Sex Therapy

What is Sex Therapy?

For many people sex can be a source of anxiety, shame, disappointment, and frustration. Our person-centered approach to sex therapy not only seeks to resolve your concerns, but to create the conditions for the personal growth needed to experience desire, arousal, pleasure, and intimacy in a way that is fulfilling, satisfying.

Working with a therapist who is experienced in sex therapy can help increase self-awareness, improve self-esteem and body image, enhance communication and intimacy in relationships, and develop healthier attitudes and behaviors related to sexuality.  

Our approach to sex therapy is non-pathologizing, kink and BDSM friendly, and affirming of ethical non-monogamous relationships. We also respect and acknowledge the diverse spectrum of sexual orientations and identities, including asexuality.

What Does Sex Therapy Address?

Sex Therapy can be beneficial for anyone who is experiencing challenges around sex. Topics that can be addressed include but are not limited to:

• Pain with sex

• Low desire/arousal

• Orgasm difficulties 

• Difficulty getting/maintaining erections

• Rapid/delayed ejaculation

• Compulsive thoughts/behaviours

• Sexual orientation

• Gender identity

• Sexual trauma and abuse 

• Communication

• Shame/confidence

When Should I Get Help?

When our bodies are not functioning or responding as expected, we experience what can be described as sexual dysfunction. The root cause of sexual dysfunction may be physical, psychological, relational, or any combination of the three. When the cause of sexual dysfunction is not physiological (medications, injury, medical condition etc.), issues with sexual functioning can be understood as the body’s way of alerting us that something in our lives needs our attention. 

All of us inherit sexual scripts that inform our beliefs about sex. When our experiences or desires do not fit into our sexual scripts, scripts that are often rooted in patriarchal, heteronormative, monogamous, and cis gendered bias, it is natural for us to think there is something wrong with us.

What Is A Sex Therapy Session Like?

If you are experiencing challenges around sex, your therapist will start by exploring what is happening and how you are feeling. A person-centered approach to sex therapy means that while our therapists facilitate the session and bring in their expertise, you are the expert of your own life. This means that our therapists thrive to challenge you without overwhelming you. While sex can be one of the more uncomfortable topics, like many other past patients, you may find yourself surprised with how quickly you become comfortable talking about sex with your therapist.

Our Experience with Sex Therapy

Jordan’s practicum placement was at Allura Sex Therapy Center in Vancouver where they completed a variety of sex therapy training approved by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists (AASECT).

Resources

Books

• Come as you are - Emily Nagoski 

• Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire - Lori A. Brotto

• Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life - Justin J. Lehmiller 

• Mating in Captivity - Esther Perel

• Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy - Jessica Fern 

YouTube

• Good sex explained in 9 minutes | Dr. Emily Nagoski

• The science of sex drive and sexual frustration | Dr. Emily Nagoski

Reach Out Today

If this style of therapy resonates with you, or feels like something you want to learn more about, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out using our contact form.