Photo of Bryna Barsky, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Bryna Barsky
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95123  (Online Only)
I also specialize in sex therapy and help couples and individuals struggling with: low desire, desire discrepancy, sexual trauma, difficulty with arousal/orgasm, painful sex, inability to accomplish penetration, and erection/ejaculation problems.
Welcome to my practice. I have over 30 years of experience providing therapy to individuals and couples from very diverse backgrounds with regards to ethnicity, religion, age, country of origin, and sexual orientation. The therapy I do tends to be short-term, "here-and-now" focused, goal oriented, and skills based. I believe my clients want to change their behaviors, and not just "talk" about what's going wrong. My therapeutic style is collaborative, non-judgmental, warm and compassionate. I'm not a "one size fits all" therapist because every client is unique. I offer a Good Faith Estimate at the client's request.
I also specialize in sex therapy and help couples and individuals struggling with: low desire, desire discrepancy, sexual trauma, difficulty with arousal/orgasm, painful sex, inability to accomplish penetration, and erection/ejaculation problems.
Welcome to my practice. I have over 30 years of experience providing therapy to individuals and couples from very diverse backgrounds with regards to ethnicity, religion, age, country of origin, and sexual orientation. The therapy I do tends to be short-term, "here-and-now" focused, goal oriented, and skills based. I believe my clients want to change their behaviors, and not just "talk" about what's going wrong. My therapeutic style is collaborative, non-judgmental, warm and compassionate. I'm not a "one size fits all" therapist because every client is unique. I offer a Good Faith Estimate at the client's request.
(510) 730-3704 View (510) 730-3704
Photo of Holly Osment, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Holly Osment
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, CST
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95126
I teach two graduate-level class on Sexuality in the Counseling Psychology Department of Santa Clara University.
Life is complex at all ages, but we know that...right? Yet knowing this does not necessarily help or give us direction. In my work, I try to help guide people through this murky life, examine choices and explore options, personal history, and experience. I have a deep respect for my clients, for their wisdom and their struggles. I provide an encouraging and non-judgmental space to look at each unique concern and situation. I often explore the role of meaning and choice in our lives, and how both powerfully (but often invisibly) affect how we live our days.
I teach two graduate-level class on Sexuality in the Counseling Psychology Department of Santa Clara University.
Life is complex at all ages, but we know that...right? Yet knowing this does not necessarily help or give us direction. In my work, I try to help guide people through this murky life, examine choices and explore options, personal history, and experience. I have a deep respect for my clients, for their wisdom and their struggles. I provide an encouraging and non-judgmental space to look at each unique concern and situation. I often explore the role of meaning and choice in our lives, and how both powerfully (but often invisibly) affect how we live our days.
(408) 550-5101 View (408) 550-5101
Photo of Connie Kay, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Jose, CA
Connie Kay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
Do you find yourself having the same conversation with your partner and getting nowhere? Do you have changes you want to make but don't know where to start? Do you have addictions or patterns of behavior that you would like to change? Are you down, frustrated, tired, depressed, angry, sad? Are you in transition and need help sorting things out? Do you need help in communicating with a family member or friend? Are you unhappy with your initmate relationship, or want to explore new things? Do you experience shame or guilt related to your sexuality and unspoken desires? Are you wondering "Is there more to life?"
Do you find yourself having the same conversation with your partner and getting nowhere? Do you have changes you want to make but don't know where to start? Do you have addictions or patterns of behavior that you would like to change? Are you down, frustrated, tired, depressed, angry, sad? Are you in transition and need help sorting things out? Do you need help in communicating with a family member or friend? Are you unhappy with your initmate relationship, or want to explore new things? Do you experience shame or guilt related to your sexuality and unspoken desires? Are you wondering "Is there more to life?"
