Sex Therapists in Seattle, WA

Photo of Nicole Taher, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Nicole Taher
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98102
As a queer, creative, polyamorous, and ethnic therapist, with a multi-year former career in the major label sector of the music industry in Los Angeles & Nashville, my work often uncovers the creative expressive, dynamic soul, as well as identity exploration, connection, intimacy, and sexuality.
We live in an overly stimulated world even while hiding from a virus, with constant choices regarding how we spend our time and energy and procure our needs. The amount of content we engage with daily has most people overloaded and unfocused. Which means, most of the time, we are not truly listened to or seen. For some, stepping into therapy is the first time they have experienced being heard and seen, wholly, genuinely, and comprehensively. The initial experience of being heard, can have a profound effect on one’s life. That is where we will begin. In a space with presence, non-judgmental empathic listening, and acceptance.
As a queer, creative, polyamorous, and ethnic therapist, with a multi-year former career in the major label sector of the music industry in Los Angeles & Nashville, my work often uncovers the creative expressive, dynamic soul, as well as identity exploration, connection, intimacy, and sexuality.
We live in an overly stimulated world even while hiding from a virus, with constant choices regarding how we spend our time and energy and procure our needs. The amount of content we engage with daily has most people overloaded and unfocused. Which means, most of the time, we are not truly listened to or seen. For some, stepping into therapy is the first time they have experienced being heard and seen, wholly, genuinely, and comprehensively. The initial experience of being heard, can have a profound effect on one’s life. That is where we will begin. In a space with presence, non-judgmental empathic listening, and acceptance.
(206) 312-6107 View (206) 312-6107
Photo of Crystal Ross, Pre-Licensed Professional in Seattle, WA
Crystal Ross
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98122  (Online Only)
This space is for those that are either starting therapy for the first time or for those who have given themselves and therapy another chance. This space is for those with problems that may range from feeling held back in life, identity and sexuality issues, as well as working with any sexual/kink shame, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. In this space we will tackle down and address all issues/thoughts that you have been rejecting or refusing to accept by using escapisms. This space is for those who just want to be heard and validated, so allow me to be your listener and together we can find the path to a healed/healing you.
This space is for those that are either starting therapy for the first time or for those who have given themselves and therapy another chance. This space is for those with problems that may range from feeling held back in life, identity and sexuality issues, as well as working with any sexual/kink shame, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. In this space we will tackle down and address all issues/thoughts that you have been rejecting or refusing to accept by using escapisms. This space is for those who just want to be heard and validated, so allow me to be your listener and together we can find the path to a healed/healing you.
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Photo of Dara Foti, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Dara Foti
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
I have training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Sex Therapy, with additional training in trauma.
Life is messy and sometimes we get stuck in repetitive patterns that leave us disconnected from ourselves and others. I am here to help you get unstuck so that you can live life with more ease and authenticity. I offer a warm and honest approach that helps you examine and shift your habitual ways of being to promote growth and connection. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, experiencing a life transition, or having relationship distress, I am here with curiosity and an open heart to begin the process of healing. I am easy-going and approachable and help you access your inner wiser self.
I have training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Sex Therapy, with additional training in trauma.
Life is messy and sometimes we get stuck in repetitive patterns that leave us disconnected from ourselves and others. I am here to help you get unstuck so that you can live life with more ease and authenticity. I offer a warm and honest approach that helps you examine and shift your habitual ways of being to promote growth and connection. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, experiencing a life transition, or having relationship distress, I am here with curiosity and an open heart to begin the process of healing. I am easy-going and approachable and help you access your inner wiser self.
(206) 800-7628 View (206) 800-7628
Photo of Becca Hirsch, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Becca Hirsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98119  (Online Only)
Don't worry, this isn't a smile and nod type of therapy, I'm on this journey with you. I am a relationship and sex therapist who is dedicated to empowering you to live happier, healthier, and more authentic life both individually and in your romantic relationships. I explore what it would mean for you to live as authentically as possible and how to make sense of messages you have received about relationships and sexual health. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and my role as a therapist is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration, processing, and to help you create the life you want to be living.
Don't worry, this isn't a smile and nod type of therapy, I'm on this journey with you. I am a relationship and sex therapist who is dedicated to empowering you to live happier, healthier, and more authentic life both individually and in your romantic relationships. I explore what it would mean for you to live as authentically as possible and how to make sense of messages you have received about relationships and sexual health. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and my role as a therapist is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration, processing, and to help you create the life you want to be living.
