transition to parenthood.
Nassau Wellness offers high-quality individual, couples, and family therapy. We provide caring and compassionate support to help our clients identify and achieve the changes important to them. Our practice focuses on empowering our clients to succeed by working collaboratively and developing long-lasting coping skills.
Our clinicians' specializations include: relationship issues, sex therapy, and transition to parenthood.
Nassau Wellness offers high-quality individual, couples, and family therapy. We provide caring and compassionate support to help our clients identify and achieve the changes important to them. Our practice focuses on empowering our clients to succeed by working collaboratively and developing long-lasting coping skills.
![Photo of Heather Simonson, LCSW, CST, CSE, ERYT, RPYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c538c8c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Simonson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST, CSE, ERYT, RPYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
As the 2014 Best of Long Island Best Sex Therapist, I provide individual, couples and family counseling for all ages and abilities.
Need a positive change but unsure how to make that happen? Do you want support in strengthening your relationship to deepen your connection and intimacy? Or perhaps your child needs another trusted adult to talk to. No matter the challenge, having the guidance you need enables YOU to make the best choices about the direction of your counseling experience and your life. The benefit of awareness and self-discovery empowers you to transform obstacles to optimum health and happiness. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sexuality Educator, Reiki Master and Registered Yoga Teacher, specializing in kids and pre/postnatal.
As the 2014 Best of Long Island Best Sex Therapist, I provide individual, couples and family counseling for all ages and abilities.
Need a positive change but unsure how to make that happen? Do you want support in strengthening your relationship to deepen your connection and intimacy? Or perhaps your child needs another trusted adult to talk to. No matter the challenge, having the guidance you need enables YOU to make the best choices about the direction of your counseling experience and your life. The benefit of awareness and self-discovery empowers you to transform obstacles to optimum health and happiness. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sexuality Educator, Reiki Master and Registered Yoga Teacher, specializing in kids and pre/postnatal.
![Photo of Christine Molinari, LMHC, MSEd, CST, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e787b3d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you are a couple in need of relationship counseling via sex therapy or an individual suffering from anxiety or depression you can feel confident that my purpose is to allow you a safe environment to work through your issues.
Sometimes life may seem overwhelming. The children, the house, the job, the marriage, and life itself can become a struggle. When this happens seeking out an environment in which you can work through your feelings can enable you to create positive change in your life or simply make sense of the life around you. The approach I take in our therapeutic relationship is to assist you with identifying those core issues that are keeping you from being the person you want to be. While building upon your strengths, together we will identify and understand triggers that contribute to your overall unhappiness.
Whether you are a couple in need of relationship counseling via sex therapy or an individual suffering from anxiety or depression you can feel confident that my purpose is to allow you a safe environment to work through your issues.
Sometimes life may seem overwhelming. The children, the house, the job, the marriage, and life itself can become a struggle. When this happens seeking out an environment in which you can work through your feelings can enable you to create positive change in your life or simply make sense of the life around you. The approach I take in our therapeutic relationship is to assist you with identifying those core issues that are keeping you from being the person you want to be. While building upon your strengths, together we will identify and understand triggers that contribute to your overall unhappiness.
![Photo of Cynthia G Pizzulli, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/543176d4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
from NYU I have the following credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST).
As a therapist who believes there is not just "one way" to do treatment, I use an integrative approach to helping my patients. I am a practitioner with a unique perspective having a background ranging from business to mental health. Counseling and psychotherapy are 'teamwork' approaches to problem solving that should be as unique as the person seeking help.
from NYU I have the following credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST).
As a therapist who believes there is not just "one way" to do treatment, I use an integrative approach to helping my patients. I am a practitioner with a unique perspective having a background ranging from business to mental health. Counseling and psychotherapy are 'teamwork' approaches to problem solving that should be as unique as the person seeking help.
![Photo of Dr. Laurel Steinberg - New York Center for Relationship Repair, PhD, Prof, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42bb2e96-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
New York Center for Relationship Repair
Counselor, PhD, Prof
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Meadow, NY 11554
Hi! I'm Dr. Steinberg. Are you struggling with your relationship(s)? Desire couples counseling or sex therapy? Do you need help recovering after infidelity? Do you have difficult or unsupportive parents, relatives or friends? Do you wish to argue less (my TED Talk is about this!) or have parenting/family issues? Do you need extra support and guidance to help you handle challenging situations or desire to make important changes? Is "work stress" or work/life balance a problem? If you answered "Yes!" to any of these questions, then I would LOVE to work with you - to teach you valuable tools to help you secure SUCCESS!
