What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy focuses on issues or concerns related to intimacy, sexuality, bodies, and relationships My focus is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore how emotional, relational, cultural, and past experiences - specifically trauma - may be impacting their sexual well-being.

Sex therapy is not about being told what an individual should want or how an individual should function. Rather, the therapeutic process centers on understanding each individual’s unique relationship with intimacy, sexuality, their body, and their romantic / sexual relationships. The therapeutic process includes exploring and moving towards what feels healthy, fulfilling, and aligned with their values and lived experiences.

Individuals seek sex therapy for many reasons, including:

  • Changes in desire or pleasure

  • Difficulty with arousal, orgasm, or pleasure

  • Pain during sex

  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or disconnection related to sex

  • Challenges with communication or intimacy in relationships

  • Questions around sexual identity, orientation, or self-expression

  • Exploring sexual identity, orientation, or self-expression

  • Difficulty expressing needs, boundaries, or preferences

  • Healing from sexual trauma or past negative experiences

  • Navigating changes related to stress, life transitions, or medical issues

  • The influence of cultural, religious, or family expectations on sexuality and intimacy

  • Navigating cultural differences, values, or messages that shape beliefs about sexuality and intimacy

In the therapeutic process, I will also focus on the framework CERTS. Each element represents a core principle that supports individuals for having healthy intimacy within their relationships.

Consent

I focus on supporting clients in reconnecting with their sense of choice and agency. Consent is about noticing what feels like a true “yes,” honoring boundaries, and trusting your right to change your mind. Because consent is ongoing, we’ll focus on regularly checking in with yourself - tuning into your feelings, boundaries, and what you want to participate in.

 

Equity

Equity means recognizing that we each bring different experiences, needs, and access to power. With clients, I invite thoughtfulness and consideration—pausing to notice how history, systems, and dynamics may shape a client’s needs, wants, or sense of safety . Together, we work to ensure your voice is heard, your needs are acknowledged, and interactions feel balanced and fair.

 

Respect

Respect is the foundation of every interaction. It involves honoring individual boundaries, experiences, and autonomy, while approaching differences with openness and empathy. Respect creates space for clients to feel seen, believed, and treated with dignity - especially in moments of vulnerability.

 

Trust

Trust grows through consistency, honesty, and reliability. In my work with clients, I focus on modeling these behaviors and supporting you in noticing and practicing them in your own relationships. Together, we explore how to honor commitments, communicate needs clearly, and respect boundaries - so you can feel more confident, safe, and connected.

 

Safety

Safety in relationships is created through care, respect, and attentiveness. I work with clients to notice patterns that may feel unsafe or uncomfortable, communicate needs clearly, and set and honor boundaries. Together, we practice ways to create spaces where vulnerability is welcomed, judgment is minimized, and both individuals feel supported and protected.