Let’s talk about sex. Why is it that we’re so afraid to say that word as a society? There are a lot of misconceptions about sex and what is actual sex therapy. What is sex therapy? Sex therapy is very broad and it’s definitely on a spectrum. A lot of what I do as a sex therapist is provide education and provide tools to help with sexual issues.
Kids and Teens
Impact of Sexual Abuse and Trauma: Children and teens may exhibit signs of fear, withdrawal, or behavioral changes following sexual abuse or trauma, leaving parents unsure of how to support their child emotionally.
Navigating Hormonal Changes: Parents may struggle to understand and address their child's emotional and physical reactions to puberty, including heightened sexual curiosity and mood swings.
Addressing Body Image Concerns: Parents may notice their child expressing dissatisfaction or discomfort with their changing body, which can affect their self-esteem and sexual confidence.
Concerns about Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Parents may discover their child has been exposed to pornography or other explicit materials online or elsewhere, leading to concerns about their child's understanding of healthy sexuality.
Teen Shame around Sexuality and Religion: Parents may observe their teen grappling with guilt or shame regarding sexual feelings or behaviors conflicting with family or religious beliefs, impacting their child's emotional well-being.
Managing Out-of-Control Sexual Behaviors: Parents may face challenges in addressing compulsive or excessive behaviors such as pornography use or masturbation, which may interfere with their child's daily life and relationships.
Supporting Confusion about Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity: Parents may need guidance in supporting their child as they explore and understand their sexual orientation or gender identity, ensuring their child feels accepted and understood at home.
Responding to Peer Pressure and Relationship Dynamics: Parents may be concerned about their child facing pressure from peers or romantic partners regarding sexual behaviors, and how to help their child navigate these pressures safely.
Educating about Healthy Sexual Development: Parents may feel unsure about how to provide comprehensive sexual health education to their child, including topics such as consent, contraception, and STI prevention.
Seeking Professional Guidance: Parents may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to address their child's sexual issues effectively, and may seek support from a qualified sex therapist to navigate these sensitive topics with their child.
Parents
Understanding and Supporting Sexual Abuse and Trauma: Parents gain knowledge and skills to support their child or teen who has experienced sexual abuse or trauma, including how to create a safe and supportive environment.
Navigating Hormonal Changes: Parents receive guidance on how to navigate their child's or teen's hormonal changes, including discussions on puberty, sexuality, and emotional well-being.
Addressing Body Image Concerns: Therapy helps parents support their child or teen in developing a healthy body image and addressing any body image concerns that may arise.
Managing Concerns about Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Parents learn strategies to monitor and manage their child's or teen's exposure to inappropriate sexual content online and offline.
Supporting Teen Shame around Sexuality and Religion: Parents gain tools to address and support their teen's feelings of shame related to sexuality and religious beliefs, fostering open communication and acceptance.
Guiding Through Out-of-Control Sexual Behaviors: Parents receive support in understanding and managing their child's or teen's out-of-control sexual behaviors, including seeking appropriate professional help if needed.
Navigating Confusion about Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity: Therapy provides resources and support for parents to navigate their child's exploration of sexual orientation or gender identity, promoting acceptance and understanding.
Responding to Peer Pressure and Relationship Dynamics: Parents learn strategies to help their child or teen navigate peer pressure related to relationships and sexuality, promoting healthy boundaries and decision-making.
Educating About Healthy Sexual Development: Parents gain knowledge about age-appropriate sexual development and behaviors, empowering them to provide accurate information and guidance to their child or teen.
Seeking Professional Guidance: Therapy supports parents in seeking and accessing professional guidance and resources to address their child's or teen's specific sexual issues effectively.
How does therapy help Kids and Teens heal?
Healing from Sexual Abuse and Trauma: Therapy provides a safe space for children and teens to process and heal from sexual abuse or trauma, reducing emotional distress and promoting recovery.
Navigating Hormonal Changes: Children and teens receive education and support in understanding and managing their hormonal changes, including emotional regulation and self-care strategies.
Addressing Body Image Concerns: Therapy helps children and teens address and improve their body image concerns, promoting self-acceptance and confidence.
Managing Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Children and teens learn skills to recognize and manage exposure to inappropriate sexual content, both online and offline, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Exploring and Overcoming Shame: Therapy supports children and teens in exploring and overcoming feelings of shame related to their sexuality or religious beliefs, fostering self-acceptance and resilience.
