What Can Sex Therapy Help With?
Sex therapy can address a wide range of concerns, including:
Sexual Dysfunction & Performance Anxiety
Many people struggle with sexual function at some point in their lives. Common concerns include:
✔ Erectile Dysfunction (ED) – Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, often tied to anxiety, past trauma, or relationship stress.
✔ Premature Ejaculation (PE) – Ejaculating sooner than desired, which can be linked to stress, performance pressure, or over-sensitivity.
✔ Delayed Ejaculation – Difficulty reaching orgasm, which can be due to medications, stress, or emotional disconnection.
✔ Low Libido – A decrease in sexual desire, often related to hormonal shifts, relationship issues, or psychological stress.
✔ Anorgasmia (Difficulty Achieving Orgasm) – Difficulty or inability to orgasm, which can be due to anxiety, past trauma, or lack of proper stimulation.
Painful Sex & Genital Discomfort
For many individuals, sex is painful due to medical conditions, past trauma, or muscle tension. We help clients with:
✔ Vaginismus – A condition where the vaginal muscles involuntarily tighten, making penetration difficult or impossible.
✔ Dyspareunia – Persistent pain during intercourse, often linked to hormonal imbalances, infections, or emotional stress.
✔ Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – Tension in the pelvic muscles that causes pain or discomfort during sex.
✔ Postpartum & Post-Surgical Sexual Changes – Adjusting to changes after childbirth, hysterectomy, or gender-affirming surgery.
Aging, Hormonal Changes & Menopause-Related Sexual Concerns
Sexual health evolves with age, and many individuals experience changes due to hormonal shifts, medical conditions, or psychological factors. We provide support for:
✔ Perimenopause & Menopause – Decreased estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, discomfort, and low libido.
✔ Testosterone Decline in Men – Low testosterone can cause reduced arousal, difficulty maintaining erections, and fatigue.
✔ Changes in Sexual Response – Aging can impact sensitivity, stamina, and the way the body responds to sexual stimulation.
✔ Sexual Wellness After Illness – Helping individuals adjust to sexual changes after cancer treatments, surgeries, or chronic illness.
Emotional & Psychological Barriers to Intimacy
Sex is deeply connected to self-esteem, trust, emotional intimacy, and past experiences. We help clients address:
✔ Performance Anxiety – Fear of not satisfying a partner can create a cycle of stress and dysfunction.
✔ Body Image Concerns – Feeling uncomfortable in your own skin can make intimacy difficult.
✔ Sexual Trauma & Abuse Recovery – Past traumatic experiences can affect sexual desire, comfort, and trust.
✔ Mismatched Libido in Couples – One partner wanting sex more or less than the other can create frustration and tension.
Gender and Sexuality
At The Haven Center, we are inclusive and affirming of all sexual orientations, identities, and relationship styles.
We work with:
✔ LGBTQ+ individuals & couples navigating sexual concerns
✔ Ethical Non-Monogamy & Open Relationships – Guidance on communication, jealousy, and emotional security
✔ Polyamorous & Kink-Affirming Therapy – Exploring desires, consent, and safe practices
The Process of Sex Therapy
1. Understanding Your Sexual Concerns
Sex therapy begins with an open, judgment-free conversation about your concerns, sexual history, and relationship dynamics. You do not have to have a partner to seek sex therapy—many individuals attend alone to work on personal concerns.
2. Exploring Emotional & Psychological Factors
We work to identify stress, anxiety, past experiences, or relationship patterns that may be contributing to your concerns. Cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness strategies are often used to reduce negative thought patterns and build confidence.
3. Communication & Relationship Dynamics
If attending therapy as a couple, we focus on enhancing communication, increasing emotional intimacy, and aligning expectations for a more fulfilling sex life.
4. Sensory & Behavioral Exercises
Depending on your needs, we may recommend at-home exercises to help you:
✅ Reduce performance anxiety through guided relaxation techniques
✅ Improve arousal and pleasure through sensory awareness exercises
✅ Enhance connection through communication-building activities
EMDR Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction & Trauma-Related Sexual Concerns
For those whose sexual difficulties stem from past trauma, performance anxiety, or negative sexual experiences, we offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
How Can EMDR Help with Sexual Issues?
🔹 Helps re-process traumatic memories that may be impacting intimacy
🔹 Reduces fear, anxiety, and negative self-beliefs tied to performance issues
🔹 Strengthens emotional resilience and confidence in sexual situations
While talk therapy is the primary approach for sex therapy, EMDR can be an effective complementary tool for individuals dealing with past sexual trauma or deep-seated performance anxiety.
Take the First Step Toward a More Fulfilling Sex Life
Sexual concerns are common and treatable—you don’t have to suffer in silence. Whether you’re struggling with erectile dysfunction, painful sex, low desire, or relationship challenges, we’re here to help.