Sexual Pain
Our minds and bodies are intertwined and emotional issues often manifest physically. This seems to be particulary true for sex related challenges. Studies have shown that women are more likely to experience pain during intercourse if they have fear of painful sex, negative beliefs about sex, relational conflict/challenges (such as lack of safety), troubles with emotional intimacy, or if they have past sexual trauma. In addition, research shows that women who experience sexual pain are prone to feelings of insecurity, increased stress, depression, and anxiety, and that these difficulties can impact the quality of their relationships and potenially exacerbate physical discomfort during sex. Given the psychological impacts and underpinnings, therapy can be essential in alleviating sexual pain, and it is especially effective when combined with medical treatment and physical therapy.
Sexual Addiction
Yes, sex addiction is real and it involves a persistent preoccupation with sex that can lead to risky or inappropriate sexual behaviours, causing significant internal distress and interpersonal problems. Despite what the name suggests, it's not just about sex. Like most other forms of addiction, it is fueled by deeper internal vulnerabilities (such as depression, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy etc.). Therapy is helpful not only in curbing the behaviour, but also in addressing the underlying issues that are causing it.
LGBTQ
Sexual orientation and gender identity is as unique as a finger print. While some people feel they fit quite clearly into the prescribed binary system, others do not. And for those individuals, it can be very challenging and they may face issues around self-acceptance, fear of social alienation/persecution, or anxiety/depression. Therapy for sexual orientation and gender identity is not about changing who you are. Rather, it is a process of discovery, a deepening of awareness, and an acceptance of self.
For an easy reference for terminology, please click here.
Pornography
In the last decade Pornography has grown to be a $100 Billion dollar industry world wide, and as such, it has become increasingly accessible and pervasive. Pornography has the potential to be very destructive. Using pornography can impact relationships and affect an individual’s sex life by creating unrealistic and often unhealthy expectations, which may lead to less satisfaction with real-life sex, sexual partners, and relationships. In the safe and supportive group environment, you will learn things about yourself, sex, and sexual relationships, as well we develop the awareness and skills necessary to improve your relationships with others.
Sexual Health Education
Sex is incredibly important and incredibly complicated. It can also feel really awkward to talk about. So why not ask an expert? Whether you want to know how to talk to your kids about sex, or you have questions of your own, the therapeutic setting is a safe environment to learn accurate information about all aspects of sexual health, including: STI's, dysfunctions, LGBT issues, sex terminology, etc.
Sexual Dysfunction
We have a tendency to use the term sexual dysfunction to describe difficulty sustaining erections, but there are many other ways that people experience sexual challenges. In fact, approximately 30-45% of the population (male and female) experience some form of sexual difficulty that impacts their ability to engage in or enjoy sex. Some of those challenges may be related to sexual performance (erectile dysfunction or sexual pain), but others involve issues with desire, inability to orgasm, or physiological deficits in arousal. Often, these dysfunctions can be explained medically, but there are also profound psychological influences that can cause sexual issues. These include: stress, relationship difficulties, anxiety, guilt, fear about performance, insecurities, and history of sexual trauma, amongst others.