(312) 697-3814 x642 View (312) 697-3814 x642
Photo of Marissa Stein, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Marissa Stein
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CST, NCC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98177  (Online Only)
I work with clients from diverse backgrounds who are experiencing distress & are seeking a place to feel seen & supported. I am a certified sex therapist, offer relational (couples, polycules, & adult family relationships) counseling, & often work with folks inside the LGBTQ2SAI+ populations, kinky folks, neurodivergent folks, disabled and chronically ill folks, fat folks, & others who are marginalized due to identity & lived experience. In addition I love working with those who are wanting to examine power & privilege inside of a therapeutic relationship where there is space for healing.
I work with clients from diverse backgrounds who are experiencing distress & are seeking a place to feel seen & supported. I am a certified sex therapist, offer relational (couples, polycules, & adult family relationships) counseling, & often work with folks inside the LGBTQ2SAI+ populations, kinky folks, neurodivergent folks, disabled and chronically ill folks, fat folks, & others who are marginalized due to identity & lived experience. In addition I love working with those who are wanting to examine power & privilege inside of a therapeutic relationship where there is space for healing.
(206) 558-0285 View (206) 558-0285
Photo of Didem Serin, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Didem Serin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA, MA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109
I strive to provide social justice-oriented, trauma-informed, body & sex-positive, LGBTQ+, kink, poly, and culturally-affirming psychotherapy.
As a systems therapist, I consider the many contexts involved in making each person’s experience unique and tailor treatment approaches to my client’s unique needs. I center my work around reauthoring narratives and creating new meanings. If you are curious about your emotions' messages and like to dive deep, uncover the underlying patterns, and explore new ways of connecting, I may be the therapist you are looking for. I specialize in relationship strengthening, intimacy/vulnerability, desire discrepancy, life transitions/parenting, attachment ruptures, multicultural relationships, sexual identity, polyamory/ENM, and guilt/shame.
I strive to provide social justice-oriented, trauma-informed, body & sex-positive, LGBTQ+, kink, poly, and culturally-affirming psychotherapy.
As a systems therapist, I consider the many contexts involved in making each person’s experience unique and tailor treatment approaches to my client’s unique needs. I center my work around reauthoring narratives and creating new meanings. If you are curious about your emotions' messages and like to dive deep, uncover the underlying patterns, and explore new ways of connecting, I may be the therapist you are looking for. I specialize in relationship strengthening, intimacy/vulnerability, desire discrepancy, life transitions/parenting, attachment ruptures, multicultural relationships, sexual identity, polyamory/ENM, and guilt/shame.
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Photo of Dominique Washington, Pre-Licensed Professional in Seattle, WA
Dominique Washington
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, LMFTA, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98118  (Online Only)
It is a passion of mine to explore gender, sexuality, relationships, and interpersonal factors impacting sexual satisfaction with my clients.
Sometimes, we simply need someone to hold space for us, someone to offer a safe, non-judgmental, accepting environment to feel heard and seen. Therapy is a time for just that: a time to explore yourself and to create self-awareness of your cognitions and social systems in ways that impact your feelings and behaviors. Therapy is a journey, a commitment to whole person healing for lasting change. I believe that clients have the power to reclaim their stories, as the experts of their own lives. I am committed to working with you to explore what might be keeping you from living and loving authentically.
It is a passion of mine to explore gender, sexuality, relationships, and interpersonal factors impacting sexual satisfaction with my clients.
Sometimes, we simply need someone to hold space for us, someone to offer a safe, non-judgmental, accepting environment to feel heard and seen. Therapy is a time for just that: a time to explore yourself and to create self-awareness of your cognitions and social systems in ways that impact your feelings and behaviors. Therapy is a journey, a commitment to whole person healing for lasting change. I believe that clients have the power to reclaim their stories, as the experts of their own lives. I am committed to working with you to explore what might be keeping you from living and loving authentically.
(425) 437-2034 View (425) 437-2034
Photo of Heidi Gray, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Heidi Gray
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98136
I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and am en route to becoming an AASECT certified sex therapist.
