Sex Therapy & Sexual Functioning Support

Sexual Difficulties — You Are NOT Alone

Our sexual self-esteem plays a key role in how we see ourselves — not only in our intimate relationships, but in many other areas of life. When sexual challenges arise, whether in ourselves or our partner, they can create stress, reduce confidence, and even affect our overall well-being. Many people quietly struggle with these issues, feeling isolated, embarrassed, or “abnormal”.

The reality is that sexual difficulties are very common, and experiencing them does not mean something is wrong with you. They are challenges that can be addressed, and working with a trained therapist can help you understand and improve your sexual health.

A Safe Place to Talk About Sex and Relationships

Sexuality is deeply personal, and many people quietly struggle with questions, stress, or disconnection. If you’re hoping for a more passionate, confident, or comfortable sexual life, you’re not alone. Sex therapy provides a warm, judgment-free space to explore your experiences, thoughts, and feelings, and begin building the sexual and relational life you want.

What Is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on sexual concerns, intimacy, and relationships. The process can be structured, either individually or with a partner, to explore what may be interfering with your comfort, pleasure, or connection.

What Therapy Includes and Excludes

Through conversation, reflection, and support, therapy helps you explore emotions, identity, patterns, desires, needs, and relational dynamics.

It’s important to know what therapy does not include: licensed psychotherapists maintain professional boundaries. Therapy does not include any sexual or physical contact, demonstrations, or intimate activities.

Instead, talk therapy provides meaningful support to help you understand yourself, communicate your needs, and move toward a more satisfying sexual and relational life. When appropriate, we can also connect you with community resources or other forms of support.

What to Expect in Therapy Sessions

Your First Visits

We begin with an intake sessions to learn about your history, concerns, and goals.

During Therapy

Sessions are relaxed and honest conversations where you can talk about anything related to sex, emotions, identity, or relationships. Many clients experience relief simply from having a safe space to talk.

Homework and Tools

We may provide gentle exercises to try on your own or with a partner, such as:

Sensate focus touch exercises
Communication practices
Mindfulness tools
Educational resources

Common Reasons People Seek Sex Therapy

People come to therapy for many reasons, including:

Low or mismatched desire: Understanding differences in desire and improving sexual connection.
Arousal or orgasm difficulties: Reducing pressure and exploring emotional or relational factors.
Pain during sex: Addressing how pain affects feelings, self-image, and relationships, with medical collaboration if needed.
Erectile or ejaculation concerns: Managing anxiety, boosting confidence, and easing intimacy.
Body image struggles: Developing a kinder, more comfortable relationship with your body.
Sexual anxiety, shame, or guilt: Releasing old messages and building empowerment.
Relationship disconnect: Restoring closeness, communication, and emotional connection.
Healing from past sexual trauma: Processing experiences safely, at your own pace.
Exploring identity, orientation, or fantasies: Navigating questions or curiosities with openness and without judgment.

If a sexual concern may have a medical component, we can collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive support.

Your Sexual Well-Bring Matters

A fulfilling sexual life is about more than physical function — it supports emotional closeness, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction. Sex therapy is about reconnecting with your desires, understanding your needs, and finding pleasure in ways that feel safe and authentic.

At Affirming Therapy Center, our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your body, confident in your sexuality, and connected to your partner — or partners — in ways that bring joy and satisfaction you deserve a sexual life that feels empowering, fulfilling, and enjoyable.

Who We Work With

We welcome adult individuals and couples of all genders, orientations, and relationship structures. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply want more confidence and closeness, sex therapy can help.

Location and Licensing

All of our therapists are licensed in California, so we provide psychotherapy only to clients physically located in California. If you are outside the state, we can guide you to therapists or resources in your area.

Our Sex Therapy and Sexual Functioning Support Therapists

The sex therapists at Affirming Therapy Center have extensive training in sexual health and therapy. We bring warmth, curiosity, and respect for the full diversity of human sexuality. Our goal is to help you feel more comfortable in your body, more connected in your relationships, and more at ease with pleasure.