Sex Therapy

with AASECT Certified Sex Therapist,
Noelle Benach, LCPC, CST

Considering seeking Sex Therapy for yourself or with your partner(s)? Read on to learn more about working together to address sexual health concerns, cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy, and embrace sexual wellness.

Defining Sex Therapy

Sex therapy is a highly specialized area of psychotherapy that is designed to help both individuals, couples, and other people in relationships (such as polyamorous or CNM folx) to address medical, psychological, personal, or interpersonal factors impacting sexual satisfaction.

Through talk therapy, you can explore your sexual concerns, gain information, and learn behavioral exercises to address sexual wellness and intimacy related issues.

Specialities

While I help people with a variety of sexual wellness and intimacy concerns, I’m particularly passionate about the following:

  • Women’s Sexual Wellness

    • Anorgasmia (Inability to have an orgasm)

    • Dyspareunia (Sexual Pain)

    • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (Low libido)

    • Sexual Arousal Disorder (Difficulty becoming aroused)

  • LGBTQIA+ Concerns

    • Issues related to identity / “coming out”

    • Queer Couple Concerns

    • Gender Affirming Care & Letter Writing

  • Couples and Relational Work

    • Differing Desire Levels

    • Polyamory

    • Consensual Non-monogamy

  • Kinks and Fetishes

  • Chronic Illness & Disability Related Sexual Wellness Concerns

I utilize the P-LI-SS-IT model with all clients seeking sex therapy. P-LI-SS-IT stands for:

  • Permission (P): I aim to create a climate of comfort and permission for my clients to discuss sexual concerns, often introducing the topic of sexuality, thereby validating sexuality as a legitimate health issue.

  • Limited Information (LI): I will addresses specific sexual concerns and attempts to correct myths and misinformation.

  • Specific suggestions (SS): Together, we will compile a sexual history or profile which aims to:

  1. Define your issues and concerns

  2. Determine the course of how your sexual issues have evolved over time

  3. Facilitate your understanding of the main issues and provide options for resolution.

  4. Assist you in formulating perceptions and ideas about sources of these concerns and develop realistic and appropriate goals and solution plans.

  • Intensive Therapy (IT): I can provide specialized treatment in cases that are complicated by the coexistence of other complex life issues which may also include psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, anxiety disorders (including obsessive-compulsive disorder), personality disorders, or substance abuse, or by interpersonal or intrapersonal conflict.

Sources:

Sex Therapy with Noelle Benach, LCPC, CST

I understand that most people assuming talking with a sex therapist will feel funny, awkward, or shameful. That’s totally normal. Many people have trouble talking about sex at all, so discussing it with a stranger is bound to feel a bit awkward at first. My goal is to provide you with a safe, non-judgemental environment to explore your concerns, interests, and goals as they relate to your sexual wellbeing.

I view sexual health as a fundamental human right, and a crucial element of overall wellness. The World Health Organization defines Sexual Health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual Health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.”

Sex Therapy Training & Education