I work with all types of couples to resolve conflict and increase emotional and physical intimacy in relationships. Clients who contact my practice are usually seeking counseling because they are struggling with a disconnected relationship, working toward healing after betrayal, having sexual difficulties, or contemplating separation. Through the use of research-supported approaches to couple therapy, relational wounds can be healed and a deeper connection in our most important relationships is possible.
I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and am en route to becoming an AASECT certified sex therapist.
I work with all types of couples to resolve conflict and increase emotional and physical intimacy in relationships. Clients who contact my practice are usually seeking counseling because they are struggling with a disconnected relationship, working toward healing after betrayal, having sexual difficulties, or contemplating separation. Through the use of research-supported approaches to couple therapy, relational wounds can be healed and a deeper connection in our most important relationships is possible.
(206) 858-8169 View (206) 858-8169
Photo of Roger W Libby, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Roger W Libby
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98122
I comprehensively treat individuals and couples with sexual/relationship issues. I address communication/intimacy problems and all sexual concerns, including inhibited or low sexual desire, male erection and female arousal problems, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, vaginismus, lack of orgasm, sexual and emotional skills, sexual "addiction," and sexual trauma. I also fine-tune sex lives. I am a cognitive (CBT) therapist. AASECT and five other national boards certify me as a sex therapist and a sexologist. I help clients get rid of distorted and negative thinking, which has a positive effect on emotions, behaviors and relationships. I assign homework/home-play!
I comprehensively treat individuals and couples with sexual/relationship issues. I address communication/intimacy problems and all sexual concerns, including inhibited or low sexual desire, male erection and female arousal problems, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, vaginismus, lack of orgasm, sexual and emotional skills, sexual "addiction," and sexual trauma. I also fine-tune sex lives. I am a cognitive (CBT) therapist. AASECT and five other national boards certify me as a sex therapist and a sexologist. I help clients get rid of distorted and negative thinking, which has a positive effect on emotions, behaviors and relationships. I assign homework/home-play!
(206) 926-9823 View (206) 926-9823
Photo of Ellen Benezra, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Ellen Benezra
Counselor, MACP, LMHCA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104  (Online Only)
I’m a Couples Therapist and Individual Therapist as well as the Co-founder of The Wellness Collective Therapy Group. In therapy, I utilize evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Gottman, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Neuroscience. Through a collaborative approach, I work with clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Together, we explore thoughts and feelings surrounding sex and relationships, while ensuring a supportive environment for growth.
I’m a Couples Therapist and Individual Therapist as well as the Co-founder of The Wellness Collective Therapy Group. In therapy, I utilize evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Gottman, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Neuroscience. Through a collaborative approach, I work with clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Together, we explore thoughts and feelings surrounding sex and relationships, while ensuring a supportive environment for growth.
(425) 517-1013 View (425) 517-1013
Photo of Regan Rowell Therapy, PLLC, Mental Health Counselor Associate in Seattle, WA
Regan Rowell Therapy, PLLC
Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98119  (Online Only)
As an individual and couples therapist, with a focus on sex therapy and trauma, I work to support clients in stepping into their lives in a more embodied and authentic way. What you are experiencing is valid and as humans, connection and support can be monumental during difficult times. I bring warmth into my work and value helping my clients improve connection to themselves, their relationships with others, and their sexuality. I will work alongside you to reflect in a meaningful and validating way, beginning to heal the trauma holistically both in your mind and body.
As an individual and couples therapist, with a focus on sex therapy and trauma, I work to support clients in stepping into their lives in a more embodied and authentic way. What you are experiencing is valid and as humans, connection and support can be monumental during difficult times. I bring warmth into my work and value helping my clients improve connection to themselves, their relationships with others, and their sexuality. I will work alongside you to reflect in a meaningful and validating way, beginning to heal the trauma holistically both in your mind and body.
(206) 984-1947 View (206) 984-1947
Photo of Wendy L Olsen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Wendy L Olsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107
Sex therapy can be intimidating.
Accepting New Clients: In my work with clients, the major areas of focus include: issues with relationship conflict, sexual compatibility, infidelity and intimacy. Whether as a couple or as an individual, I work with people to resolve on-going concerns. In my practice, all couples/individuals are welcome regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. It is my belief that compassion and humor are agents of change and healing. I offer a safe and comfortable place for my clients to explore new ways of working on current or on-going problems.
Sex therapy can be intimidating.
