At MN Couple Therapy Center, we believe that sexual health is an essential part of overall well-being — and yet, it's one of the most overlooked areas of care. Whether you're navigating intimacy challenges on your own or with a partner, sex therapy offers a safe, compassionate, and professional space to address concerns that are often feel too personal to discuss anywhere else.

What Is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on concerns related to sexual health, intimacy, and relationships. Like other forms of therapy, it is a talk-based process — no physical contact, no nudity, and no sexual activity of any kind takes place in sessions.

A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional who has completed graduate-level training in counseling or therapy, along with additional, specialized training in human sexuality. At MN Couple Therapy Center, our therapists hold certification through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), ensuring the highest standard of care.

Sex therapy may be offered to individuals or couples and often includes practical exercises you can explore privately at home, at your own pace.

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Who Can Benefit from Sex Therapy?

You don't have to be in crisis to seek sex therapy. Many people come to us simply because something feels off — a disconnect with their partner, a loss of desire, or uncertainty about their own sexual experiences.

Sex therapy may be a good fit if you are experiencing:

 

• Low sexual desire or a noticeable mismatch in desire between partners

• Difficulty becoming aroused or maintaining arousal

• Pain during sexual activity

• Concerns about sexual performance, including erectile dysfunction or ejaculation concerns

• Difficulty achieving orgasm, or orgasm happening too quickly or infrequently

• Intimacy challenges following a major life change such as having children, a medical diagnosis, or aging

• A relationship where sexual connection has become strained or has stopped altogether

• Questions about sexual identity, orientation, or preferences

• A history of sexual trauma and its effects on your current relationships

• A desire to strengthen emotional and physical closeness with a partner

 

You may also find that concerns about sex are entangled with anxiety, depression, or past trauma. Our therapists are equipped to address all of these together, so that healing in one area supports healing in others.

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What Happens in a Sex Therapy Session?

Your first sessions will focus on understanding your story. Your therapist will listen carefully to what has brought you in, what your goals are, and what a fulfilling intimate life looks like for you. There is no pressure to share anything before you're ready — therapy always moves at your pace.

From there, sessions may include:

 

• Open conversation about your experiences, feelings, and relationship patterns

• Education about sexual health, anatomy, and how psychological and relational factors influence intimacy

• Exploration of values and beliefs that may be shaping your experience

• Practical exercises or reflections to try at home, either individually or with a partner

• Communication strategies to help you and your partner talk more openly and effectively

If you are coming as a couple, we will typically begin with both of you together, and may also meet with each of you separately to better understand your individual perspectives.

 

What Sex Therapy Is NOT

It's common to have misconceptions about sex therapy, so let us be clear:
 

• No sexual activity of any kind occurs in sessions. All therapeutic work happens through conversation and reflection.

• There is no nudity. Sessions look and feel like any other professional therapy appointment.

• You will never be pressured to discuss anything you're not comfortable with.

• Sex therapy is not just for couples. Individuals at any stage of life and relationship status can benefit.

• Sex therapy is not a last resort. Many people come to us proactively to strengthen their relationships and deepen intimacy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is sex therapy the same as couples counseling? Not exactly, though there is significant overlap. Couples counseling addresses the broader relationship — communication, conflict, trust, and connection. Sex therapy focuses specifically on sexual concerns and intimacy. At MN Couple Therapy Center, our therapists are trained in both, so we can support you in whichever area needs attention — or both at once.

Will I have to talk about things I'm embarrassed about? It's completely normal to feel nervous. These are deeply personal topics, and we never take that for granted. Our therapists are trained to create a warm, non-judgmental environment where difficult conversations become easier over time. Many clients tell us that after the first session, the discomfort fades quickly.

How long does sex therapy take? Every person's journey is different. Some clients find meaningful progress in just a few sessions; others benefit from longer-term support. After our initial sessions together, we'll develop a clear, personalized plan with goals and a realistic timeline so you always know where you stand.

Can I do sex therapy if I'm single? Absolutely. You do not need to be in a relationship to benefit from sex therapy. Many individuals come to us to work through past experiences, understand their own desires and identity, or simply build a healthier relationship with their own sexuality.

Is everything I share confidential? Yes. Like all forms of therapy, sex therapy is strictly confidential. Your personal information will never be shared without your written consent, except in the limited circumstances required by law.

Do you offer telehealth for sex therapy? Yes. We offer secure telehealth sessions for clients in Minnesota, as well as for those located in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin who prefer virtual appointments. You can access the same quality of care from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

How do I know if my therapist is qualified? At MN Couple Therapy Center, our sex therapists hold specialized training and certification in sex therapy through AASECT, in addition to their licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists. You can feel confident that you are working with a trained, ethical, and compassionate professional.

How do I get started? We invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. This is a no-pressure opportunity for us to hear a little about what you're experiencing and for you to get a feel for whether we're the right fit. Reaching out is the first — and often the hardest — step. We're here to make it easier.

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You Deserve a Fulfilling Intimate Life

Sexual well-being is not a luxury — it is a meaningful part of how we connect with ourselves and the people we love. At MN Couple Therapy Center, we are honored to walk alongside you in that journey, offering a space that is safe, respectful, and free of judgment.
When you're ready to take that first step, we're here.

Contact us today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation.