Sex Therapy
Are sexual concerns impacting your confidence or relationships?
Do you feel anxious, frustrated, or disconnected when it comes to sexual intimacy?
Are you experiencing differences in desire, difficulty with arousal, or challenges communicating about sex?
Do past experiences, stress, or trauma make sexual connection feel complicated or overwhelming?
Many people reach a point where sexual concerns start affecting their self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. You might notice that intimacy feels like a source of stress instead of connection. Maybe you or your partner have different needs or expectations, leaving you unsure how to navigate them.
Sexual challenges can show up in many ways. You might struggle with desire discrepancies, difficulty achieving orgasm, performance anxiety, or navigating sexual identity or preferences. These concerns are common and can feel isolating, especially when you worry that others “have it all figured out.”
For some people, sexual concerns are also tied to deeper questions about who they are. Exploring your gender identity or sexual orientation can be a meaningful and sometimes complex journey. Whether you are questioning, newly identifying, or simply wanting space to better understand yourself, Sex Therapy offers a supportive place to explore these dimensions of your experience without pressure or judgment.
It’s understandable to feel concerned about sexual issues
Sexual challenges can create stress in your relationship, emotional tension, or personal dissatisfaction. You may feel disconnected from your partner or disconnected from your own sense of pleasure and desire.
For many people, these feelings are compounded by messages absorbed over a lifetime. Most of us grew up in families where sex was treated as something private, embarrassing, or simply off-limits as a topic of conversation. For those raised in communities with conservative religious traditions—whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, or others—sexuality may have been framed in ways that created shame, confusion, or conflict between personal desires and deeply held beliefs. Cultural backgrounds rooted in collectivist or traditional family values, common across many Latino, Asian, Black, and Middle Eastern communities, can add another layer of complexity, where individual sexual needs may feel secondary to family expectations or community norms. Societal messages—from media, peers, and institutions—often add to this burden by promoting unrealistic or narrow ideas of what sexuality "should" look like.
These challenges are not a reflection of your worth or the quality of your relationship—they are experiences many people navigate. With the right support, you can address sexual concerns, improve communication, and reclaim confidence and connection in your sexual life.
You are not alone—sexual concerns are common
Many adults experience sexual concerns at some point, regardless of age, relationship type, or sexual orientation. Whether you are single, in a committed relationship, or exploring ethical non-monogamy, these challenges are widely shared.
Stress, trauma, relationship dynamics, hormonal changes, and past sexual experiences can all influence sexual functioning and desire. Many people struggle with the pressure to perform or meet expectations, which can create anxiety or frustration.
At our practice, we work with a diverse range of clients, including including LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, and clients from a wide range of religious and cultural traditions, to create a space where sexual concerns can be explored without shame. Our approach recognizes the complexity of sexual health and the unique experiences that shape each person’s sexuality.
Specialized therapy can help you feel more confident and connected
Sex Therapy provides a structured, supportive space to address sexual concerns and explore ways to improve your intimate life. Many clients discover that therapy helps them understand their desires, navigate differences with partners, and reduce anxiety related to sexual performance or identity.
Through therapy, you can develop tools to communicate more effectively about sex, build mutual understanding with your partner, and feel more empowered in your sexual expression.
Learning to talk about sex
For many people, one of the most challenging parts of addressing sexual concerns is simply finding the words. Talking about sex openly—with a partner, a doctor, or even a therapist—can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. This is not a personal failing. Most of us were raised in environments where sex was either discussed in hushed tones or not discussed at all. We learned early that sexuality was something private, sometimes shameful, and often surrounded by silence.
Religious teachings, cultural traditions, and broader societal messages have long shaped what people believe they are allowed to feel, desire, and say out loud about sex. When those messages carry guilt, fear, or restriction, they can follow people into adulthood and into the bedroom, making honest communication feel risky or even wrong.
Part of what Sex Therapy offers is a safe, structured space to begin building that language—to name what you want, what you don't want, what has felt confusing or painful, and what you are curious about. Over time, many clients find that developing the ability to talk about sex changes not only their intimate lives, but also how they understand and relate to themselves.
Sex Therapy can help you experience greater intimacy and satisfaction
Sex Therapy is designed to help you and your partner (or yourself, if single) understand the underlying factors that may be affecting sexual satisfaction. By exploring your history, emotions, and relationship dynamics, therapy helps uncover patterns that may be contributing to stress, avoidance, or conflict around sexual intimacy.
We address challenges such as desire discrepancies, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, sexual anxiety, past sexual trauma, and navigating diverse sexual preferences.