Developing Healthy Sexual Behaviors: Children and teens receive education and guidance on developing healthy sexual behaviors and boundaries, promoting respect and consent in relationships.
Navigating Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity: Therapy provides a supportive environment for children and teens to explore and understand their sexual orientation or gender identity, fostering self-discovery and acceptance.
Resisting Peer Pressure: Children and teens learn assertiveness skills to resist peer pressure related to relationships and sexual behaviors, empowering them to make informed and healthy choices.
Learning About Healthy Relationships: Therapy educates children and teens about healthy relationship dynamics, including communication skills, boundaries, and mutual respect.
Building Coping Skills and Resilience: Children and teens develop coping skills and resilience to navigate challenges related to their sexual development and identity, promoting overall well-being and confidence.
These are several challenges that children and teens, as well as their parents, may encounter when dealing with various sexual issues. The importance of therapy is to have a space that has compassion and informed therapeutic support to help families navigate these sensitive and often complex issues together. These examples illustrate how therapy can provide valuable support and guidance for parents, children, and teens facing various sexual issues, promoting healing, understanding, and healthy development in a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
Adults
Desire Discrepancy: Couples may experience differences in sexual desire levels, leading to frustration, rejection, or feelings of inadequacy.
Communication Challenges: Adults may find it difficult to openly discuss their sexual needs, preferences, and boundaries with their partner, which can lead to misunderstandings and unmet expectations.
Navigating Sexual Boundaries and Consent: Individuals may struggle with establishing and respecting boundaries in sexual interactions, as well as understanding and practicing consent effectively.
Healing from Sexual Abuse and Trauma: Adults may carry emotional scars from past experiences of sexual abuse or trauma, affecting their ability to trust, feel safe, or engage in intimate relationships.
Exploring Kink or BDSM: Individuals interested in kink or BDSM may face challenges in finding acceptance, understanding, and safe exploration of their desires within their relationships.
Navigating Polyamorous or Consensual Non-Monogamous Relationships: Adults in non-traditional relationship structures may experience jealousy, insecurity, or challenges in managing multiple emotional and sexual connections.
Dealing with Sexual Dysfunctions: Individuals may struggle with issues such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, vaginismus, or anorgasmia, impacting their sexual confidence and relationship satisfaction.
Managing Out-of-Control Sexual Behaviors: Adults may engage in compulsive or excessive behaviors such as pornography use, masturbation, or risky sexual activities, which can lead to guilt, shame, and relationship conflicts.
Shame around Sexuality and Religion: Some adults may experience internalized shame or guilt regarding their sexual desires or behaviors, influenced by religious upbringing or cultural beliefs.
Seeking Support for Sexual Health and Well-being: Adults may feel isolated or unsure where to turn for non-judgmental support and guidance in addressing their sexual concerns and improving their overall sexual health.
What skills will clients gain from therapy?
Resolving Desire Discrepancy: Sex therapy helps couples understand and navigate differences in sexual desire, facilitating communication and negotiation for a mutually satisfying sexual relationship.
Improving Communication about Sexual Needs: Adults learn effective communication skills to express their sexual desires, preferences, and boundaries with their partner, enhancing intimacy and connection.
Establishing and Respecting Sexual Boundaries and Consent: Therapy supports individuals in defining and respecting their own and their partner's sexual boundaries and practicing enthusiastic consent, promoting safe and enjoyable sexual experiences.
Healing from Sexual Abuse and Trauma: Sex therapy provides a safe space for individuals to process and heal from past sexual abuse or trauma, addressing emotional wounds and reclaiming a positive relationship with their sexuality.
Exploring Kink or BDSM: Therapy offers education, guidance, and support for individuals interested in exploring or incorporating kink or BDSM practices in a consensual and safe manner, fostering exploration and mutual satisfaction.
Navigating Polyamorous or Consensual Non-Monogamous Relationships: Sex therapy helps individuals and couples navigate the complexities of polyamorous or consensual non-monogamous relationships, addressing communication, boundaries, and emotional well-being.
Managing Sexual Dysfunctions: Adults receive assessment and treatment for sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or low libido, improving sexual functioning and satisfaction.