Hi! I'm Dr. Steinberg. Are you struggling with your relationship(s)? Desire couples counseling or sex therapy? Do you need help recovering after infidelity? Do you have difficult or unsupportive parents, relatives or friends? Do you wish to argue less (my TED Talk is about this!) or have parenting/family issues? Do you need extra support and guidance to help you handle challenging situations or desire to make important changes? Is "work stress" or work/life balance a problem? If you answered "Yes!" to any of these questions, then I would LOVE to work with you - to teach you valuable tools to help you secure SUCCESS!
![Photo of Dr. Christine Romano, PhD, LMHC, EMDR, CST, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f81db54-be92-47f8-9eab-a1c5c9fc471e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Christine Romano
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, EMDR, CST
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Garden City, NY 11530 (Online Only)
Wellness, sex, and relationships play a vital role in our everyday lives so let's work together to achieve your individual goals and relationship satisfaction. My dedication and passion for guiding clients and supervisees is unmatched as I not only help you survive, but thrive. My treatment and supervision specializations include trauma, anxiety, sex and intimacy, sexual dysfunctions, sexuality exploration, gender diversity, and relationships. My experience in counselor education, counseling supervision, and research supports counselors-in-training seeking personal growth, multicultural competency, and professional development.
Wellness, sex, and relationships play a vital role in our everyday lives so let's work together to achieve your individual goals and relationship satisfaction. My dedication and passion for guiding clients and supervisees is unmatched as I not only help you survive, but thrive. My treatment and supervision specializations include trauma, anxiety, sex and intimacy, sexual dysfunctions, sexuality exploration, gender diversity, and relationships. My experience in counselor education, counseling supervision, and research supports counselors-in-training seeking personal growth, multicultural competency, and professional development.
![Photo of Samantha Stein At Nassau Psychology Pc, LMSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/242c3f1c-cda1-4579-9153-1ae8f8a0be1a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Stein At Nassau Psychology Pc
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
Wantagh, NY 11793
Book an appointment through our website at www.nassaupsychology.org! Samantha graduated from Adelphi University in 2018 with her master's in Social Work. Since that time, Samantha has has worked in Inpatient medical, substance abuse, Child and adolescent psychiatry, LGBTQ youth, couples, and sex therapy. Samantha has experience in hospital settings, outpatient psychiatry, outpatient substance abuse, and private practice settings in which she incorporated an eclectic approach to therapy, primarily utilizing CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed.
Book an appointment through our website at www.nassaupsychology.org! Samantha graduated from Adelphi University in 2018 with her master's in Social Work. Since that time, Samantha has has worked in Inpatient medical, substance abuse, Child and adolescent psychiatry, LGBTQ youth, couples, and sex therapy. Samantha has experience in hospital settings, outpatient psychiatry, outpatient substance abuse, and private practice settings in which she incorporated an eclectic approach to therapy, primarily utilizing CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed.
![Photo of Lana James, MA, MFT-LP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac2d5422-eeb3-4b39-8a2d-4171d82cc34c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lana’s areas of expertise include: teen & young adult issues (anxiety, post-secondary planning, college & career stress, relationships, sexuality), family issues (parenting, blended families, divorce), change of career, couples (pre-marital, newlyweds, long-term, polyamorous, interracial, LGBTQ, sex therapy).
Are you seeking to define who you are? Know what you want? Identify and grow your strengths? Identify personal or professional passions? Finish high school strong and start to “adult?” Adult better? Parent or Family better? Explore self care strategies to feel empowered and grounded? Love and be loved with confidence? Enjoy your relationship again? Start over in a new career or after divorce? End negative patterns that stunt you? “Health” truly “is wealth,” and we’re fortunate to enjoy the biggest humankind awareness to date that this too includes mental health.
Lana’s areas of expertise include: teen & young adult issues (anxiety, post-secondary planning, college & career stress, relationships, sexuality), family issues (parenting, blended families, divorce), change of career, couples (pre-marital, newlyweds, long-term, polyamorous, interracial, LGBTQ, sex therapy).
Are you seeking to define who you are? Know what you want? Identify and grow your strengths? Identify personal or professional passions? Finish high school strong and start to “adult?” Adult better? Parent or Family better? Explore self care strategies to feel empowered and grounded? Love and be loved with confidence? Enjoy your relationship again? Start over in a new career or after divorce? End negative patterns that stunt you? “Health” truly “is wealth,” and we’re fortunate to enjoy the biggest humankind awareness to date that this too includes mental health.
See more therapy options for Massapequa
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.