Sex therapy in Vancouver and across BC
You deserve a sex life that actually feels good
In 2019, the World Association for Sexual Health declared that sexual pleasure is a fundamental part of sexual rights, sexual health, and sexual wellbeing. At Mareel, we believe that wholeheartedly.
Sexuality is a part of life that everyone deserves to experience if they choose to. Our sexual experiences and expression are an integral part of our sense of self. And yet so much can get in the way of us experiencing pleasure, intimacy, and connection to ourselves and others.
Most of what society tells us about sexuality is neither true nor helpful. Distress over sexual expectations, trauma, functioning, and sex in relationships is hugely impactful on our lives and gets in the way of the possibilities for pleasure.
Let us help you push back at the mountain of misinformation and get more comfortable with yourself. We can help you go beyond recovery, comfort, and safety and into more sexual connection and genuine pleasure.
What is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is simply talk therapy (counselling), to explore any psychological, emotional or relational issues you might be having in the area of sexuality.
It is 100% talk based.
The areas explored can include past trauma or perhaps dissatisfaction and difficulties with your current sex life or relationship. This can include difficulties relating to functioning or physical issues.
It can also be used to explore issues that might be getting in the way of you connecting with yourself or others, such as gender identity, body image, shame, and religious trauma, among other areas.
Sex therapy can help you adapt to life changes and is a non-judgmental and private setting to consider what you might like going forward. These include changes or challenges that come with aging or menopause.
Sex therapy is also shown to be very effective at addressing pain that is associated with sex.
With our team, sex therapy will address whatever your concern is with compassion, knowledge, experience and genuine interest in you.
What will we talk about in sex therapy?
Anything at all you would like to. What we explore is always up to the client. Nothing is going to be too much or upsetting to us. We will always check in with you to make sure you are feeling as safe as possible.
Often, we talk about past experiences. We can also explore what is going on for you in any current relationship.
Much of the work is using evidence-based and research-supported information to push back at unhelpful beliefs or the societal expectations around what sex should be like, in order to find your own joyous expression of your sexuality.
We use a biopsychosocial model, which means we look at the interconnection between biology, psychology and social factors. This makes sure we see you as a whole person in the context of your life and not just a problem to be solved.
Will there be homework in sex therapy?
Only if you would like it! We have a vast amount of research and resources that we can recommend. It is up to the client as to whether or not they would like to do work in between sessions. It can be very useful. However, just having a place to freely talk about your wants and needs will also help you to make changes.
We like to tell clients that no one will get in trouble for not doing their homework. Either is wasn’t the right time, or the right homework. Together we will find something that is a better fit if you would like to try homework again.
Do I have to be partnered or in a relationship to have sex therapy?
Absolutely not! Your sexuality is yours to explore, whether or not you choose to share it with someone else.
We do not believe that sexuality celebrated in an individual way is any less valuable than sex in a relationship or with someone else. In fact, exploring and discovering more about yourself and your sexuality can be a great way to celebrate your individuality.
Often, people in relationships will come to see us on their own. Either because their partner will not come to therapy at this time, or they would like a place to explore their individual sexuality without having to care for someone else’s preferences, or feelings.
Why would I have therapy about sex?
Well, you don’t have to! We do explore many different issues with out clients.
However, our sex lives and sexuality can be a difficult area to navigate on our own. We are surrounded by sexual messaging and information that is not valuable and truthful. Much of it can be harmful when we feel we are somehow different or lacking in comparison.
Anyone can benefit from exploring these influences and finding their own unique pathway to sexual enjoyment.
We can help you shift from seeing your feelings and body as a problem to living with more joy.
It truly is worth working on, and it is never too late.
Are you all comfortable talking about sexual trauma or assault?
That is some of our favourite work to do because of the difference we can help people make in their lives through healing and reclaiming their joy.
We are all very experienced and are able to hold space for this in a calm and supportive way. Nothing you tell us will be too much.
We will work with you to form in the session in a way that feels the most comfortable for you while also still doing the work you would like.
Two of our RCC’s are in the process of becoming registered with CVAP. We are happy to walk you through the process of application and to help with connecting you with any services that you might need.
Book a Free Consultation with a Sex Therapist
Getting started with sex therapy does not have to feel like a big leap. We begin every new client relationship with a free 15-minute consultation, a relaxed, no-obligation call to introduce ourselves, hear a little about what you are looking for, and make sure we are the right fit.
You are welcome to meet more than one of our therapists before deciding, and you can switch at any time. Nothing about the process needs to be perfect. You just have to be ready to start.