(408) 868-5498 View (408) 868-5498
Photo of Misty Johnson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Jose, CA
Misty Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, WGS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
Challenges with communication? Struggles with sex and intimacy? Are you questioning or exploring your gender and sexuality? I am here to support you and offer you tools and a place to process your current experience. I provide a safe space to explore who you are becoming and to discern old thought patterns that are no longer of service. I provide a healing space free of judgement and offer tools that you can immediately integrate into your current experience. I will collaborate with you and work with the intersections of your unique experience. I also offer ketamine-assisted therapy ie: psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Challenges with communication? Struggles with sex and intimacy? Are you questioning or exploring your gender and sexuality? I am here to support you and offer you tools and a place to process your current experience. I provide a safe space to explore who you are becoming and to discern old thought patterns that are no longer of service. I provide a healing space free of judgement and offer tools that you can immediately integrate into your current experience. I will collaborate with you and work with the intersections of your unique experience. I also offer ketamine-assisted therapy ie: psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
(408) 583-5606 View (408) 583-5606
Photo of Ellen Hersam, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Ellen Hersam
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126  (Online Only)
It takes great courage to recognize when you need help and even more to ask for it. Even the strongest and most healthy need a trusted mentor, healer, and guide in their life at some point. Do you find yourself asking questions about sex, sexual health, sexual relationships, or intimacy within your relationship? Do you feel you have a place to ask and explore sexual topics and understand your sexual body? Understanding this part of yourself is an important part of your ability to relate and interact with yourself AND to connect, relate, and interact with others throughout your life. Here is a space for you.
It takes great courage to recognize when you need help and even more to ask for it. Even the strongest and most healthy need a trusted mentor, healer, and guide in their life at some point. Do you find yourself asking questions about sex, sexual health, sexual relationships, or intimacy within your relationship? Do you feel you have a place to ask and explore sexual topics and understand your sexual body? Understanding this part of yourself is an important part of your ability to relate and interact with yourself AND to connect, relate, and interact with others throughout your life. Here is a space for you.
(408) 547-2354 View (408) 547-2354
Photo of Christian Counseling Center San Jose, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Christian Counseling Center San Jose
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95124
We are dedicated to serving churches, pastors, and all populations regardless of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
Christian Counseling Center San Jose has provided mental health services, support, and educational training to the Bay Area community for more than 30+ Years. Our team of 50+ therapists are passionate about caring for your emotional, mental, and relational needs through our broad range of clinical expertise. We are here to help!
We are dedicated to serving churches, pastors, and all populations regardless of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
Christian Counseling Center San Jose has provided mental health services, support, and educational training to the Bay Area community for more than 30+ Years. Our team of 50+ therapists are passionate about caring for your emotional, mental, and relational needs through our broad range of clinical expertise. We are here to help!
(408) 413-4529 View (408) 413-4529
Photo of Mary Karver, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Mary Karver
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LADC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
I'm a geek many times over, but I'm primarily a sex and systems geek.
Therapy is an amazing placebo. You do not NEED a therapist to learn, transform, and grow your awareness of yourself. I firmly believe whatever it is you are seeking to learn, change, or make peace with, you can do it. The benefit of working with a trained therapist who sees you, gives your sense of agency and innate wisdom the respect it deserves, and offers an outside perspective on your experience informed by evidenced-based theory and practice, is that the pace of growth is greatly accelerated.
I'm a geek many times over, but I'm primarily a sex and systems geek.
Therapy is an amazing placebo. You do not NEED a therapist to learn, transform, and grow your awareness of yourself. I firmly believe whatever it is you are seeking to learn, change, or make peace with, you can do it. The benefit of working with a trained therapist who sees you, gives your sense of agency and innate wisdom the respect it deserves, and offers an outside perspective on your experience informed by evidenced-based theory and practice, is that the pace of growth is greatly accelerated.
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Photo of Clint Gaver, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Clint Gaver
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95124  (Online Only)
I also help process Alt Sex or Kink/BDSM, sexual expression, gender, and orientation issues.
