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Sex Therapy

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What Can Sex Therapy Help With?

Sexual Dysfunction and Performance Anxiety

Many people experience challenges with sexual functioning at different points in their lives. Sex therapy can help with concerns such as:

  • Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, often connected to anxiety, past trauma, medical conditions, or relationship stress.

  • Premature Ejaculation (PE): Ejaculating sooner than desired, frequently linked to stress, performance pressure, or heightened sensitivity.

  • Delayed Ejaculation: Difficulty reaching orgasm, which may be influenced by medications, emotional disconnection, anxiety, or medical factors.

  • Low Libido: A decrease in sexual desire related to hormonal changes, relationship concerns, stress, or emotional exhaustion.

  • Anorgasmia (Difficulty Achieving Orgasm): Ongoing difficulty or inability to orgasm, often associated with anxiety, past trauma, or challenges with arousal and stimulation.

Painful Sex and Genital Discomfort

For some individuals, sex is associated with pain or discomfort due to physical, emotional, or medical factors. Sex therapy can support concerns including:

  • Vaginismus: Involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles that makes penetration painful or impossible.

  • Dyspareunia: Persistent pain during intercourse, which may be related to hormonal imbalances, infections, or emotional stress.

  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Tension or dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles that contributes to pain or discomfort during sexual activity.

  • Postpartum and Post-Surgical Sexual Changes: Adjusting to changes in sexual functioning following childbirth, hysterectomy, or gender-affirming surgery.

Aging, Hormonal Changes, and Menopause-Related Sexual Concerns

Sexual health naturally evolves over time. We support individuals navigating sexual changes related to aging, hormones, and medical conditions, including:

  • Perimenopause and Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels that can cause vaginal dryness, discomfort, and changes in desire.

  • Testosterone Decline in Men: Lower testosterone levels that may impact arousal, erections, energy, and sexual confidence.

  • Changes in Sexual Response: Shifts in sensitivity, stamina, or arousal patterns as the body ages.

  • Sexual Wellness After Illness: Support following cancer treatment, surgeries, or chronic illness that affect sexual functioning or body image.

Emotional and Psychological Barriers to Intimacy

Sexual concerns are often deeply connected to emotional well-being, self-esteem, and past experiences. Sex therapy can help address:

  • Performance Anxiety: Fear of not satisfying a partner that creates ongoing stress and interferes with sexual functioning.

  • Body Image Concerns: Feeling uncomfortable or disconnected from your body, making intimacy difficult.

  • Sexual Trauma and Abuse Recovery: Healing from past experiences that continue to impact desire, trust, or comfort with intimacy.

  • Mismatched Libido in Couples: Differences in sexual desire that lead to frustration, resentment, or emotional distance.

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 and couples navigating sexual concerns

  • Individuals and couples in ethical non-monogamous or open relationships seeking support with communication, jealousy, and emotional security

  • Polyamorous and kink-affirming clients exploring desire, consent, boundaries, and healthy sexual expression

Certified Sexologist, India Simms
Online

The Process of Sex Therapy

1. Understanding Your Sexual Concerns

Sex therapy begins with a compassionate, judgment-free conversation about your concerns, sexual history, and relationship dynamics. You do not need to attend with a partner; many individuals seek sex therapy independently.

2. Exploring Emotional and Psychological Factors

We work together to identify stress, anxiety, past experiences, or relationship patterns contributing to your concerns. Therapy may include cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness techniques, and other evidence-based approaches to reduce distress and build confidence.

3. Communication and Relationship Dynamics

For couples, therapy focuses on improving communication, strengthening emotional intimacy, and aligning expectations to support a more fulfilling sexual connection.

4. Sensory and Behavioral Exercises

When appropriate, we may recommend structured at-home exercises designed to:

  • Reduce performance anxiety through relaxation and grounding techniques
  • Improve arousal and pleasure through sensory awareness practices
  • Strengthen emotional and physical connection through communication-based activities
Appointment Request

EMDR Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction and Trauma-Related Sexual Concerns

For individuals whose sexual difficulties are connected to trauma, performance anxiety, or distressing past experiences, we offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a complementary approach.

How EMDR Can Help with Sexual Concerns

  • Reprocess traumatic or distressing memories that interfere with intimacy

  • Reduce fear, anxiety, and negative beliefs related to sexual performance

  • Increase emotional resilience and confidence in sexual situations

While talk therapy remains the foundation of sex therapy, EMDR can be a valuable addition for those working through trauma-related sexual concerns or persistent 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.

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