Accepting New Clients: In my work with clients, the major areas of focus include: issues with relationship conflict, sexual compatibility, infidelity and intimacy. Whether as a couple or as an individual, I work with people to resolve on-going concerns. In my practice, all couples/individuals are welcome regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. It is my belief that compassion and humor are agents of change and healing. I offer a safe and comfortable place for my clients to explore new ways of working on current or on-going problems.
(206) 557-3850 View (206) 557-3850
Photo of Hirsch Counseling & Consulting, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Seattle, WA
Hirsch Counseling & Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98105
I've over 20 years experience helping couples and individuals with relationship issues, depression, sexual issues, including porn and sex addiction, and stress management. I have a holistic approach, helping clients examine what they do from when they awake to when they go to bed - what is helpful for their growth and well-being and what would be a better way to handle the challenges of their lives. Life is very challenging. It can be a hard school. Give yourself the gift of receiving compassionate, straightforward guidance.
I've over 20 years experience helping couples and individuals with relationship issues, depression, sexual issues, including porn and sex addiction, and stress management. I have a holistic approach, helping clients examine what they do from when they awake to when they go to bed - what is helpful for their growth and well-being and what would be a better way to handle the challenges of their lives. Life is very challenging. It can be a hard school. Give yourself the gift of receiving compassionate, straightforward guidance.
(844) 938-0994 View (844) 938-0994
Photo of Austin R Cresap, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Austin R Cresap
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
My area of focus is Sex Therapy, however, our discussions extend beyond this realm.
I love a curious client! Curiosity is so helpful in sessions to help clients discover where their patterns developed and how their behaviors serve them. My passion lies in working with individuals seeking to understand their relationship with their bodies and sexuality. I enjoy assisting couples in navigating desire discrepancies, supporting those on the path to healing from trauma, and helping individuals of any age reclaim pleasure, intimacy knows no age limit.
My area of focus is Sex Therapy, however, our discussions extend beyond this realm.
I love a curious client! Curiosity is so helpful in sessions to help clients discover where their patterns developed and how their behaviors serve them. My passion lies in working with individuals seeking to understand their relationship with their bodies and sexuality. I enjoy assisting couples in navigating desire discrepancies, supporting those on the path to healing from trauma, and helping individuals of any age reclaim pleasure, intimacy knows no age limit.
(425) 529-5047 View (425) 529-5047
Photo of Lindsey J Pepperoni, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Lindsey J Pepperoni
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
I am here for anyone who is struggling, looking for support, help, or personal exploration. My goal is to provide a safe space and an outside perspective with which to collaborate and problem solve. I identify as queer, and I am LGBTQIA+ affirming. I work with people of all identities, genders, and relationship configurations. I recognize that each client is unique and therefore approach my work using a client-centered, strengths-based model to personalize treatment. I have the added benefit of having a sex therapy certified supervisor, which makes me a great fit for clients who wish to explore intimacy issues and sexual shame.
I am here for anyone who is struggling, looking for support, help, or personal exploration. My goal is to provide a safe space and an outside perspective with which to collaborate and problem solve. I identify as queer, and I am LGBTQIA+ affirming. I work with people of all identities, genders, and relationship configurations. I recognize that each client is unique and therefore approach my work using a client-centered, strengths-based model to personalize treatment. I have the added benefit of having a sex therapy certified supervisor, which makes me a great fit for clients who wish to explore intimacy issues and sexual shame.
(206) 207-7242 View (206) 207-7242
Photo of Spencer Wallis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Spencer Wallis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98105
Waitlist for new clients
I work with couples and individuals who wish to address emotional, relational, and identity conflict. This involves tailoring my treatment approach to the unique needs of each client. In my couple and family work, I aim to nurture clients' skills related to intimacy, shared understanding, communication, and connectedness, while respecting each partner's need for independent growth. I believe in the healing power of human connection, and that this bond can be a path to fulfillment and meaning in everyday life. My work with individuals addresses issues related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, sexuality, dating, and career.
I work with couples and individuals who wish to address emotional, relational, and identity conflict. This involves tailoring my treatment approach to the unique needs of each client. In my couple and family work, I aim to nurture clients' skills related to intimacy, shared understanding, communication, and connectedness, while respecting each partner's need for independent growth. I believe in the healing power of human connection, and that this bond can be a path to fulfillment and meaning in everyday life. My work with individuals addresses issues related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, sexuality, dating, and career.
