What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialized form of counseling designed to help individuals and couples overcome sexual challenges, improve communication, and deepen intimacy. This compassionate approach uses evidence-based techniques to foster healthier sexual relationships and enhance overall well-being.

  • All of the above! Sex therapy is for individuals, couples, and people in all types of relationship structures. Rachel provides an affirming, nonjudgmental space for people who are single, dating, partnered, in monogamous, ethically non-monogamous (ENM), or polyamorous relationships, LGBTQIA+, or exploring their identities, sexuality, and relationships.

  • Sex therapy is talk therapy. Sessions involve conversation, education, and skill-building. This is a place to explore your concerns, goals and the emotional, relational, cultural and physical factors that may be impacting your well-being.

  • Sex therapy addresses concerns related to desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, communication, “mismatched libidos” (desire discrepancies), shame, body image, compulsive sexual behaviors, infidelity, intimacy, dating, sexual identity and more.

    See below for more information.

  • Every person and relationship is different. Some clients find relief after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your treatment is also tailored to your specific needs and goals.

  • Yes, what you discuss in therapy is confidential with a few exceptions that apply to all mental health care (such as immediate safety).

Reach Out

Choosing an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) means working with a clinician who has completed extensive, specialized training in human sexuality and sex therapy. AASECT is the national gold standard for certification in this field.

Certified Sex Therapists have:

  • Advanced education and training in sexual health, sexual functioning, identity, relationships and communication

  • 300+ hours of clinical experience specifically focused on sexual-related concerns

  • At least 50 hours of supervision with experts in the field to ensure competent, ethical and up-to-date care

  • A commitment to continuing education that keeps their practice informed by the latest research and best practices

Working with an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist ensures that your clinician is not only comfortable discussing sensitive sexual topics, but also trained to address them with skill, compassion and professionalism.

Why work with an AASECT-certified Sex Therapist?

  • Issues related to desire, arousal and/or orgasm: lack of desire, desire discrepancies, difficulty with erection or orgasm, premature ejaculation, delayed or absent ejaculation

  • Pain with sex: dyspareunia, vaginismus, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, vulvodynia, pelvic floor dysfunction

  • Communication and intimacy: emotional closeness, rebuilding connection after conflict or betrayal, improving sexual communication'

  • Identity and orientation: exploring sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexual expression

  • Sexual shame, anxiety or trauma: healing from painful experiences that impact sexual comfort or confidence

  • Life transitions: changes in sexuality during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, illness, disability or aging

  • Relationship structure: exploring monogamy, nonmonogamy, kink or other expressions of sexuality in ways that are authentic and consensual

What concerns can be addressed in sex therapy?