Sex Therapy and Counselling for Sexual Problems
Sex and sexuality are crucial parts of most peoples' lives and identities. Because of this, sexual disorders and problems can have a profound negative impact. Clients seeking help often see themselves as undesirable, weak, frigid, unlovable, addicts, perverts, or fundamentally broken in some way. Underlying their problems is often a deep sense of shame and distress.
Anxiety and low mood typically co-occur with, or cause, sexual disorders and problems, making them even more difficult to overcome.
My job is to work with you to identify and understand the root causes of your sexual and relationship problems, and to teach you the tools that you need to make things better. I am sex-positive, non-judgemental, and open minded; I work with clients of all genders and identities. You will be safe working with me.
The sexual disorders and problems that I treat:
- problem sexual behaviours (often called porn addiction or sex addiction)
- distress associated with unusual sexual interests (kinks, fetishes, paraphilias)
- anxiety and fears about relationships or sex
- sexual obsessions and/or compulsions (OCD)
- sexual guilt, shame, and anxiety
- erectile dysfunction
- premature ejaculation
- performance anxiety
- decreased interest in sex (low libido)
- genital pain
- difficulties with desire, arousal, and orgasm
What is therapy for sexual problems?
Therapy for sexual problems falls into two broad and overlapping categories:
Clinical Psychology Services and Counselling for Sexual Problems: Theses services are offered by psychologists and address sexual problems, disorders, and dysfunctions. Clinical psychologists have extensive training in assessment and treatment, and are skilled at working with clients ranging from those with minor difficulties to those with much more challenging and complicated problems. Problems related to sex are often symptoms of other psychological difficulties such as anxiety, and psychologists are in the best position to be able to help. Most psychologists who provide clinical psychology services for sexual problems also provide counselling and sex therapy.
Sex Therapy: Sex therapy is counselling or psychotherapy with a focus on sexual and relationship problems. Sex therapists come from many different backgrounds with widely varying levels of training and expertise. They may approach their work quite differently. Sex therapy typically helps people who need some support and tools to sexually reconnect with partners, rekindle desire, improve relationships, and learn about more satisfying behaviours and intimacy.
I practice both clinical psychology and sex therapy. This means that I provide evidence-based therapy for sex and sexuality related difficulties, including cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness.