Understanding the Role of Sex Therapy 

At Pathways Counseling Services, we advocate that healthy sex talk will lead to a happier life. Sex therapy helps people with the emotional, mental, and physical parts of their overall well-being. 

In this article, we will be explaining sex therapy. We will discuss why it is important, how it will help you, and what to expect during your visit to our office. We will explain and explore common myths. Your sexual well-being is just as important as your mind and body. 

Sex therapy is not just for couples. It’s for anybody who feels they’d be interested in finding out more about themselves. It helps heal from past experiences. It builds a stronger connection to yourself, and with others.  

By the end of this article, we aim to help you feel inspired to break the silence and take steps towards building a stronger emotional and sexual well-being.

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is a type of counseling that helps you to examine the emotional and relationship components of your sexual health. Unlike solely body-based medical interventions, sex therapy considers how emotions, memories, and relationships might affect intimacy and self-worth. Sex therapy gives individuals a setting where they can freely discuss, gain more insight about themselves, build comfort, confidence and create stronger bonds with others. 

At Pathways Counseling Services, our sex therapist aids with: 

• Low sex drive 
• Sexual communication issues 
• Trouble having an orgasm 
• Pain during or after sex 
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Differences in sexual needs and desires between partners
• Body image issues 
• Sexual anxiety or performance anxiety 
• Healing after sexual trauma 
• Processing gender, sexuality, or identity issues 
• Adjustment following giving birth, illness, or major life transition 

In sex therapy, we will not ask you to do anything sexual during sessions. We talk openly and respectfully to get to know your experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Therapy is always confidential, safe, and rooted in consent.   

Why Sex Therapy Matters

Sexual health is a big part of life. It influences confidence, relationships, emotional health, and even physical health. Many people feel shy or embarrassed to discuss sex issues, or seek help.  

Sex therapy can help you:

• To communicate better with your partner 
• To feel more confident in yourself 
• To understand your wants and needs 
• Heal from shame, guilt, or painful memories 
• Enjoy deeper emotional intimacy 
• Feel more connected to your body 
• Worry less about sexual performance 
• Find more joy and pleasure in relationships 

Sex therapy isn’t only about fixing problems. It’s about building emotional closeness. This means creating stronger bonds. You’ll feel more like your true self in relationships. 

Common Myths About Sex Therapy

Most folks feel anxious or uncertain when they first consider sex therapy. That’s to be expected! There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding what sex therapy is — particularly when it comes to recovering from trauma. Let’s address some of the most common ones: 

 Myth 1: Sex therapy is only for couples

Fact: Many individuals go to sex therapy by themselves! You don’t need to be in a relationship to benefit from it. Therapy can help you with your self-discovery, healing from past trauma, increasing communication around sexual topics, building self-esteem, and becoming one with yourself. 

Myth 2: You must have a big problem to need sex therapy 

 Fact: You don’t need to be in crisis to start therapy. Some people want to improve their communication skills. Others want to understand their bodies. Some prepare for major life changes, like aging, pregnancy, or relationship changes. Therapy can promote healing and growth. 

Myth 3: It is shameful or immoral to talk about sex

Fact: In therapy, nothing is off-limits. Talking openly about intimacy, relationships, and feelings in a safe, respectful space reduces shame and builds self-acceptance. Learning to be comfortable with talking about these things is part of the healing process.

 Myth 4: Sex therapy is purely about intercourse

Fact: Sex therapy is way more than physical acts. It’s focuses on emotional intimacy, trust, communication, personal growth, boundaries, and all sorts of connection. Intimacy is feeling valued, safe, and understood — not only physically touching. 

Myth 5: Sex therapy will make me talk about embarrassing details I’m not ready to share

Fact: Your comfort and safety always come first. At Pathways Counseling Services, our trauma-informed therapist will pace themselves with you. They won’t push you to talk about anything until you’re ready. Establishing emotional safety and trust is our main priority. 

Myth 6: Sex therapy is repairing sexual problems, not healing emotional wounds

Fact: Healing emotional pain tends to start first in sex therapy. Feeling safe, valued, and supported creates better intimacy, self-esteem, communication and bonding. Therapy is rebuilding from the inside out. 

Myth 7: If I’ve experienced sexual trauma, I’m broken and I can’t have a healthy relationship

 Fact: Experiencing trauma does not mean you are broken. With help and compassion, many heal, reconnect with their bodies, and build strong, loving relationships. Healing is possible for anyone. 

Myth 8: Sex therapy will push me into intimacy to quickly before I am ready

Fact: Therapy is centered on emotional safety first. You control the pace. Sex therapy can be the perfect safe place to practice communicating vulnerabilities, setting boundaries, asking for needs, changes, and desires. Your therapist will honor you. 

Myth 9: Talking about sexual trauma will make things worse

Fact: Talking about trauma can feel difficult at first. In a safe therapeutic space, it can help let go of shame, fear, and pain. Therapy provides tools for healing and regaining a sense of autonomy, power and peace. 

Myth 10: Only women need sex therapy after sexual trauma

 Fact: Sexual trauma can happen to anyone. This includes people of any gender, age, orientation, religion, and culture. Men, women, and nonbinary individuals all deserve healing, care, and support. Therapy is for anyone who is ready to make changes, no matter who they are. 