For couples and individuals exploring ethical non-monogamy—including polyamory, open relationships, swinging, and those who participate in the Lifestyle—therapy can provide a grounded, nonjudgmental space to navigate the unique opportunities and challenges these relationship structures bring. We can support you in designing or revisiting your relationship agreement: the boundaries, expectations, and commitments that define what your arrangement looks like in practice. Whether you are new to non-monogamy or have been practicing it for years, having clarity around your agreement—and the communication skills to revisit it as things evolve—can make a meaningful difference in the health and happiness of all involved.
The therapy process is collaborative and tailored to you
Our therapists use evidence-based practices while focusing on trauma-informed care and whole-person support. We take a compassionate, professional approach and tailor the process to your unique needs and goals.
Sex Therapy is a safe space to discuss sensitive topics openly, explore sexual identity and gender identity, navigate relationship agreements, and develop healthier patterns of intimacy. We provide guidance and practical strategies while respecting your values, identity, and relationship style. We understand that sexuality does not exist in a vacuum—it is shaped by the families we come from, the faith traditions we were raised in or have left, the cultural communities we belong to, and the social worlds we inhabit. Whatever your background—whether you come from a deeply religious household, a traditional community, or any other cultural context—your experience is welcome here.
Our practice proudly supports LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, people exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation, clients of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those navigating sexuality within or alongside religious faith. You can expect a judgment-free environment where your sexual concerns are treated with understanding, respect, and professionalism.
Sexual well-being and connection are achievable
Many clients come to Sex Therapy unsure if improvement is possible. The reality is that with support, reflection, and guidance, most people experience meaningful changes in desire, intimacy, and confidence.
Therapy allows you to explore barriers, develop communication skills, and build sexual confidence. Whether you are seeking greater connection with a partner, more personal empowerment, a better understanding of your own identity, or improved sexual satisfaction, therapy offers a structured path to positive change.
Common Questions About Starting Sex Therapy
Can I seek Sex Therapy on my own if my partner isn’t interested?
Absolutely. Many people start Sex Therapy individually, especially if their partner is hesitant. Therapy can help you explore your needs, reduce sexual anxiety, and develop strategies for communicating desires. Individual therapy can also prepare you to invite your partner into sessions later, if desired.
You don’t need a partner to start—sex therapy supports personal growth and sexual well-being as much as it supports couples.
Is Sex Therapy only about “fixing problems” in the bedroom?
No. While therapy can address sexual dysfunction or specific concerns, it also focuses on overall sexual health, intimacy, communication, and emotional connection. Sex Therapy explores the broader context of your experiences, including past trauma, body image, stress, and relationship dynamics that influence your sexual life.
Our goal is to help you feel more empowered, connected, and confident—not just to “solve” a specific sexual problem.
Will sex be awkward or uncomfortable to talk about in therapy?
Many clients worry about feeling embarrassed discussing sexual topics. It’s normal to feel that way at first. Our therapists are trained to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can speak openly about desires, boundaries, and concerns.
This discomfort often has deep roots. Many people come from families, cultures, or faith traditions where discussing sex was considered taboo, inappropriate, or even sinful. Those early lessons don't disappear overnight, and feeling hesitant to talk about sex—even in a therapy room—makes complete sense. Our therapists are experienced in working through that discomfort with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, including those navigating the intersection of sexuality and religious faith, cultural identity, or family expectations.
Over time, clients often find that discussing sexual topics with a supportive professional becomes comfortable and even empowering, providing clarity, understanding, and practical strategies for improving intimacy.
Find the Support You’ve Been Looking For
You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. We are compassionate specialists in sexual and relationship health who are committed to supporting individuals and couples in our community. As a local Austin practice, we care deeply about helping you find the support that fits your needs.
We offer both in-office and online sessions, with evening and weekend availability when needed. We also provide free 15-minute phone consultations with the therapist you’re considering. To get started, fill out the form linked below or call us at 512-994-2588 to schedule.
Who can help...
Claudia Thompson
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor,
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
Monica Garner
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
Supervised by Claudia Thompson, LMFT-S, LPC-S
Deanna Shahady
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Shelly Crossland
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Supervised by Claudia Thompson, LMFT-S, LPC-S
Jill Baumgarner Robertson
Licensed Professional Counselor
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
*Online video appointments only
Jaala Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Supervised by Claudia Thompson, LMFT-S, LPC-S
Natalie Najman
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Jen Hill
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
Supervised by Claudia Thompson, LMFT-S, LPC-S
Austin, Texas
4131 Spicewood Springs Rd. Suite G-6
Austin, Texas 78759
512-994-2588