I take most insurances. Life has shown up, and you might feel depressed, anxious, lonely, or angry. Has your self-esteem plummeted? Are you struggling in your relationships? Do you: Beat yourself up? Use drugs or alcohol to cope with life? Have unresolved grief, trauma, or shame? Has your inner critic taken control of you? Do you believe the lies it tells you? If you answered YES, you've found the right place to transform your life and heal. I provide a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental setting, using evidence-based theories that fit your situation. "Thank you! I am much more hopeful and feel completely different with therapy" -Kim.
I also help process Alt Sex or Kink/BDSM, sexual expression, gender, and orientation issues.
I take most insurances. Life has shown up, and you might feel depressed, anxious, lonely, or angry. Has your self-esteem plummeted? Are you struggling in your relationships? Do you: Beat yourself up? Use drugs or alcohol to cope with life? Have unresolved grief, trauma, or shame? Has your inner critic taken control of you? Do you believe the lies it tells you? If you answered YES, you've found the right place to transform your life and heal. I provide a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental setting, using evidence-based theories that fit your situation. "Thank you! I am much more hopeful and feel completely different with therapy" -Kim.
(408) 981-4700 View (408) 981-4700
Photo of Tania Choi Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Tania Choi Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95128
My practice in the last decade has evolved and changed with my personal life to include practice trauma, sexuality and somatic based practices.
I'm not in the business of instigating change. I am in the delicate and complex work of empowering it. Because I believe you have the wisdom to bring about change. Because change is your work and your choice; my role is to set the stage, empty it, illuminate what stands in the way and explore with you the possibilities for change. Ultimately you decide.The fact that you're here already ensures it. My job is to notice your process, reflect and honor it. In this space, I have seen amazing change happen.
My practice in the last decade has evolved and changed with my personal life to include practice trauma, sexuality and somatic based practices.
I'm not in the business of instigating change. I am in the delicate and complex work of empowering it. Because I believe you have the wisdom to bring about change. Because change is your work and your choice; my role is to set the stage, empty it, illuminate what stands in the way and explore with you the possibilities for change. Ultimately you decide.The fact that you're here already ensures it. My job is to notice your process, reflect and honor it. In this space, I have seen amazing change happen.
(408) 212-0552 View (408) 212-0552
Photo of Kent Campbell, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Kent Campbell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95125
Looking for therapy in the South Bay? I am a psychotherapist working with men and women in my office conveniently located near Hamilton Avenue and Highway 17. Whether you are looking to improve your marriage, job, social life, family life, sex life, or to feel alive and well, I can help guide you through the use of mainstream counseling techniques to help you make desired changes in your life. I generally work with successful people who are looking to change frustrating patterns to do more of what they want to in life - whether better relationships, feelings, or understanding what you do want.
Looking for therapy in the South Bay? I am a psychotherapist working with men and women in my office conveniently located near Hamilton Avenue and Highway 17. Whether you are looking to improve your marriage, job, social life, family life, sex life, or to feel alive and well, I can help guide you through the use of mainstream counseling techniques to help you make desired changes in your life. I generally work with successful people who are looking to change frustrating patterns to do more of what they want to in life - whether better relationships, feelings, or understanding what you do want.
(408) 638-6897 View (408) 638-6897
Photo of Kerri King, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Kerri King
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95101
Most mental health providers assist the patient(s) with the process of gaining interpersonal awareness, but do not specialize in both the emotional and physical aspects of intimacy. Alternatively, most intimacy coaches do not specialize in the psychodynamic underpinnings of human attachment and resulting relational dynamics. I offer a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment that allows couples or individuals to address issues, questions, and concerns pertaining to sexuality, intimacy, and relationships.
Most mental health providers assist the patient(s) with the process of gaining interpersonal awareness, but do not specialize in both the emotional and physical aspects of intimacy. Alternatively, most intimacy coaches do not specialize in the psychodynamic underpinnings of human attachment and resulting relational dynamics. I offer a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment that allows couples or individuals to address issues, questions, and concerns pertaining to sexuality, intimacy, and relationships.