Myth 11: Sex therapy is too intense for trauma survivors – it’s just for those who are already okay with intimacy

Fact: Sex therapy is meant to help everyone, including those who feel scared, confused, numb or unsure. Feeling comfortable with intimacy isn’t required. Therapy can help you develop this comfort over time, when you are ready.  

At Pathways Counseling Services, we strive to challenge myths. We also want to help you feel more empowered and informed. Everyone deserves a safe space in which to heal, grow, and form meaningful relationships. Whether you arrive with a partner, alone, with multiple partners, or are just curious, we are here to support you every step of the way. 

What To Expect Is Sex Therapy Sessions

Here at Pathways Counseling Services, we know that coming for the first time can be intimidating. That’s why we make sure that your sessions are comfortable, respectful, and private. We encourage you to advocate for your needs, to help make it feel more comfortable for you.  

At your first session, you and your therapist might discuss:  

• Your sexual and body image self-esteem 

• Past experiences (bad and good) 

• Patterns of communication in your relationships 

• Family or cultural beliefs about sexuality 

• Any medical conditions or medications affecting intimacy 

• Hopes, questions, and goals for therapy 

Future sessions focus on helping you: 

• Build emotional and physical safety 

• Practice healthy communication 

• Understand how your body and mind work together 

• Heal past wounds like shame or guilt 

• Set boundaries that feel comfortable to you 

• Build pleasure, connection, and joy 

• Learn intimacy exercises and tools to use at home (optional) 

Some people feel better after a few sessions, while others choose to work with us longer. At Pathways Counseling Services we are honored to walk alongside you. We support you at your pace on your healing path.  

How Sexual Health Is Connected To Mental Health

Sexual health is deeply connected with your mental, physical, and emotional health. Depression, anxiety, body image disturbance, and trauma history can influence your sex life. When intimacy feels hard, it can make you feel more stressed, isolated, or blue. Your body holds stress, making it difficult to enjoy sexual, or bodily pleasure. Many people find themselves “in their head” while having sex. This is often associated with other mental health challenges. 

Sex therapy helps by looking at your whole system: your mind, body, feelings, and relationships. This makes healing more powerful and lasting. 

Improving sexual health can also: 

• Lower stress 

• Stabilize mood 

• Build body confidence 

• Help heal from trauma 

• Create stronger, safer relationships with others 

• Increase communication skills 

• Increase boundary setting skills 

When you feel whole—mind, body, and spirit—relationships are better too. 

Our Approach At Pathways Counseling Services

At Pathways Counseling Services, we create inclusive and safe environments for everyone regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. We embrace LGBTQ+ individuals, body positivity, and all forms of relationships. That includes poly and non-monogamous relationships. Our goal is to honor your values, identity, and needs—not to change who you are. 

We utilize evidence-based, research-driven practices like:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist in reducing unhelpful thoughts 

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to build couples’ emotional connection 

• Mindfulness to reconnect with the body 

• Narrative Therapy to re-write painful stories 

• Trauma-informed care to construct a safe environment for healing 
  
  
  Sensate Focus (Non-sexual touch exercises to practice at home) 

We also offer specialized services for: 

• Individuals recovering from abuse or trauma 

• Clients of faith trying to balance spirituality and sexuality 

• People questioning gender or identity concerns 

When to Seek Sex Therapy? 

You might want to think about sex therapy if you are: 

• Feeling disconnected from your partner 

• Having sexual desire, satisfaction, or confidence concerns 

• Having sexual anxiety or feeling pressure to perform 

• Healing from betrayal, loss, or trauma 

• Curious about learning more about yourself 

• Adjusting after childbirth, menopause, illness or other life changes  

• Having concerns with shame, guilt, or confusion regarding sex 

• Wishing for better communication about intimacy and boundaries 

You don’t need to wait for a crisis to intervene. Growth starts when you are willing to take that first step towards a more intimate life. 

Pathways Counseling Sex Therapists

At Pathways Counseling Services, we have sex therapists who are trained in human sexuality and mental health. We know these discussions can feel extremely personal and emotional. 

Meet Geanine Gafni, MA, LAC

Meet Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC

We keep up with the latest research and best practices so that we can offer you the best care available. We believe that every individual deserves intimacy, pleasure, and connection — in a way that feels true to them. 

How to Get Started 

That first step can be scary — but it’s also an act of courage and self-care. 

If you are ready to start sex therapy, or if you simply have some questions, contact us. We offer free 15-minute phone consultation. For your therapy sessions, we are accommodating. You can see us in person or over the computer, whichever is more comfortable for you. 

We’re here to provide information about our services and therapists. Let us guide you through your healing journey to joy. You can email us at info@pathwayscounselingsvcs.com. 

If you’re not quite ready for therapy yet, catch us on social media! We offer helpful insights, information, and guidance to help you feel more in control of intimacy and emotional health. 

Final Thoughts: Growth and Change Is Possible! 

Sex therapy is about more than solving problems — it’s also finding joy, connection, and your most authentic self. 

At Pathways Counseling Services, we honor the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey toward emotional wellness, healthier relationships, and long-term confidence.  

You don’t have to do it alone. Healing is possible — and it can start today. 

Pathways Counseling Services is a Top Rated therapy and counseling practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, year after year. We can help you and your family find support for your mental health and wellbeing . Find a happier and healthier life through effective mental health care. 

Remember, there is help and support available to you. We are here for you. You can reach us by phone at 480–235-1682 or  send us a message.