Female Sexual Functioning Problems

We’ve come a long way in societal expectations of women regarding sex, though there is evidence throughout history that women have enjoyed sex. So why can it seem so complicated? Why can something so “natural” go so wrong? There are many reasons, ranging from biological/medical to more psychological or relational. More often than not, there are a multitude of reasons for why sex is not what you expected it to be and why you may be having difficulty becoming aroused or having an orgasm, or simply staying in the moment. I work with you to explore all of these possible reasons, and to develop skills, strategies, and coping mechanisms. Sometimes we can resolve the problem relatively easily, sometimes the problem is not resolvable, but instead, we work on how to shift your mindset and deal with what is happening in more constructive ways. Therapy for female sexual functioning can be done individually or with a partner. Whatever the problem is, you are not alone and I am here to help!

Pain – Dyspareunia, Vulvodynia, Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD)

I know how much pain can impact every aspect of your life, not just your sex life. It can affect the decisions you make, how you think about yourself and your relationships, and how you feel from mood to energy levels. I have spent many years focusing on how to understand and help women who have pain during sex (or genital pain regardless of whether they are having sex). My Master’s and Doctoral theses were focused on better understanding women with dyspareunia and vulvodynia. I can work with you on topics such as pain management techniques, understanding more about the pain and its impact on your sexual functioning and relationship, talking with your partner(s) or potential partner(s) about the pain. I can answer your questions about everything from the basic science and diagnosis to the relational and interpersonal aspects. Often, when I see women with dyspareunia I also work with a pelvic floor physiotherapist and a gynecologist. I have been working with multidisciplinary teams to treat genital pain for many years and can help you understand the benefits of each approach and of combining approaches to treatment.

Orgasm Difficulties

While men also report difficulties with orgasm, both clinical and research findings suggest this is far more often something that women struggle with, though those in heterosexual relationships tend to struggle the most, this can be a problem for women regardless of sexual orientation. For some women I see, orgasm is the ultimate goal of sex, and the inability to “achieve” an orgasm interferes with enjoyment of the entire sexual process. Not only do I work with you (and potentially your partner) to help with orgasm frequency and intensity, but I also work with you to help sex become more enjoyable and pleasurable overall, regardless of whether it finishes, or contains, an orgasm.

Low Desire/Arousal

Low desire is one of the primary reasons individuals come to my practice. I see women who report having low to no desire for sex and either they (or, more commonly, their partner) are distressed by this. I use a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and relationship therapy to address this complex issue. I look at desire and arousal from an approach that explores biology/medical, psychology, and your relationships. This means that you get an integrated and multifaceted approach, which I am able to provide as result of my background in basic science as well as psychology.