(253) 509-7168 View (253) 509-7168
Photo of Diana Wiley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Diana Wiley
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98121  (Online Only)
With 40 years of experience as a sex therapist, I help couples and individuals with a variety of sexual problems and relationship issues. Clients describe me as warm and caring, and I take pride in my results-oriented and sex-positive approach to helping people deal with this most intimate area of our lives. I will give you accurate information, share practical techniques, and explore the relationship dynamics or psychological factors that may be keeping you from enjoying a healthy, pleasurable sex life. My goal is to help you resolve your sexual problems and reclaim more of the joy and fun of sex.
With 40 years of experience as a sex therapist, I help couples and individuals with a variety of sexual problems and relationship issues. Clients describe me as warm and caring, and I take pride in my results-oriented and sex-positive approach to helping people deal with this most intimate area of our lives. I will give you accurate information, share practical techniques, and explore the relationship dynamics or psychological factors that may be keeping you from enjoying a healthy, pleasurable sex life. My goal is to help you resolve your sexual problems and reclaim more of the joy and fun of sex.
(206) 855-5893 View (206) 855-5893
Photo of Jenny Barth, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Jenny Barth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, substance abuse, grief, couples therapy and sex and intimacy.
Therapy is a deeply personal process and I consider it a privilege to be invited to be a part of your journey in healing and improving your life and relationships. I see therapy as a collaborative process in which I support you in identifying your goals for therapy and assist you in achieving those goals. I work with individuals, couples and young adults. I am physically located in Seattle, but also licensed in Utah and able to provide tele-health services to clients located outside Seattle.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, substance abuse, grief, couples therapy and sex and intimacy.
Therapy is a deeply personal process and I consider it a privilege to be invited to be a part of your journey in healing and improving your life and relationships. I see therapy as a collaborative process in which I support you in identifying your goals for therapy and assist you in achieving those goals. I work with individuals, couples and young adults. I am physically located in Seattle, but also licensed in Utah and able to provide tele-health services to clients located outside Seattle.
(206) 800-8939 View (206) 800-8939
Photo of Sabrina Brown, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Seattle, WA
Sabrina Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109
Hi there, thank you for checking out my page! I am a couples and sex therapist that enjoys working with a number issues couples experience, commonly including communication difficulties, how to talk about and understand boundaries, and sexual exploration. If you and your partner (or partners - I work with non traditional relationship structure too!) are struggling to share and hear one another in your needs or heal from past hurts I would be honored to guide you through the process. Together, we will explore how unmet needs have become relational issues and rewrite your story to one of emotional understanding, compassion, and love.
Hi there, thank you for checking out my page! I am a couples and sex therapist that enjoys working with a number issues couples experience, commonly including communication difficulties, how to talk about and understand boundaries, and sexual exploration. If you and your partner (or partners - I work with non traditional relationship structure too!) are struggling to share and hear one another in your needs or heal from past hurts I would be honored to guide you through the process. Together, we will explore how unmet needs have become relational issues and rewrite your story to one of emotional understanding, compassion, and love.
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Photo of Michael J Rubbinaccio, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Michael J Rubbinaccio
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
I specialize in couples/relationships, communication issues, sex therapy, and grief and loss, as well as anxiety and sex therapy for individuals.
For nearly 25 years in HR and communications, I have helped corporations with communication and relationship issues with employees. I now help individuals and relationships directly with life challenges. I believe communication is central to how we interact with the world and how the world interacts with us--from our loved ones at home to strangers on the street--and it informs how I do therapy. I use Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) while drawing on communications theory, and an Integrated Couples Therapy perspective, taking parts of EFT and Gottman Therapy, for a phased approach to relationship therapy.
I specialize in couples/relationships, communication issues, sex therapy, and grief and loss, as well as anxiety and sex therapy for individuals.
For nearly 25 years in HR and communications, I have helped corporations with communication and relationship issues with employees. I now help individuals and relationships directly with life challenges. I believe communication is central to how we interact with the world and how the world interacts with us--from our loved ones at home to strangers on the street--and it informs how I do therapy. I use Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) while drawing on communications theory, and an Integrated Couples Therapy perspective, taking parts of EFT and Gottman Therapy, for a phased approach to relationship therapy.
(206) 590-3900 View (206) 590-3900
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.