Addressing Out-of-Control Sexual Behaviors: Therapy provides strategies and support for individuals struggling with out-of-control sexual behaviors such as compulsive pornography use or excessive masturbation, promoting healthier behaviors and relationships.
Reducing Shame around Sexuality and Religion: Adults explore and challenge feelings of shame related to their sexuality and religious beliefs, fostering self-acceptance, and promoting a positive sexual self-image.
Enhancing Sexual Health and Well-being: Sex therapy educates adults about sexual health, pleasure, and safer sex practices, empowering them to make informed decisions and maintain their sexual well-being.
Overall, sex therapy offers a supportive and non-judgmental space where adults can explore, understand, and address their unique sexual concerns and desires, leading to improved sexual satisfaction, confidence, and overall well-being.
Couples
Navigating Roles in Kink or BDSM Dynamics: Couples may face challenges in negotiating and fulfilling roles and responsibilities within their kink or BDSM relationship dynamics.
Communication Breakdown: Many couples find it difficult to effectively communicate their sexual desires, boundaries, and concerns with their partner, leading to misunderstandings or unmet needs.
Establishing and Respecting Sexual Boundaries and Consent: Couples may struggle with defining and honoring each other's boundaries in sexual interactions, as well as understanding and practicing consent consistently.
Exploring Sexual Do’s and Don’ts: Partners may have differing preferences or comfort levels regarding sexual activities, leading to conflicts or hesitations in exploring new practices.
Navigating Sexual Exploration: Couples may encounter challenges in exploring new sexual interests or fantasies together, including fears of judgment or uncertainty about how to proceed safely and consensually.
Dealing with Infidelity: Couples may be navigating the aftermath of infidelity, grappling with feelings of betrayal, trust issues, and the process of rebuilding their relationship.
Managing Desire Discrepancy: Partners may experience differences in sexual desire levels, causing frustration, tension, or feelings of rejection within the relationship.
Navigating Polyamorous or Consensual Non-Monogamous Relationships: Couples in non-traditional relationship structures may face challenges in managing jealousy, negotiating boundaries, and maintaining open communication with multiple partners.
Addressing Pain or Discomfort During Sex: Couples may confront physical discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, which can impact their intimacy and relationship satisfaction.
Balancing Time for Intimacy: Couples may struggle to prioritize and find time for intimacy amidst busy schedules and responsibilities, leading to feelings of neglect or disconnect.
How will therapy impact the couple?
Enhanced Understanding and Navigating Roles in Kink or BDSM Dynamics: Couples gain knowledge and guidance to navigate roles, boundaries, and dynamics within kink or BDSM practices, promoting mutual satisfaction and safety.
Improved Communication Skills: Therapy helps couples improve communication about sexual desires, preferences, and boundaries, fostering openness and understanding in their sexual relationship.
Establishing and Respecting Sexual Boundaries and Consent: Couples learn to establish clear sexual boundaries and practice enthusiastic consent, enhancing trust and safety in their sexual interactions.
Negotiating Sexual Do’s and Don’ts: Therapy assists couples in negotiating and understanding each other's sexual preferences, limits, and boundaries, promoting mutual respect and pleasure.
Support for Sexual Exploration: Couples receive guidance and support in exploring new sexual experiences and fantasies in a consensual and respectful manner, enhancing sexual intimacy and connection.
Healing from Infidelity: Therapy provides a structured environment for couples to process and heal from the impact of infidelity, rebuilding trust and intimacy in their relationship.
Managing Desire Discrepancy: Sex therapy helps couples navigate differences in sexual desire, facilitating compromise, and communication to achieve a satisfying sexual relationship.
Navigating Polyamorous or Consensual Non-Monogamous Relationships: Couples receive support in navigating the complexities of polyamorous or consensual non-monogamous relationships, including communication, boundaries, and emotional well-being.
Addressing Pain or Discomfort During Sex: Therapy assists couples in addressing physical or emotional factors contributing to pain or discomfort during sex, promoting comfort and pleasure.
Balancing Time for Intimacy: Couples learn strategies to balance their schedules and prioritize time for intimacy, fostering connection and maintaining sexual satisfaction in their relationship.
Overall, sex therapy provides couples with a safe and supportive environment to explore, understand, and address their sexual concerns and desires, leading to enhanced communication, intimacy, and satisfaction in their sexual relationship.