Sex therapy

Sex, Sexuality & Gender Counselling

Sex forms a focal point of many powerful internal and external forces in human life. Indeed the grandfather of psychotherapy, Sigmund Freud, saw a healthy sexual expression as central to psychological wellbeing. So while a fulfilling sex life can contribute to overall wellbeing, a compromised sex life can contribute to depression, anxiety, relationship problems or other psychological distress.

Attraction, love, desire & arousal

Now humans are complex, and the process of fantasy, attraction, love, desire, arousal and fulfillment are rather individual and particular. Similarly motivations for sex are many an varied including emotional closeness, reassurance, self-esteem enhancement, stress reduction, partner manipulation, protection from partner's negative affect and behavior, power exertion, physical pleasure, nurturing one's partner, and procreation. So it is all rather a jigsaw, depended on many personal and interpersonal factors.

So while we can surf the web and get any amount of information on virtually any aspect of sexuality, the topics of sex and intimacy continue to be difficult for many to talk about or resolve by themselves. Sexual issues may well be intertwined with emotional, psychological, relational, cultural or even medical issues. For this reason, your therapist is likely to take a holistic approach, viewing any particular issue as just one aspect of your overall wellbeing.

Sexual orientation & gender identity

Two important aspects of sexuality is sexual orientation and gender identity. While attitudes to sex, sexuality and gender identity have changed considerably over the past few decades, exploring these areas can still be a confusing process. These issues can be especially difficult for those who discover their sexuality or gender identity later in life, when they are in a relationship, or have been brought up with particular family, religious or cultural beliefs.

Sex therapy

Sex therapy @ Auckland Therapy At some point in life, most people experience some sexual issues. Sometimes these will persist and become distressing. Sometimes these are best resolved in individual therapy, sometimes as a couple, sometimes as a combination of these. It is not uncommon for couples to come in together for a few sessions then one or both partners decide to do some individual work (or vice versa).

Problematic behaviours

The internet and mobile phone apps have created wide availability and diversity of sexual opportunities providing an environment where problematic sexual behaviours are an increasing concern for many men and women of all ages, both in and out of relationships.

Indeed the technological changes may be viewed as a new sexual revolution, similar to the sexual revelation of the 1960s. Like all revolutions this is creating considerable social upheaval, both in the older generation, particularly in established relationships, and in the millennial generation of digital natives. In this time of change, many people are finding themselves in confusion and distress with few road signs to guide them. Indeed, many therapists are still catching up. That said here are some general guidelines of where to seek help:

  • Mild to moderate concerns are best addressed within general therapy
  • For people in relationships consider couples counseling so you can sort things out together (also on the general therapy page)
  • Serious concerns and sexual compulsions are best addressed by one of our sex specialists
  • For parents concerned about their teens see our Child, adolescent & family team.

Find a therapist

We offer a safe, confidential, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, and where you can seek advice about any troubling aspect of sex, sexuality or gender identity.

Our therapists will accept you just as you are (kinks and all) and support you on your journey: straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, polyamorous, takatapui, fa'afafine, male, female, non-binary, gender-fluid, intersex, transgender, transsexual or curious - all are welcome.

Some of our team have more specific training or experience in sexual issues. So, if a sexual issues is central to your concerns, consider seeing one of the team from our

All our therapists have a appreciation of sex, sexuality and gender concerns and a general understanding of sex & intimacy difficulties. They also understand how these issues may intertwine with depression, anxiety, relationship issues and other psychological distress. While few therapists will ask directly about your sex life, you are most welcome to bring up any topics of concern. See any of our

For parents concerned about their teens see our

Please note : If these issues are related to past sexual trauma you may be eligible for an ACC sensitive claim

Community outreach

Sadly, treatment in NZ of the rainbow community (sexuality and gender diverse people) by mental health professionals is not always well informed or affirming. This guide for mental health professionals in Aotearoa, is also useful guide for clients, of what they should expect from all mental health professionals rainbowmentalhealth.nz.

 

sex, sexuality & gender @ Auckland Therapy