What Is Sex-Positive Therapy, and How Can It Help You?
Sex is often considered a taboo topic, even in close relationships, but it’s a natural and vital part of our lives. Unfortunately, many people struggle with shame, misinformation, or anxiety surrounding their sexual health and desires. That’s where sex-positive therapy comes in—a supportive, affirming approach that helps you explore your sexuality without judgment and improve your overall well-being.
In this post, we’ll dive into what sex-positive therapy is, who it’s for, and how it can help you or your relationship thrive.
What Is Sex-Positive Therapy?
Sex-positive therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore and address issues related to sexuality. It embraces the idea that all consensual sexual activities and preferences are valid and worth understanding. Whether you’re navigating challenges in your sexual relationship, exploring your desires, or working through societal or internalized shame, this type of therapy encourages open, honest conversations.
Core Principles of Sex-Positive Therapy:
1. Nonjudgmental Exploration: Your therapist supports your unique experiences and avoids making assumptions or imposing societal norms.
2. Consent-Centered Perspective: Emphasizing the importance of consent and mutual respect in all sexual activities.
3. LGBTQ+ and Kink Affirming: Affirming and inclusive of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and kinks or fetishes.
Who Can Benefit From Sex-Positive Therapy?
Sex-positive therapy is for anyone looking to better understand or improve their sexual health, intimacy, or relationship dynamics. It can be especially helpful for:
• Individuals: Struggling with sexual shame, performance anxiety, mismatched libido, or exploring their sexual orientation or identity.
• Couples: Addressing mismatched desires, improving communication about sex, or overcoming intimacy challenges.
• People Exploring Kink, Non-Monogamy, and Other Non-Traditional Relationship Types: Navigating the complexities of ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, or kink in a judgment-free space.
• Survivors of Trauma: Rebuilding a positive relationship with your body and sexuality after trauma.
How Can Sex-Positive Therapy Help You?
1. Improve Communication: Many people struggle to talk openly about sex, even with their partners. Sex-positive therapy teaches you how to communicate your desires, boundaries, and needs in a healthy way.
2. Overcome Shame or Misinformation: Societal stigma or lack of education often creates unnecessary shame around sexual topics. Therapy can help you unlearn these harmful messages and embrace your sexuality without guilt.
3. Enhance Intimacy in Relationships: By fostering better communication and understanding, couples can reignite passion and strengthen their connection.
4. Address Sexual Dysfunction: Therapy can provide support and strategies to work through challenges like low libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, or erectile dysfunction.
5. Foster Self-Discovery: Whether you’re exploring a new identity or desire, therapy offers a supportive environment to better understand yourself.
What to Expect in a Sex-Positive Therapy Session
During your sessions, you can expect open, honest conversations tailored to your unique needs. Your therapist will:
• Ask questions to understand your goals, experiences, and concerns.
• Provide education and tools to help you address challenges or explore new areas of your sexual life.
• Offer a compassionate, affirming space where you can feel safe being vulnerable.
Start Your Journey Toward Sexual Wellness Today
Sex-positive therapy is about more than just sex—it’s about embracing who you are, fostering deeper connections, and living a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re an individual or part of a couple, taking the step to explore sex-positive therapy can lead to meaningful growth and healing.
Are you in Denver and ready to start? Contact me today for a free 20 minute consultation and learn how I can support you on your journey toward sexual health, confidence, and connection.
Sarah Fishman, MFTC (she/her) is a Denver-based relationship and sex therapist specializing in infidelity repair, sex-positive counseling, and couples therapy. With a direct and empathetic approach, Sarah helps individuals and partners rebuild trust, improve communication, and embrace their authentic selves. She is LGBTQ+ and kink-affirming, offering a safe space for all relationship dynamics.. When she’s not working with clients, Sarah enjoys cuddling on the couch with a steaming mug of hot tea and her two dogs, Reese and Archie.