(408) 426-4431 View (408) 426-4431
Photo of Dr. Riichiro Miwa, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Dr. Riichiro Miwa
Psychologist, PsyD, Life-, Coach
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95136  (Online Only)
Also, there is no need to be "sick" or have "problems!" Even the healthiest individual can benefit from my first-rate Life-Coaching to achieve goals in many areas, such as academics, appearance, sex, finances, parenting, test-taking, and more! Particularly specialized with Reorganization of Your Life, Relationship/Marriage, and Communication Strategies.
[*Sorry, Dr. Miwa no longer takes new Clients]Are you looking to become a better, happier, and healthier person? Are you hoping to gain a deeper understanding and love for yourself and others? Psychotherapy includes improving the quality of your life, self-guidance, and/or managing more serious issues such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. As an experienced psychologist, I help you achieve your goals. We attain your emotional alignment, and look at and face truth in you. It may sound a little bit scary and challenging, but together, we can do it. You will fully be authentic to yourself and experience real joy in your life.
Also, there is no need to be "sick" or have "problems!" Even the healthiest individual can benefit from my first-rate Life-Coaching to achieve goals in many areas, such as academics, appearance, sex, finances, parenting, test-taking, and more! Particularly specialized with Reorganization of Your Life, Relationship/Marriage, and Communication Strategies.
[*Sorry, Dr. Miwa no longer takes new Clients]Are you looking to become a better, happier, and healthier person? Are you hoping to gain a deeper understanding and love for yourself and others? Psychotherapy includes improving the quality of your life, self-guidance, and/or managing more serious issues such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. As an experienced psychologist, I help you achieve your goals. We attain your emotional alignment, and look at and face truth in you. It may sound a little bit scary and challenging, but together, we can do it. You will fully be authentic to yourself and experience real joy in your life.
(310) 933-6281 View (310) 933-6281
Photo of Dylan Jay Brody, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Jose, CA
Dylan Jay Brody
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95110
I am excited about working with those who are in recovery from addiction, working with couples dealing with conflict, working to improve couples' sex lives, helping clients explore the inner world of the psyche, and helping people to bring forth incredible curiosity, compassion, and love into their lives.
Welcome. If you’re reading this, it probably means you are looking for something different. If you are looking for individual therapy, I believe I can be of best support to those who have already begun their healing work and are ready to dive deeper. This might involve utilizing current high-tech approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS) or Somatic Therapy (e.g. Hakomi), as well as mindfulness and present-moment focused therapy, or possibly delving deeper into your psychological history. However, I am confident, ready, and willing to meet people wherever they are at on their journey. Additionally, I enjoy working with couples.
I am excited about working with those who are in recovery from addiction, working with couples dealing with conflict, working to improve couples' sex lives, helping clients explore the inner world of the psyche, and helping people to bring forth incredible curiosity, compassion, and love into their lives.
Welcome. If you’re reading this, it probably means you are looking for something different. If you are looking for individual therapy, I believe I can be of best support to those who have already begun their healing work and are ready to dive deeper. This might involve utilizing current high-tech approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS) or Somatic Therapy (e.g. Hakomi), as well as mindfulness and present-moment focused therapy, or possibly delving deeper into your psychological history. However, I am confident, ready, and willing to meet people wherever they are at on their journey. Additionally, I enjoy working with couples.
(831) 603-4211 View (831) 603-4211
Photo of Adela Stone, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Adela Stone
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95124  (Online Only)
COUPLES specialist here! Would you and your partner like to reconnect and stop ineffective communication patterns? Do you want to heal your emotional wounds and navigate mismatched values and desires? Or did you find out you are a NEURODIVERGENT couple facing unique challenges due to your different neurotypes? You deserve the chance to rebuild your relationship. You deserve to both give and receive love in a safe, healthy relationship. With the right guidance, you can uncover the inner resources you need to transform: internally and in the relationship dynamic.
