What does it look like? 

The purpose of sex therapy is to help individuals and couples overcome sexual issues and increase sexual satisfaction. Liv Associates will provide a safe space for clients to talk through sex-related challenges while working on obtaining a healthy and more fulfilling sex life. Our experienced clinician will work with each client to identify/address underlying issues (experiences, emotions, concerns) that contribute to sexual issues. Furthermore, our clinicians will provide tools/skills to help clients feel more connected to their bodies while encouraging increased communication between partners. Sex education and psychoeducation will help clients further understand what factors may be contributing to dissatisfaction. 

Who is sex therapy for? 

  Individuals and/or couples may benefit from sex therapy.

  Population: teens, adults, and seniors.

  Anyone who is dissatisfied with their sex life such as difficulty enjoying sex/achieving orgasm or experiencing pain during sex. 

  Those with negative emotions associated with sexual fetishes. Fetishism can be a natural variation of one’s healthy sexual expression as long as it doesn’t cause distress to the individual and/or the relationship or cause disruptions and impairment to the daily functional areas of one’s life. 

  Therapist may assign homework or make recommendations for individuals or couples to try (trying new sex position, method of masturbation, mindfulness exercises, etc.)

  Sex therapist may refer clients to medical doctor if a physiological concern seems to be behind an issue. 

  Referral to pelvic floor therapist or doctor specializing in sexual medicine maybe necessary in some cases.

Sexual issues that can be addressed in sex therapy: delayed ejaculation, erectile disorder/erectile dysfunction, male hypoactive sexual desire disorder, premature ejaculation, anorgasmia, female orgasmic disorder, female sexual interest/arousal disorder, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, substance/medication-induced sexual dysfunction, etc. 

  Any circumstance of lack of interest in sex, low confidence, sexual performance anxiety, pain during intercourse, inability to become aroused or achieve orgasm.

  Sometimes sexual dysfunction is associated with a history of abuse. Sexual trauma can be addressed in sex therapy sessions at a rate client is comfortable with, combining trauma-based therapy with sex positive techniques.

What is sex therapy NOT?

  Individuals with physical/medical conditions that impact sex (such as low testosterone). Such issues must be addressed with PCP, gynecologist or urologist. Rule out any physiological reasons before seeking sex therapy.

  Does not involve sexual contact or contact of any kind between sex therapist and client. Sex therapist will never ask client to take their clothes off or engage in sexual activities in presence of therapist. Strictly talk therapy. 

  It is not only for those with “very serious issues,” it is for anyone that wants to improve their sex life.

  Sex therapy does not approach issues from an addiction focused lens. Sex addition/porn addiction are misconceptions that have developed over time due to shame and stigmatizing societal standards. Since we (as a society) are not educated enough about sex, we may believe we have an addiction to sex/porn, but this is a myth and there are other concerns to address and uncover in such situations. If you believe you have a "sex addiction," sex therapist will explore the role sex plays in your life, providing support in developing skills and strategies to make sexual practices more sustainable and in line with your values and desires.

  Sex therapy is not a quick fix. Like other types of therapy, it may take some time. Therapist will want to take time to get to know each client such as view of sex/relationship with sex. This may include sessions with a focus on destigmatizing shame. Sex therapy often includes self-discovery, identity development & relationship building - and such work takes time.  

  Not for sex offenders or those with sexual paraphilias. There are sex offender treatment programs for those who struggle with sexual impulsivity (paraphilia or paraphilia-related disorders).