sex therapy
We offer virtual sex therapy based in Orillia to support individual and couples who are struggling with low libido, libido mismatch, sexual exploration, sexual dysfunction, exploration of sexuality, swinging, ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink and BDSM dynamics and more. Folks in their 30s, 40s and older commonly experience issues around sex, whether it be related to changes in the body, relationship issues, or simply wanting to prioritize good sex.
What is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is tailored to dealing with problems related to sexual functioning, libido and desire, and emotional intimacy. Sex therapy aims to help people understand the root of their sexual difficulties, and resolve them through self-empowerment, boundary-setting, and improving communication with yourself and others. Sex therapy often involves exploring themes like bodily autonomy, consent, shame, and identity.
who is sex therapy for?
Sex therapy is for anyone who has had sex, is curious about sex or doesn’t want to have sex at all! No matter where you are at on the spectrum, we all have ideas about what sex is and isn’t, and what sex should and should not be. Sex therapy can help you explore your narratives and expand your idea of what sex, sexuality, pleasure and play are.
Why are issues with sex so common?
Sex is an act that is deeply vulnerable, personal, political and societally influenced. How we show up in our own sexuality tends to highlight our core issues, whether it be with self-esteem, body image, attachment issues, guilt and shame or other patterns we experience in sex and in our parts of our lives. How we treat ourselves and others around sex is often reflective of how we treat ourselves and others outside of sex.
how can sex therapy help?
strengthening autonomy
One of most basic tenets of safe sex and exploration of sexuality is autonomy, which is the ability to make decisions about yourself and your body without pressure or coercion. Often, we are taught to pressure ourselves into actions and situations that our bodies don’t agree with, and over time, we force our bodies into a constant state of protection to compensate. Strengthening autonomy creates the safety that is necessary for sex to be fun and fulfilling.
RELEASing SHAME
Shame is a common, and yet incredibly damaging, emotion that our brains are taught to use to motivate us and keep us in line with what’s “normal”. Learning to release our narratives of shame and what is shameful is an essential part of learning to trust and celebrate our bodies and selves.
finding pleasure and play
Once we have created safety and tamed our shame, we can learn to lean into what feels good (pleasure) and what feels fun (play)! This is when exploration, fulfillment, and connection take center stage, plus a little maintenance work on the parts of you that might try to get in the way
understanding your patterns
Sex is one of the areas of our lives that tends to reflect all other areas. If you feel pressure to perform in other areas of life, it’s likely you feel it during sex. If you feel out of control outside the bedroom, it’s likely you feel the same inside it. Understanding what your recurring patterns are, whether they are anxious, avoidant, domineering or overly accommodating, will give us direction on what parts of you need relief and support, and in what ways.
Max McKenzie’s approach to therapy is direct, collaborative and intuitive. They focus on the root cause of issues, rather than just symptoms, to help you maintain long term change. Max strives to hold space for you, challenge you and equip you with the intuitive knowledge and body-informed tools to grow through your areas of stuckness.
We provide secure virtual psychotherapy appointments throughout Ontario and within Simcoe County — Orillia, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Midland, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Coldwater, Washago, Oro-Medonte.