Sex Therapy Services in Albuquerque, NM
At Albuquerque Family Counseling, our experienced and highly trained sex therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based sex therapy to help individuals and couples overcome sexual dysfunction and restore sexual intimacy. As licensed mental health professionals specializing in sexual health, we offer personalized talk therapy approaches that address sexual concerns with professionalism and empathy.
What Is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals and couples address sexual problems and enhance sexual satisfaction. Our sex therapists create a safe, confidential environment where clients can openly discuss sexual issues without judgment. Through structured therapy sessions, we help clients overcome barriers to sexual health and develop fulfilling intimate relationships.
Unlike general counseling, sex therapy specifically focuses on sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low libido, and difficulties with sexual desire. Our approach combines evidence-based techniques with personalized care, ensuring each client receives treatment tailored to their unique sexual concerns and relationship dynamics.
Sexual Issues We Treat
Erectile Dysfunction
Our sex therapists help men and their partners address erectile dysfunction through comprehensive treatment addressing both psychological factors and relationship dynamics. Performance anxiety often accompanies erectile dysfunction, creating cycles of fear that our specialized talk therapy helps break. We teach evidence-based techniques for managing anxiety while partners learn supportive responses that enhance emotional and physical intimacy.
Low Libido and Sexual Desire Issues
Our sex therapists explore factors contributing to decreased sexual desire, including stress, relationship issues, and life transitions. We help individuals and couples identify barriers to sexual intimacy and develop strategies for rekindling interest in sexual activity. For couples with mismatched libidos, we facilitate compassionate discussions about needs and expectations.
Premature Ejaculation
We provide effective sex therapy for premature ejaculation, combining behavioral techniques with anxiety management strategies. Through therapy sessions, clients learn specific exercises to improve control while addressing underlying performance anxiety that often contributes to sexual problems.
Sexual Trauma
When sexual problems stem from past trauma, our therapists utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients process traumatic memories affecting current sexual relationships. Sexual trauma can profoundly impact sexual health, and we provide specialized support for healing and rebuilding trust.
Intimacy Issues
We address both emotional intimacy and physical intimacy concerns that affect sexual relationships. Our sex therapists help couples rebuild connection through sensate focus exercises and communication skills training, fostering deeper emotional bonds that enhance sexual satisfaction.
Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety creates significant barriers to sexual satisfaction. Our sex therapy approach helps clients understand how anxiety affects the sexual response cycle and develop practical strategies for managing anxiety during sexual encounters. Through mindfulness practices and cognitive techniques, many individuals overcome performance anxiety and rediscover sexual pleasure.
Our Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy forms a cornerstone of our sex therapy practice. This evidence-based approach helps identify and modify negative thought patterns interfering with sexual satisfaction. Through CBT, clients experiencing sexual dysfunction learn to challenge unhelpful beliefs and develop healthier perspectives about sexual performance and body image issues.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
For couples experiencing sexual difficulties, we utilize the Gottman Method to strengthen emotional and physical intimacy. This approach provides couples communication techniques specifically designed for discussing sensitive sexual topics. Partners learn to express sexual desires respectfully, manage conflict constructively, and maintain healthy sex lives through relationship transitions.
EMDR for Trauma
Our sex therapists are trained in EMDR, helping clients process sexual trauma that impacts current relationships. This specialized approach reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, allowing for healthier sexual experiences and restored sexual health.
Solution-Focused Therapy
We employ Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients identify achievable goals and pathways to improved sexual satisfaction. Rather than extensively analyzing problems, this approach focuses on solutions, helping many couples experience rapid improvements in their sex lives.
Parts Work
Through Parts Work, we help clients understand internal conflicts around sexuality. This approach reveals how protective parts may block intimacy while helping clients develop compassion for all aspects of themselves, ultimately improving sexual relationships.
Specialized Techniques
Sensate Focus Exercises
Sensate focus exercises are fundamental tools in our sex therapy practice. These structured exercises remove performance pressure, allowing couples to explore physical connection without goals or expectations. Beginning with simple touch, couples gradually progress toward more intimate physical contact, rebuilding sexual intimacy while managing anxiety.
Communication Skills Training
Effective communication about sexual concerns forms the foundation of healthy relationships. During therapy sessions, we teach specific techniques for discussing sexual desires, boundaries, and needs. These skills extend beyond sexual topics, improving overall relationship satisfaction.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
We incorporate mindfulness practices to help clients stay present during intimate moments. These techniques reduce anxiety, enhance awareness, and deepen connection between partners, leading to improved sexual experiences.
Who We Help
Couples Married Over Five Years
Long-term couples often experience changes in their sex lives requiring professional support. We help these couples understand that while passion naturally evolves, sexual satisfaction can continue growing. Our sex therapists explore factors affecting sexual desire and develop strategies for maintaining excitement within established relationships.
We also specialize in helping couples who are trying to figure out their sexual styles and preferences. Through sex therapy, partners explore their individual desires, discover compatibility, and learn to communicate about different sexual needs. We guide couples in understanding that varying sexual styles can complement each other, creating opportunities for growth and deeper sexual intimacy when approached with openness and respect.
New Parents
The transition to parenthood dramatically affects sexual relationships. We help new parents navigate changes in sexual desire, physical recovery, and relationship dynamics while providing practical strategies for maintaining emotional and physical intimacy despite exhaustion and new responsibilities.
Empty Nesters
When children leave home, couples face opportunities to revitalize their sex lives. Our sex therapists help empty nesters explore new dimensions of sexual intimacy, facilitating conversations about desires that may have been suppressed during child-rearing years.
Individuals
We also work with individuals addressing personal sexual concerns, including those dealing with sexual dysfunction, past trauma, or anxiety about sexual relationships. Individual sex therapy provides a safe space for personal exploration and healing.
Why Choose Albuquerque Family Counseling
As an award-winning practice serving Albuquerque for years, we've built our reputation on providing compassionate, effective sex therapy. Our locally owned practice understands the unique needs of New Mexico residents, offering culturally sensitive care in a professional environment.
Our licensed mental health professionals bring specialized training in human sexuality and extensive experience helping clients overcome sexual challenges. We maintain strict confidentiality while creating safe spaces for vulnerable discussions about sexual health.
We make accessing care simple through our user-friendly client portal and straightforward intake process. Once treatment begins, our office follows up to ensure services are accessible and that we've made the right therapeutic match for your needs.
What to Expect
Your journey with sex therapy begins with an initial assessment where we understand your specific sexual concerns and goals. Our sex therapists work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan addressing your unique needs.
Therapy sessions typically involve discussion, education about sexual health, and practical exercises to practice between appointments. Many clients benefit from homework assignments including sensate focus exercises, communication practices, and mindfulness techniques that reinforce therapeutic progress.
We focus on sustainable change rather than quick fixes, helping you develop skills and insights for long-term sexual health. The tools gained during sex therapy serve clients throughout their lives, supporting healthy sexual relationships through various life transitions.
Take the First Step
Sexual health is essential to overall well-being and relationship satisfaction. Whether you're experiencing sexual dysfunction, navigating life transitions, or seeking to enhance your sexual relationship, professional sex therapy can help.
Our experienced sex therapists provide the expertise and support needed for meaningful change. We believe everyone deserves fulfilling sexual relationships and the opportunity to address sexual concerns in a professional, supportive environment.
If you're ready to address sexual issues and improve your sexual health, contact Albuquerque Family Counseling today. Learn more about our sex therapy services and take the first step toward enhanced sexual satisfaction and relationship wellness. Your journey toward renewed sexual intimacy begins with a single conversation, and we're honored to support you on this important path.