For people in couples therapy
When sex is the hardest thing to talk about
Couples therapy works on the relationship. Individual sex therapy gives you space to work on your own sexual concerns, alongside it.
This is the printed handout, word for word. Print or download it at the end of the page.
Does any of this sound familiar?
- “We keep circling the same fight about sex.”
- “I want sex more, or less, than my partner does, and it feels like my fault.”
- “I’m not sure what I actually want, sexually.”
- “Something from my past comes up when we’re intimate.”
- “It’s hard to say this in front of my partner.”
- “My body isn’t responding the way I’d like, and I feel embarrassed.”
- “I feel pressure to want sex a certain way.”
- “I’m figuring out my identity, kinks, or the relationship I want.”
Desire doesn’t always come first
Desire differences are among the most common things couples face. For many people, desire shows up in response to closeness or touch, not out of the blue.
How individual sex therapy can help, alongside your couples work
Desire
Understand your own desire
Learn how your desire works, what helps it, and what gets in the way, without having to defend it in the moment.
Safety
Work through what’s hard
Explore shame, past experiences, or body concerns at your own pace, in a space that’s just yours.
Identity
Get clear on what you want
Explore identity, fantasies, kinks, or relationship structure without judgment.
Connection
Bring it back to the couple
Find words for what you’ve learned so it’s easier to talk about in couples sessions. A partner can join some sessions, coordinated with your couples therapist.
What sex therapy is
Sex therapy is talk therapy about sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. There is no touch, no exam, and nothing physical happens in sessions.
Your couples therapy still matters
Individual sex therapy doesn’t replace couples therapy. With your permission, I coordinate with your couples therapist. Our sessions are confidential; if there’s something you haven’t told your partner, I help you decide whether and how to share it yourself.
Getting started
Request a free 15-minute consult at JosephMaronLPC.com or call 215-804-9315.
Telehealth for adults in Pennsylvania. Private pay; superbills provided for out-of-network reimbursement.
I’m Joseph Maron, MS, LPC, a sex therapist. I work with adults on sexuality, relationships, identity, and ADHD.
Joe Maron Therapy · PA License PC017785 · Doctoral student in human sexuality, Widener University · Certificate in Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities · ADHD-CCSP · LGBTQ+ affirming care
Print this handout
For your clinician: the matching provider sheet.