Do I need sex therapy or coaching?

Sex therapy is a form of therapy that addresses sexual issues caused by biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Treatment can include behavior modification, skill building, sex education, self-discovery, and personal growth. Not all sexual concerns require long-term therapy. Sex coaching is a short-term, solution-focused modality for individuals and couples. It can function as an alternative or complement to sex therapy.

Dr. Shannon Chavez is a Licensed Psychologist, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and a Certified Sex and Relationship Coach. She will craft a personalized plan with you based on your initial assessment and goals.

How is Sex Coaching different from Sex Therapy?

Sex coaching focuses on a current concern and facilitates education and learning skills to enhance sexual satisfaction. Clients will set specific goals and work toward meeting those goals each session. Sex coaching is short-term and integrates different aspects of learning and sexual self-awareness.

Sex therapy looks in-depth at relationship patterns, early sexual conditioning, and attachment styles, including unconscious conflicts that impact sexuality. Sex therapy also addresses general mental health concerns and trauma.

Dr. Chavez will utilize tools for improving communication, mindfulness, skill building around intimacy, and home assignments to do alone or with a partner.

She often incorporates resources for reading, writing, and using media to help enhance your sex therapy and coaching experience.

Couples Therapy and Coaching

Couples work focuses on concerns that arise in all aspects of the relationship – not just sex. It is an opportunity to address sexual problems and explore areas where you want to experience growth.

Both therapy and coaching utilize intimacy and communication skill-building.

Couples work can be a great way to build dialogue skills and learn mindfulness tools while building a home practice that can enhance intimacy and connection.

Common concerns of couples include:

• Uneven sexual desire
• Lack of communication around sex and intimacy
• Painful intercourse
• Coping with mental or physical health concerns of partner
• Coping with cancer recovery
• Sexless marriage
• Lack of adult sex education
• Resentment
• Differences in values and beliefs around sexuality
• Partner’s sexual dysfunction
• Body image concerns
• Depression and anxiety
• Addiction
• Trauma
• Stress and time management

Premarital Coaching

Getting married? Congratulations! Preparing to commit your life to someone you love is an exciting time, filled with anticipation and expectations.

A healthy, fulfilling sex life can form the basis of a very successful marriage; whereas an unfulfilling sex life can lead to a very unhappy (even failed) marriage. As you plan your life together, don’t neglect this very important topic.

• Have you discussed your partner’s expectations for sex?
• Do you have difficulty discussing sex and conveying your needs?
• Did you know that your – and your partner’s – sexual needs will change over time?

Dr. Chavez’ Premarital Coaching is designed to educate engaged or newly married couples and equip them with the skills and tools they need to build lasting, fulfilling relationships.

The premarital coaching program is a comfortable and safe environment where couples receive information, ask vulnerable questions, become educated about their bodies, learn how sex works, and skills to build a lasting partnership.