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Supporting You Through Intimacy, Desire, and Emotional Connection

Psychosexual (Sexual) Concerns

What are Psychosexual concerns?

Psychosexual concerns refer to a wide range of emotional, psychological, and relational difficulties connected to sex, desire, arousal, and intimacy. These concerns can affect anyone - regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status - and may develop gradually over time or arise in response to specific life events such as illness, childbirth, relationship difficulties, trauma, or significant transitions. Because sexuality is deeply tied to identity, self-worth, vulnerability, and connection, difficulties in this area often feel especially sensitive and may bring up complex emotions such as shame, sadness, anxiety, frustration, or disconnection. People might find themselves withdrawing from intimacy, feeling unsure about their desires, struggling to express their needs, or carrying beliefs shaped by early experiences, cultural expectations, or past relationships. Psychosexual concerns may include low desire, painful sex, erectile issues, performance anxiety, or fear of closeness, but they are rarely just physical - they often carry emotional and relational layers that benefit from gentle exploration. Despite how common these issues are, they’re often experienced in silence, leaving people feeling isolated or unsure of where to turn. Therapy offers a space to talk openly and safely, helping to unpack what’s beneath the surface, reduce shame, and support a more confident, connected, and compassionate relationship with sexuality and self.

Common psychosexual issues:

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  • Low or fluctuating sexual desire
     

  • Difficulties with arousal or orgasm
     

  • Pain or discomfort during sex (e.g. vaginismus, dyspareunia)
     

  • Erectile difficulties or performance-related anxiety
     

  • Mismatched desire or intimacy needs in a relationship
     

  • Shame, guilt, or anxiety related to sex
     

  • Recovery from sexual trauma or emotionally painful experiences
     

  • Avoidance of intimacy or fear of being vulnerable
     

  • The impact of life transitions, menopause, illness, or medication on sexual wellbeing
     

  • Questions around sexual orientation, identity, or preferences

How therapy can help

In therapy, we work collaboratively to understand the emotional and relational context around your concerns. This may involve exploring past experiences, belief systems, unspoken fears, or ways of relating that are shaping your current experience of intimacy and connection.

We aim to reduce shame, support self-acceptance, and help you feel more connected to your body and your needs. For those in relationships, therapy can also create space to rebuild emotional closeness, improve communication, and strengthen the bond between partners.

Rather than focusing solely on outcomes or functioning, our work together focuses on deepening understanding, restoring trust in yourself, and fostering more fulfilling and authentic experiences of intimacy.
 

Intimacy can be complex - but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy offers a place to make sense of it with compassion and support

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