Sex & Relationships Therapy

  • Sex Therapy is a subspeciality of psychotherapy. It is a type of therapy that focuses on addressing sexual concerns and challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. It helps individuals and couples improve their sexual health and well-being by exploring issues such as sexual desire, “performance” anxiety, intimacy, communication, past trauma, and relationship dynamics. Through sex therapy, clients gain tools and strategies to resolve sexual and relational difficulties, build healthier relationships, and enhance overall intimacy. It’s a collaborative process aimed at promoting fulfilling and positive sexual experiences.

  • During a sex therapy session, individuals work with a trained therapist to explore and address any sexual concerns or challenges they may be experiencing. Sessions may involve discussing personal histories, relationship dynamics, sexual health, desires, and boundaries in a safe, non-judgmental space. The therapist helps individuals identify dsyfunctional patterns, explore underlying emotions, and develop tools to enhance communication and intimacy. Techniques may include guided exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, or mindfulness practices. The goal is to help individuals feel more confident, connected, and empowered in their sexual and relational well-being.

    Sex Therapy does not entail:

    • Physical touch or sexual activity: Therapy is focused on emotional and relational work, not physical interactions.

    • Judgment or shame: The therapist provides a safe, open, and non-judgmental space to explore issues.

    • Instant solutions: It’s a process that requires time, effort, and active participation to see lasting improvements.

  • If you've ever asked yourself any of the following questions or had similar thoughts, sex therapy may be right for you:

    • I’ve never had an orgasm, is something wrong with me?

    • Why can I orgasm on my own but not with my partner(s)?

    • My doctor said there’s nothing physically wrong with me but I have a hard time getting & staying hard or not lasting as long as I want to.

    • My partner said I’m addicted to sex and porn, is it true?

    • I feel dirty, shameful, or guilty when I think about or do sexual activities that go against my religious beliefs / cultural upbringing.

    • Do I masturbate too much?

    • Is there something wrong with me if I have fetishes or am curious about kinky sex/BDSM?

    • My relationship is so great in most every area except sex.

    • Why don’t I feel interested in having sex with my partner(s)?

    • Are we having enough sex?

    • Why do I feel so anxious and stressed out thinking about having sex?

    • I don’t know how to and feel uncomfortable initiating sex.

  • A clinical sexologist is a professional with specialized training in the science of human sexuality, including sexual behavior, health, and education. They assess, research, and provide guidance on sexual issues, offering insights into sexual development, desires, and dysfunctions. Clinical sexologists often work with individuals or couples to address a wide range of sexual concerns and can provide education on sexual health, behaviors, and techniques.

    A sex therapist, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the emotional and psychological aspects of sexuality. They work with clients to address sexual difficulties within a therapeutic context, often helping with issues such as intimacy, communication, trauma, or sexual dysfunctions. While sex therapists may incorporate aspects of sexual education into their work, their primary goal is to address emotional, relational, and psychological factors affecting a person’s sexual well-being.

    In essence, while both professions work within the realm of sexuality, a clinical sexologist often provides more broad-based education and expertise on sexuality, while a sex therapist focuses more specifically on the emotional and relational challenges surrounding sex.

    Dr. Justine is both a clinical sexologist and certified sex therapist. Dr. Justine is passionate about evidence-based care and advancing the understanding of human sexuality through scientific research. She is currently preparing a peer-reviewed journal article for publication based on her research study, which examined the potential influences of mental health professionals’ personal characteristics, sexual morality, and pornography-related behaviors on their diagnostic competencies.