Let’s Talk About Sex (Yes, Really): The Healing Power of Sex Therapy
- Emily Hansen
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
My client is nervous. There’s clearly something on their mind, but the words are struggling to come out. After a few attempts, they finally burst out:
“Is it okay for me to talk about sex?”
YES.
Please talk to me about sex.
Talk to me about your worries, your insecurities, your shame. Tell me where you feel stuck, where there’s discomfort or pain. Let’s talk about what makes pleasure hard (pun intended) and what makes it easier.
Tell me about attraction—what draws you in, what turns you off, and how that may have shifted over time. Let’s explore desire and desire discrepancies, and how challenging (and incredibly normal) it is to experience desire differently than your partner. Let’s normalize pleasure as a basic human need and figure out what you need to feel connected, whole, and empowered.
As a sex therapist, I’ve received specialized training to help clients navigate a wide range of sexual concerns. Maybe the “issue” is pain, anxiety, identity, or shame. Maybe it’s a lack of sexual education (because let’s be honest, there’s a lot of misinformation out there). You could be dealing with desire mismatch or emotional disconnection with a partner. Or perhaps you’re unpacking the impact of purity culture and the messages you’ve internalized about your body and your worth.
You might be exploring polyamory or ethical non-monogamy for the first time and want a supportive space to figure it out. Maybe you have trouble setting boundaries in the bedroom or feel like you can’t say no. Or maybe, when people talk about “amazing sex,” you realize you’re not quite sure what that even means.
Whatever the challenge, I want you to know: It’s not as insurmountable as it may feel right now. And you don’t have to face it alone.
Talking about sex in therapy isn’t just important—it’s vital. Sex therapy isn’t only for those experiencing dysfunction. It’s a space to explore intimacy, connection, embodiment, and pleasure as integral aspects of your whole self.
I understand that it can feel uncomfortable. Cultural taboos and silence around sexuality make it hard to speak openly, especially in the beginning. But I also believe that embracing our most vulnerable (and most powerful) selves is where deep healing begins. That healing ripples outward, showing up not just in our intimate lives, but in how we move through the world.
As your therapist, my goal is to support you in finding your authentic voice—and to empower you to use it. Because when we feel confident in our vulnerability, our world expands.
Sexuality is instinctive, embodied, and deeply personal. That makes it one of the most powerful avenues for growth and healing. Through sex therapy, you can become more comfortable in your body and mind—not just to survive, but to live and thrive.
Sex and intimacy are core parts of the human experience. No matter where you land on the spectrum of sexuality, gender, or attraction—queer or straight, asexual or highly sexual, cisgender or genderqueer—your experience matters. You deserve to understand it, embrace it, and feel empowered within it.
I’ve had the honor of walking alongside many clients as they step bravely into this work. I’ve witnessed the transformation that can happen—healing that shows up not just in the bedroom, but in relationships, self-confidence, and everyday life. When we feel safe in our vulnerability, we carry that sense of safety and power into every corner of our lives.
This work isn’t always easy.
But I promise you—it’s worth it.
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