What Is Sex Therapy? Understanding and Embracing Your Sexual Self
Sex is a fundamental part of being human yet, for many of us, it can feel complicated, confusing, or even uncomfortable to talk about. That’s where sex therapy comes in.
What Exactly is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of mental health therapy designed to address a wide range of sexual health concerns. Whether you're experiencing low libido, difficulties with arousal or erectile dysfunction, or you're healing from sexual trauma, a licensed sex therapist in Herndon, VA or Northern Virginia can help you work through these challenges with compassion and clinical expertise.
It often looks like traditional talk therapy but may also include somatic (body-based) practices to help process emotions and experiences related to sexuality and intimacy. When experiencing sex therapy with me as your therapist I will incorporate these somatic practices as well as a focus on your attachment and relational experiences.
Sex therapists in Northern Virginia are licensed professionals with advanced training in how to navigate sexual concerns such as: low libido, mismatched desire, sexual orientation and gender identity, arousal difficulties, sexual trauma, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and many more. Sex therapy isn’t just a helpful add-on it’s a vital piece of holistic care and when we ignore sexual well-being it can leave therapy feeling incomplete.
Why Sex Therapy Matters in Northern Virginia
Sexuality plays a powerful role in shaping our relationships, self-esteem, emotional well-being, and even our spiritual and cultural identities. Unfortunately, many people avoid discussing sexual concerns even in therapy. Yet sexual issues are a common concern for many individuals and couples. Addressing these topics in therapy can help us live a more fulfilling, joyful, and pleasurable life. When I work with my clients I utilize emotionally focused therapy and other relational models to help uncover emotional patterns and relationship experiences that have impacted and shaped your intimate life.
A Walk Into the Therapy Room
Imagine sitting in therapy because sex and sexuality have always felt like complicated strangers, curious but also a little scary. Your mind races with questions:
How am I supposed to feel about sex?
Am I supposed to like it, want it, or enjoy it?
I’ve been told sex is dirty or only for certain people so why am I drawn to it?
Why does society seem obsessed with something we’re not supposed to talk about?
Are my sexual thoughts normal?
What if my partner doesn’t find me attractive or adventurous enough?
Is sex supposed to hurt?
What’s wrong if I can’t get or maintain an erection?
Have I ever had an orgasm?
Why does it feel like my relationship depends on how often we have sex?
What will my therapist think when I talk about this?
These questions are completely normal, and you are not alone. Many people have similar doubts, fears, and sexual anxieties and they are all valid reasons to seek out professional sex therapy.
The Many Layers of Sexuality
Sexuality is deeply personal and complex. It touches nearly every part of our lives, family background, societal messages, cultural beliefs, religion, physical health, gender identity, and emotional intimacy. Each of these layers shapes how we understand and experience sex.
How Does Sex Therapy Work?
In sex therapy sessions, we gently explore these layers, the obvious ones tied to your concerns and the deeper ones that might surprise you. We move at your pace, with curiosity and compassion, exploring your experiences and relationships to understand how they shaped your sexual identity and current relationship with sex.
Using an attachment-based and relational therapy approach, we create a safe, nonjudgmental space to help you get to know yourself more deeply. As you learn about these parts of your sexual self, you gain clarity and confidence in deciding what to keep, release, or change.
Ready to Reclaim Your Sexual Health?
Sex therapy is about reclaiming your sexuality as a source of strength, confidence, and joy, not shame or confusion. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or unsure about your sexual self, I’m here to help.
If you're ready to explore your sexual health concerns in a compassionate, confidential space, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can work toward healing, sexual empowerment, and a more fulfilling, connected sex life.
Let’s Start This Journey Together
If you feel ready to take the next step, please contact me. Whether you're curious about how therapy works, want to ask questions, or are ready to schedule a session, I’m here to support you.
You don't have to navigate your journey toward sexual wellness and self-acceptance alone.
