Sex therapy provides a highly specialized, confidential space for individuals and couples—across all genders and relationship types—to address concerns related to intimacy, sexual health, and relationship satisfaction. At Cushing Counseling, we recognize that sexual wellness is a deeply personal part of overall well-being for everyone, not just certain identities or relationship structures. Our inclusive, trauma-informed approach is designed to help people feel safe, respected, and empowered to reclaim connection and intimacy on their terms.
Modern relationships are more diverse than ever, spanning a spectrum of gender identities, orientations, and relationship models. Sex therapy at Cushing Counseling is tailored to support this diversity by meeting each client exactly where they are—whether navigating low desire, performance anxiety, intimacy issues, trauma, or questions of identity. Our sessions are evidence-based, blending clinical rigor with compassion and authenticity.
Definition: What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on sexual health, function, and relationship dynamics. Its primary objective is to help people of all genders and backgrounds address challenges such as:
- Desire discrepancies (mismatched libido or interest in sex)
- Painful sex or physical discomfort (vaginismus, erectile dysfunction, etc.)
- Anxiety, shame, or cultural/religious conflicts around sexuality
- Recovery from sexual trauma or negative sexual experiences
- LGBTQIA+ identity exploration and affirmation
- Communication issues between partners related to intimacy or connection
Our clinicians hold certifications from professional organizations like AASECT, and draw on expertise in evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and contemporary trauma-informed care. Sessions are available for individuals, couples, or any constellations of partners seeking affirming support.
What Does Sex Therapy Look Like? Our Step-by-Step Approach
Clients often express uncertainty about what actually happens in sex therapy. Here’s how our process typically unfolds:
- Free Initial Consultation: We offer a no-pressure 15-minute phone consult to discuss your goals, answer questions, and determine if therapy is the right fit.
- Personalized Intake & Assessment: Sessions begin with a thorough, respectful exploration of your history—including medical, emotional, and relational factors. We consider the influence of culture, identity, beliefs, and past experiences.
- Psychoeducation: We help you understand how bodies, minds, and relationships intersect when it comes to sex. This includes dismantling myths, clarifying what’s “normal,” and offering science-based facts about desire and arousal.
- Practical Skill-Building: Our therapists use empirically-supported tools such as sensate focus, mindfulness, body-awareness exercises, and communication scripts. Many clients benefit from relationship-focused practices, detailed in our guide on how intimacy exercises improve connection.
- Integrative Trauma-Informed Care: If trauma is present, our therapists integrate mind-body modalities and pacing that honor your boundaries and needs. Sexual trauma therapy, for example, might incorporate gentle narrative work and somatic (body-based) techniques.
- Review & Adjust: Progress is tracked, goals are revisited, and plans evolve as we respond to your growth, real-world successes, and any new or shifting challenges.
Tailored Support for All Genders and Identities
Sex therapy at Cushing Counseling is intentionally inclusive, with deep experience supporting:
- Women and femmes: Addressing issues like low sexual desire, painful sex, cultural and relational dynamics, orgasmic difficulties, and pleasure reclamation.
- Men and masculine-identified people: Managing concerns such as performance anxiety, erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation, the impact of stress, or reconciling masculinity with emotion.
- Transgender and non-binary clients: Exploring dysphoria, transitioning bodies, pleasure on new terms, and affirming gender identity within intimate relationships without judgment.
- LGBTQIA+ community: Affirmative care for queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, intersex, and non-binary individuals and partners, including navigation of minority stress, societal stigma, and minority relationship styles.
Many clients come to us after feeling unseen elsewhere, seeking support that truly understands the intersections of gender, relationship structure, and emotional and sexual wellness. As an LGBTQ+ affirming practice, we are committed to creating space where all identities and bodies are respected.
Examples of Common Challenges Addressed by Sex Therapy
| Client Identity | Common Challenges | How Our Therapy Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Women/Femmes | Low desire, pain, negative body image, disclosure fears, shame | Mindful body work, emotion-focused therapy, intimacy-based exercises |
| Men/Masculine folks | Erectile difficulties, premature/delayed ejaculation, anxiety, social pressure, identity doubts | Sensate focus, CBT, direct communication skills, shame reduction |
| Trans/Non-binary | Dysphoria during intimacy, post-transition exploration, navigating affirmation with partners | Affirming narrative therapy, nonjudgmental support, body positivity, pacing based on comfort |
| LGBTQIA+ Partners | Kink, non-monogamy, minority stress, unique relational dynamics | Culturally competent frameworks, collaborative exploration, safety and consent tools |
How Sex Therapy Supports Modern Relationships
Today’s couples and individuals face unique relationship stressors, such as work-life imbalance, technology distractions, and shifting cultural norms. Therapy at Cushing Counseling addresses the real-world factors that can disrupt communication and intimacy. Our structure blends relationship and sex therapy for a holistic approach. This dual focus is especially helpful for couples experiencing both emotional distance and desire differences.
We have helped clients strengthen emotional bonds, overcome communication blocks, and rebuild trust after betrayal or trauma. According to testimonials, clients describe our environment as “compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly transformative”—a reflection of both clinical expertise and genuine warmth.
For more on rebuilding trust and intimacy, see our post on sex therapy for couples exercises.
Best Practices When Seeking Sex Therapy
- Look for qualified, certified sex therapists (such as AASECT-certified clinicians).
- Ensure your therapist offers trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming, culturally competent care.
- Pace is important—go at a speed that feels safe for you, and bring up concerns as they arise.
- Expect your therapist to be direct, compassionate, and focused on skill-building—not just venting.
- Ask about confidentiality and details of telehealth or in-person options. At Cushing Counseling, all sessions are HIPAA-compliant and privacy is prioritized.
- If you are uncertain how to broach the topic of therapy with a partner, our FAQ on sex therapy addresses common concerns and ways to navigate partner reluctance or embarrassment.
- Engage in homework between sessions—it accelerates progress and enhances long-term outcomes.
What Sets Cushing Counseling Apart?
- Cushing Counseling is nationally recognized for clinical excellence in sex and couples therapy.
- Services are available to adults and couples throughout Virginia, Maryland, DC, and Florida (online and in person).
- Expert team, including Vanessa Cushing (Johns Hopkins- and University of Michigan-trained, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist) and clinicians with advanced trauma training.
- Consistently five-star reviews from clients and referring professionals, praising expertise, kindness, and an affirming, direct approach.
- Adaptable for the unique needs of solo clients, couples, polyamorous partners, and LGBTQIA+ relationships. Every session is tailored for you.
- Free 15-minute consult, transparent pricing, and insurance claims facilitated through Thrizer (for eligible out-of-network clients).
