Sex Therapy

My main area of expertise is counselling people with issues surrounding their sexuality. I provide couples and individuals with sexual problems with intimacy exercises, teaching them a new mindset around sexuality and life in general. We also address any other potential contributors such as trust issues, relationship, and marital issues, grief, anxiety, depression, sexual problems, issues with boundaries, and low levels of self-esteem. It also helps to better communication, to understand your feelings better, and to live a healthier life. It can also help people to change their problematic behaviors and quit their addictions and decrease their urges.

A psychosexual therapist is comfortable and trained in discussing sexual issues. Clients are encouraged to talk about their experiences and unique situations in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental environment. No topic is taboo, but clients will not be pushed to talk about anything that they are not comfortable with.

Most people during their lifetime will face some kind of issue surrounding their sexuality. It is important to remember that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but of strength. In doing so, you are courageous enough to know when you need and need to ask for assistance instead of living in misery. Sexual problems left untreated, like so many others often get worse with time. That is why the time for action and searching for the right therapist is RIGHT NOW!

Sex therapy is not only limited to the time during the sessions. I will need your full cooperation after the meetings as well. Homework is an essential part of the treatment. The more committed you are the better and quicker the result will be. I provide various resources, exercises, and techniques that you will be required to practice at home. This allows us to review the outcomes and our approach during the follow-up session.

If you have a partner, it is always beneficial to include them during the treatment. Sex issues in a relationship caused by problems one partner is facing are still ‘couples’ issues’. Couples who work through these problems together consistently have better results and relationships. And if you are single do not be discouraged by a lack of a partner, your sex life is as important as any other.

Think of the counselling as you would about Personal Training but for your mind, relationship, and sexuality. Just as in Personal Training, your trainer can give you a diet and exercise plan but if you do not put in the work there will be no results.

I have been trained in multiple extensively researched and scientifically backed methods, techniques, and approaches to overcome these issues and I will share this knowledge with you.

RELATIONSHIP ISSUES

If you are reading this there is a good chance that you are experiencing some kind of problem or issues in your marriage or relationship.

• Lack of connection?
• Lack of trust?
• Constant arguments?
• Problems in the bedroom and with intimacy?
• Difficult life situations?

All of those problems can be addressed during the treatment. Regain the enjoyment of being alive and engaged in your relationship instead of just bearing it!

During sessions with couples, I use methods such as the Gottman Method and Relational Life Therapy, intimacy exercises which promote trust, openness, and connection, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for couples. The meetings will challenge your beliefs and put you in the shoes of your partner so that you can understand each other better and overcome your differences.

VAGINISMUS

Women very often experience painful tightening of the vagina during or before sex. It is important to know that this is an issue that can be treated and changed with practice. I provide useful exercises, homework, recommendations for lubricants and toys which can help with addressing this issue.

LACK OF DESIRE

The most common problem which women report. Find out the mechanisms behind female desire and intensify your pleasure through knowledge and practice.

LACK OF AROUSAL

Also very common. Discover new techniques, exercises, and your ‘exhilarators’. Overcome barriers.

LACK OF ORGASM

Not every woman has an orgasm! It is important to understand that pleasure is a very subjective experience. There is no ‘normal’ in sex, what matters is your satisfaction with it. If you feel distressed by a lack of desire, arousal, or orgasm it is a great idea to start sex therapy. You can discover your wants, needs, dislikes, desires, and the beautiful and unique architecture of your own body.

AND MANY OTHERS!

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

If you are having issues with obtaining/maintaining an erection is it very wise to contact a Sex Therapist. There are many approaches to treatment and you do not have to start with medication! Sometimes small adjustments in your routine or incorporating a few quick daily exercises are enough.

PREMATURE EJACULATION

Often men tend to think that they finish too quickly when actually they are within the average or last even longer than the typical male. There are many mechanical and psychological ways to prolong intercourse.

LACK OF DESIRE AND/OR AROUSAL

Men also experience a lack of desire and/or arousal. Therapy can also help you explore your desires, needs, wants, ‘accelerators’, and barriers.

LACK OF ORGASM

Men sometimes do not experience pleasure when ejaculating. This is also an issue which sex therapy can address.

AND MANY OTHERS!

TREATMENT OF TRAUMA

Sex therapy is also advised for survivors of rape and sexual assault. If you have flashbacks, issues with intimacy, feel dissociated, and are constantly alert or on guard, it is possible that you are experiencing ongoing trauma. It is very common for the survivors to have issues adjusting after a traumatic situation. Sexual therapy can help with dealing with trauma and regaining sexual confidence.

POST CANCER TREATMENT ISSUES

After going through a huge life change that follows cancer diagnosis and treatment (such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy) your body and sex life will undergo a change as well. The body faced with serious medical issues can take time to adjust back to having sex. Sex therapy helps to rediscover your sex life to its full potential.