COUPLES specialist here! Would you and your partner like to reconnect and stop ineffective communication patterns? Do you want to heal your emotional wounds and navigate mismatched values and desires? Or did you find out you are a NEURODIVERGENT couple facing unique challenges due to your different neurotypes? You deserve the chance to rebuild your relationship. You deserve to both give and receive love in a safe, healthy relationship. With the right guidance, you can uncover the inner resources you need to transform: internally and in the relationship dynamic.
(408) 418-2527 View (408) 418-2527
Photo of Russell Wilkie, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Russell Wilkie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
"Relationships and how we communicate are the two most important things in our lives." -- I am totally committed to improving communication and relationships. -- I believe communication is often more at the core of quality relationships than digging into our deep, dark, past issues. -- Research and years of my own experience clearly show that effective therapy is not a set of skills or techniques, but a way of being. Our here & now experience is the fuel of therapy. One more tidbit: Therapists are like shoes. You have to try some on before you find one that fits.
"Relationships and how we communicate are the two most important things in our lives." -- I am totally committed to improving communication and relationships. -- I believe communication is often more at the core of quality relationships than digging into our deep, dark, past issues. -- Research and years of my own experience clearly show that effective therapy is not a set of skills or techniques, but a way of being. Our here & now experience is the fuel of therapy. One more tidbit: Therapists are like shoes. You have to try some on before you find one that fits.
(408) 676-9905 View (408) 676-9905
Photo of Masood Moghaddam, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Jose, CA
Masood Moghaddam
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95116
You’ve taken a courageous step in searching for a therapist and I’m glad you’re here. I’m Masood Maghaddam, a bicultural/bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker supporting clients’ goals toward positive change. I use an integrative approach, utilizing both behavioral and psychodynamic methods that’s personalized to your specific needs. Whether you’re wanting to improve your quality of life and strengthen relationships or facing anxiety or depression, I’m here to help and empower you on this healing journey.
You’ve taken a courageous step in searching for a therapist and I’m glad you’re here. I’m Masood Maghaddam, a bicultural/bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker supporting clients’ goals toward positive change. I use an integrative approach, utilizing both behavioral and psychodynamic methods that’s personalized to your specific needs. Whether you’re wanting to improve your quality of life and strengthen relationships or facing anxiety or depression, I’m here to help and empower you on this healing journey.
(925) 588-7656 View (925) 588-7656
Photo of Kellie Gonzalez, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Kellie Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95129
Hi there, my name is Kellie and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here is Southern California. Though the majority of my work has been working children in the foster care system, I've always enjoyed working with people from all ages. I find that my approach is simple, treat others how you would want to be treated, with dignity and respect. I look forward to seeing how we might move forward to get you to where you want to be. I have done a lot of trauma work throughout the years. Anxiety, depression, and sexual violence is something I am very familiar and comfortable working with.
Hi there, my name is Kellie and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here is Southern California. Though the majority of my work has been working children in the foster care system, I've always enjoyed working with people from all ages. I find that my approach is simple, treat others how you would want to be treated, with dignity and respect. I look forward to seeing how we might move forward to get you to where you want to be. I have done a lot of trauma work throughout the years. Anxiety, depression, and sexual violence is something I am very familiar and comfortable working with.
(408) 498-9946 View (408) 498-9946
Photo of Austin Smythe, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Austin Smythe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95125  (Online Only)
———First Session Free——— Suffering multiplies when we avoid it. It begins to soften and transform when we face it. Working with me is easy. We’ll have a conversation but one that helps you listen to yourself more deeply. As you walk me down the path of what’s troubling you, I’ll ask you questions about some of the scenery and point out things that will enrich your sense of self. With this closer connection to yourself, and the emotional release this brings, many problems will naturally fall away. Of the problems that remain, I’ll help you change the ones you can and find love for those you can’t.
