Sex, Sexuality & Gender Counselling
Individual therapy
Sex forms an focal point of many powerful forces in human life. So while we can surf the net and get any amount of information on virtually any aspect of sexuality the topics of sex and intimacy continue to be a difficult for many to make sense of. Therapy offers a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space to talk about any troubling aspect of sex, sexuality or gender identity.
Sex in relationships
Many people in relationship experience sexual issues at some point in their lives. Sometimes these are best resolved in individual therapy, sometimes as a couple, sometimes a a combination of both. It is not uncommon for couples to come in together for a few sessions then one or both partners decide to do some individual work. More common relationship issues include:
- Unsatisfying sex lives
- Impotence or loss of sexual desire
- Different sex drives
- Affairs & infidelity
- Fear of intimacy or commitment
- Changes after birth of children
Sexuality & gender
While attitudes to sexuality and gender identity have changed considerably over the past few decades exploring this can still be a confusing process. This can be especially difficult for those who discover their sexuality or gender identity later in life, when they are in a relationship or have been brought up with particular family, religious or cultural beliefs.
What is important is finding a therapist who will accept you just as you are: curious, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, takatapui, fa'afafine, male, female, transgender, transsexual. A therapist who provides a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Who, if you choose to come out, will support you on your journey.
Sex addiction
Sexual addiction is best described by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Sex and the thought of sex tend to dominate the sex addict's thinking, making it difficult to work or engage in healthy personal relationships. This may be accompanied much guilt and shame.
Sexual addiction is associated with risk-taking: a person with a sex addiction engages in various forms of sexual activity, despite the potential for negative and/or dangerous consequences. In addition to damaging the addict's relationships and interfering with his or her work and social life, a sexual addiction also puts themselves at risk for emotional and physical injury.
Find a Therapist
Therapy offers an accepting non-judgemental space to explore thoughts and feelings and find acceptance and resolution on these complex issues for both individuals and couples. All our therapists address sex, sexuality and intimacy concerns and most offer couples counselling.
| Individual & Couples | Auckland Therapists |
| Specialist Sex Therapist | Kathryn Barriball (Ponsonby) |
| Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity | David Thomson (Ponsonby) |
| Liadan Cotter (Mt Albert) | |
| ACC Sexual Abuse Counselling | ACC Sexual Abuse Counsellors |