Discussing sex and sexuality can be vulnerable, awkward, relieving, emotional, anxiety-inducing, triggering, etc.; the list could go on. However, it is also important and can have a profound effect on our relationship with our partners and even with ourselves. Sex Therapy is a specialization that helps individuals and couples address sexual and relational issues from a therapist who has received post-graduate training deepening their understanding of sexual dysfunction, trauma, relationships, addiction, and health.

As a sex therapist who received training from the Institute for Sexual Wholeness, I count it an honor and privilege to help individuals and couples integrate their whole selves: emotional, physical, mental, relational, spiritual, and sexual.

What Can Sex Therapy Address?

  • Sexual Dysfunction: Issues such as erectile dysfunction, premature/delayed ejaculation, dyspareunia (painful sex), lack of desire, or difficulties with/painful orgasm can feel isolating and lead to conflict in relationships. Therapy provides a safe space to explore the underlying causes of these concerns and develop strategies to improve the sexual relationship.
  • Discrepancies in Desire: Many couples experience differences in sexual desire, as it is normal for there to be a high-desire and low-desire person in relationships. Open and honest dialogue is essential to nurture a healthy sexual relationship.
  • Dealing with Trauma: Traumas can significantly impact feelings of intimacy, belonging, and the ability to connect with a partner, even when that partner is a safe person. Trauma-informed sex therapy helps to restore what feels broken and establish an empowered, present, and holistic sexual relationship.
  • Communication Breakdown: Discussing sexual needs and preferences can be awkward, yet it doesn’t have to be. Sex therapy focuses on teaching couples healthy communication skills, allowing them to better express their needs and establish boundaries.
  • Sexual Addiction: Addiction is the killer of intimacy, and at the same time, sexual addiction often comes from past traumas and neglect. Building intentional, mindful coping strategies that are congruent with one’s values is a significant part of sex therapy. (Read more HERE on sexual addiction).
  • Sex and Aging: As people age, their relationships with their bodies and sexual desire changes. Sex therapy can help foster creativity, intimacy, adaptive strategies, and acceptance of new normals in the sexual relationship for those entering into their golden years.

Techniques Used in Therapy:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach helps clients identify and shift negative thought patterns that may be affecting their sexual experiences. By confronting negative thinking patterns, individuals and couples can cultivate a more positive, creative, and hopeful mindset.
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT aims to deepen emotional connections between partners, fostering intimacy and security with each other and themselves. Everyone has experiences coming from their family of origin that impact their attachment styles, some of them helpful and some hurtful. Emotions can reveal the inner landscape that deeply influence sexual needs and relationships.
  • Educational Tools: I provide important information about sexual health, empowering individuals and couples to understand their sexual experiences within the context of their circumstances and relationship. Knowledge is empowering!
  • Mindfulness Practices: These practices help individuals become more aware of their here-and-now thoughts and emotions without judgement. Often, judgements lead to shame and self-consciousness which creates obstacles for intimacy.
  • Spiritual Integration: Many people do not think about how the sexual and spiritual parts of themselves greatly influence one another. Wherever someone is in their spiritual journey, I want to create a space to build curiosity and compassion with sexuality and spirituality to foster meaning, purpose, and vision.

Benefits of Sex Therapy

Engaging in sex therapy can lead to transformative changes in your relationship with yourself and your partner. Many clients report feeling more sexually satisfied, communicating better with their partners, enjoying greater emotional connections, and connecting to deeper intimacy throughout their relationships, not just in the sexual/erotic part.

Sex therapy is a valuable resource for individuals and couples looking to enhance their intimate life and emotional connections. Whether grappling with sexual dysfunction, navigating trauma, addressing differences in desire, or striving to overcome addiction, sex therapy provides a supportive space for growth, exploration, and holistic integration.

Gabriel Pfeiffer discusses Sex Therapy-Written by Gabriel Pfeiffer, LPC

Gabriel Pfeiffer works with individuals and couples at any stage in their relationship, and he desires to see clients have a greater connection to each other and to themselves. Contact him or our front desk to schedule an appointment!