———First Session Free——— Suffering multiplies when we avoid it. It begins to soften and transform when we face it. Working with me is easy. We’ll have a conversation but one that helps you listen to yourself more deeply. As you walk me down the path of what’s troubling you, I’ll ask you questions about some of the scenery and point out things that will enrich your sense of self. With this closer connection to yourself, and the emotional release this brings, many problems will naturally fall away. Of the problems that remain, I’ll help you change the ones you can and find love for those you can’t.
(650) 662-6853 View (650) 662-6853
Photo of Shani Robins, Psychologist in San Jose, CA
Shani Robins
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95131
Our relationships, work, and health can be stressful or fulfilling. There are specific, practical, scientifically proven methods for increasing happiness, success, and well being for yourself and in your relationships and significantly reducing anger, anxiety, stress, job loss, relationship conflicts, and hypertension. I have 15 years of clinical experience in bringing together best practices that work! I teach Stanford University's courses in Wisdom, Emotional Intelligence, Career Development, and related Research regarding the best and most practical methods for effectively reducing anger, anxiety, and stress, and significantly improving personal and professional relationships, health & well being, and professional goals and success.
Our relationships, work, and health can be stressful or fulfilling. There are specific, practical, scientifically proven methods for increasing happiness, success, and well being for yourself and in your relationships and significantly reducing anger, anxiety, stress, job loss, relationship conflicts, and hypertension. I have 15 years of clinical experience in bringing together best practices that work! I teach Stanford University's courses in Wisdom, Emotional Intelligence, Career Development, and related Research regarding the best and most practical methods for effectively reducing anger, anxiety, and stress, and significantly improving personal and professional relationships, health & well being, and professional goals and success.
(650) 830-5041 View (650) 830-5041
Photo of Lily Lu, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
Lily Lu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95124  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stressed? Do you wake up moody? Is your anger affecting your loved ones? Has your addiction isolated you? Is your relationship suffering? You can feel better and enjoy your life. Sometimes you just need a bit of guidance to find tools and techniques that help you. I shine a light on your toolbox so that you can find the right tools to take charge of your life.
Are you feeling stressed? Do you wake up moody? Is your anger affecting your loved ones? Has your addiction isolated you? Is your relationship suffering? You can feel better and enjoy your life. Sometimes you just need a bit of guidance to find tools and techniques that help you. I shine a light on your toolbox so that you can find the right tools to take charge of your life.
(408) 797-7067 View (408) 797-7067
Sex Therapy

Who is sex therapy for?

Sex problems are common in relationships. Many people want a better sex life and want to feel loved and desired by their partner. It is difficult for couples to resolve sexual problems on their own because people often feel ashamed to talk about their sexual desires fearing they are not normal, when in fact a very broad range of preferences and behaviors are normal. A sex therapist can help clarify this and other matters.

Why do people need sex therapy?

Many people do not know how to talk about their erotic needs or their emotional needs, both of which are addressed in sex therapy. Couples often live with sexual difficulties for years before seeking help, and in that time, partners may experience so much disappointment and alienation that they may fear their problems mean they are incompatible. Once people experience disappointment, it is difficult to find resolution without help.

What happens in sex therapy?

People have many misconceptions about what takes place in sex therapy. First, it is a form of talk therapy in which partners discuss their sexual concerns; it does not involve touching or physical exploration of any kind. Sex therapy typically helps couples get comfortable talking to each other about sex so that, in the privacy of their home life, they can openly discuss their sexual desires and make decisions about what they want to do. Couples are typically assigned activities to do at home that build intimacy skills.

What kinds of problems do sex therapists treat?

Very often, partners differ in their degree of sexual desire and struggle over how often to have sex. Or they may have fights about porn use or have difficulty connecting sexually after one partner is unfaithful. Men may have problems with premature ejaculation. Women may find themselves struggling to become aroused or to achieve an orgasm. Sometimes partners feel like they have lost the sense of attraction to their partner. These are all common issues dealt with in sex therapy.