Sexuality is an important part of being human, yet it’s often one of the hardest topics to talk about, especially when concerns arise. Many individuals and couples struggle silently with sexual challenges, unsure of where to turn or whether help is even available. Sex therapy offers a supportive, professional space to explore these concerns with care, curiosity, and respect.
At Schilling Counseling, our sex therapy in California and Washington is approached as an integrated part of emotional, relational, and personal well-being. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, therapy invites deeper understanding, healing, and meaningful change.
What Is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that addresses concerns related to intimacy, sexual functioning, desire, identity, and connection. It recognizes that sexual experiences are influenced by emotional health, relationship dynamics, past experiences, beliefs, and life transitions.
Sex therapy does not involve physical touch or sexual activity during sessions. Instead, conversations focus on understanding patterns, exploring emotional responses, improving communication, and developing healthier relationships with intimacy and desire. Therapy may be offered to individuals or couples and is tailored to each client’s unique goals and values.
Common Reasons People Seek Sex Therapy
People pursue sex therapy for many different reasons, and no concern is “too small” or “too complicated” to bring into the therapeutic space. Some common topics addressed include:
- Low or mismatched sexual desire
- Difficulty with arousal or orgasm
- Pain during intimacy
- Anxiety or shame related to sex
- Challenges with sexual communication
- Differences in sexual needs within a relationship
- Recovery from sexual trauma
- Changes in intimacy due to life transitions, stress, or health issues
- Exploring sexual identity or values
Sex therapy creates room to talk openly about these experiences in a way that feels safe, affirming, and non-judgmental.
Who Can Benefit From Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy can be helpful for a wide range of people, including:
Individuals
You do not need to be in a relationship to benefit from sex therapy. Individuals often seek support to better understand their relationship with their body, sexuality, and self-expression. Therapy can help unpack internalized beliefs, past experiences, or emotional barriers that impact intimacy and confidence.
Couples
For couples, sex therapy can support stronger connection and communication around intimacy. Partners may come to therapy feeling disconnected, frustrated, or unsure how to talk about their needs without conflict. Therapy offers tools to foster understanding, rebuild trust, and create a more fulfilling intimate relationship.
People Navigating Life Transitions
Major changes, such as marriage, parenthood, infertility, aging, grief, or health concerns, can all impact sexual well-being. Sex therapy provides space to adapt to these shifts with compassion and intention.
What Happens in Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy sessions are collaborative and paced to meet each client’s comfort level. Early sessions typically focus on understanding your goals, experiences, and concerns. From there, therapy may involve exploring emotional and relational patterns, learning new ways to communicate, and developing insight into how stress, trauma, or expectations influence intimacy.
The process is guided by curiosity rather than judgment, allowing clients to feel seen, respected, and supported as they move toward greater clarity and connection.
Why Choose Sex Therapy Through Telehealth?
Schilling Counseling offers online sex therapy for residents of California and Washington, making care accessible and convenient. Telehealth allows clients to engage in therapy from a familiar and private environment, which can be especially helpful when discussing sensitive topics. Many clients find that the flexibility of online therapy makes it easier to remain consistent and fully present in the therapeutic process.
Taking the First Step Toward Support
If sexual concerns are affecting your well-being or your relationship, you don’t have to navigate them alone. Sex therapy offers a thoughtful, respectful space to explore what’s happening and move toward healing and growth.
Schilling Counseling provides compassionate, professional sex therapy for individuals and couples in California and Washington. Reaching out can be the first step toward a healthier relationship with yourself, your partner, and intimacy.