Sex Therapy for Couples
Dr. Elvina Lui, PhD., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Sex therapy can improve the quality of your sexual relationship. Some couples are held back by sexual dysfunction. Some couples are unable to resume their sex life after pregnancy and giving birth. Over the course of a long-term relationship, there are so many things that can get in the way of the sexual connection. Professional sex therapy can help couples overcome these obstacles.
After a few years of working as a couples therapist, I realized I needed more training in sex therapy because intimacy problems are so common. First, I became a certified sex therapist, and I later pursued my Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology.
Some people are uncomfortable talking about sex, possibly due to being modest or private, and that just makes it harder for couples to openly talk about their sexual connection. Some people associate sex with feelings of shame, guilt, inadequacy, or that it is "dirty". As a sex therapist, I will help you and your partner become more comfortable with open and honest discussions to build a sexual partnership.
If you are not ready for a phone call, you can also text me questions.
Questions About Sex Therapy
Does sex therapy involve sexual acts in the therapy office? Does the therapist coach us while she watches?
Sex therapy with Dr. Elvina does not involve sexual acts while in the office and she does not do live coaching. Sex therapy is an extention of talk therapy, but focused on the topic of sex. When appropriate, Dr. Elvina will talk about sexual acts and will give sugguestions and instructions for the couple to do at home. The couple might be asked to describe their sexual interactions, and it is up to the couple how much or how little they want to describe things.
What kinds of sexual problems and dysfunctions does Dr. Elvina address?
Sex therapy can address a range of sexual challenges that couples face:
Determine if the dysfunction has a medical cause, and make referrals for medical care
Mismatch of sex drive where one partner has a higher libido and the other has lower libido
Erectile dysfunction
Performance anxiety that interferes with sustaining arousal and/or achieving orgasm
Premature ejaculation
Dyspareunia, pain during or after intercourse
Vaginismus, an involuntary tightening or spasm of the pelvic floor muscles that prevent penetration
Sexual aversion or painful intercourse caused by sexual trauma
Internalized shame and guilt about sex, thinking that sex is perverse, "dirty" or "wrong"
Negative body image issues, not feeling attractive
Rebuilding sexual trust and intimacy after infidelity
Returning to sex after a long pause caused by major surgery, giving birth, or other significant life events that disrupted your sex life
Adapting sex to aging and going through hormonal changes
Fall in Love Again and Live Happily Ever After
Life is too short. Don't settle for a mediocre relationship. Get professional help now, it will benefit you for the rest of your life.
elvinalui@gmail.com | 16 N Marengo Ave, Suite 217, Pasadena, CA 91101 | (626)464-1651