LGBTQ+ COUNSELLING

This therapy is also great for people who struggle with for example finding their gender identity. Or for transgender people who go through their sex change and need support. People who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community can freely discuss their problems during sex therapy in a safe, non-judgmental, and friendly environment.

Using Sex Therapy to Tackle Complex Issues

Caring for our mental well-being is just as important as looking after the physical health of our bodies. In many ways, the two can be closely intertwined. In recent years, a growing awareness of this importance has led to an increasing embrace of therapeutic options. However, sex therapy remains misunderstood—but it can be a potent tool for your health.

Like any other type of mental health counselling, sex therapy focuses on helping individuals unpack and work through problems connected to their sexuality. There is strictly no sexual activity involved during this process. Instead, this process equips you with the tools and strategies for addressing your concerns.

At the Love Empowerment Clinic, our certified and highly experienced sex therapist, Saskia Kalwinek, offers many options to help. With both in-person and online sessions, setting up a conversation where you can feel comfortable is simple.

Let’s explore what this process involves and look at some of the most common issues we see among our clients.

Addressing Relationship Issues Through Couples Sex Therapy

No relationship or marriage is fully free from all conflict and problems. We’re only human, after all. Issues can and will arise. Sometimes, these issues spill over into the bedroom. Problems with intimacy can be very detrimental to the health of a relationship. Working to address them early can provide a strong foundation for more growth.

Are you experiencing any of the following issues in your current relationship?

• A lack of connection or the loss of the “spark.”
• A lack of trust and communication.
• Frequent arguments and disagreements.
• Challenging life situations.
• Problems with intimacy.

If you answered “yes,” you should know that these are issues we’re trained to help you address. Our goal is simple: help you regain the joy of being in the relationship rather than just bearing through the discomfort.

We use evidence-based methods such as the Gottman Method with couples, a multi-step process that aims to rebuild your relationship. We also provide worksheets for intimacy exercises to promote rebuilding trust, openness, and connection with your partner. Cognitive behavioural therapy for couples, or CBT, is also something we use. Here, we integrate the Internal Family Systems Therapy method, focusing on fundamental difficulties pertaining to your sexuality. By designing a method to manage destructive behaviours or thought patterns, we can focus on realising your true self.

Sex therapy for couples challenges your beliefs and helps put you in your partner’s shoes. Together, we’ll work towards a mutual understanding that can contribute to helping both of you overcome these differences.

Helping Women Work Through Common Sexual Issues

Although we work with many couples, we have the training and experience necessary to help men and women work through various issues. There is a strong link between mental well-being and sexual experiences. What are some primary areas where a sex therapist can aid women?

• Lack of desire
• Lack of arousal
• Lack of orgasm
• Vaginismus and painful sex

Lack of Desire/Arousal

Women’s sexual desires naturally vary throughout common life changes. Factors such as age, illness, mood disorders, and medications can alter a woman’s sex drive. A continued lack of interest may cause personal distress, leading to a condition known as arousal disorder.

Lack of Orgasm

Delayed or absent orgasms, or anorgasmia, is caused by numerous factors. Intimacy or relationship issues, cultural beliefs, and physical and medical factors may play a role in the intensity and frequency of orgasms.

Vaginismus and Painful Sex

Vaginismus is an involuntary reaction from fear of vaginal penetration that causes your muscles to tighten. Many women experience this condition even if they have previously enjoyed painless penetration. Common signs include the difficulty of inserting a tampon and pain during sex.

These issues can have complex causes. We’ll help you uncover them, providing you with education, exercises, recommendations and more.

Additional Issues You Can Explore with an Online Sex Therapist

Some other sexual health conditions or concerns can also be a major factor in your experiences in the bedroom. You may choose to discuss many other matters with us as well. These include:

• The treatment of trauma for survivors of rape and sexual assault.
• Post-cancer treatment issues caused by the effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
• LGBTQ+ issues. We support those questioning or struggling with gender identity alongside supporting trans people working through their transition. We are a safe, judgement-free zone.
• Porn/sex addictions.
• Issues regarding kinks, fetishes, and the world of BDSM.
• Polyamorous relationships.
• Menopausal issues.

Take the First Steps Towards a Healthier Sex Life With Our Help Today

Dysfunction can occur in many parts of our lives, and our sexualities are not immune from these issues. Recognising that this is an important aspect of ourselves to care for is the first step on the road to a healthier mindset and, ideally, a more fulfilling approach to sex and intimacy.

Working with a sex therapist through the Love Empowerment Clinic can help you find options and strategies for working through many challenging issues in your life or relationships. While taking that first step can be scary, you should be able to trust in a provider that adheres strictly to a code of ethics and best practices. Here, you’ll find that.

Let’s discuss your needs and explore how we might be able to offer a fresh perspective when you book your free 15-minute consultation today.