Summit Counselling Services — Specialty Area
Sex Therapy A confidential space to address what most therapists aren't trained to.
We have psychologists trained in sex therapy at our Edmonton and St. Albert offices, with virtual therapy available for anyone in Alberta. Skilled, non-judgmental support for individuals and couples — whatever brings you here.
Understanding the Approach
What is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of talk therapy focused on sexual health, intimacy, and the concerns that arise in a person's sexual life and relationships. Sessions are entirely conversational — there is no physical contact, no nudity, and no homework that makes you uncomfortable. Sex therapy is simply skilled, structured conversation about an area of life that deserves the same care as any other.
What makes sex therapy different from general counselling is the depth of training. General therapists may touch on sexual concerns, but sex therapists have dedicated clinical training in human sexuality, sexual dysfunction, and the relational dynamics that shape a person's intimate life. At Summit, our sex therapists hold their professional credentials — Registered Psychologist or Registered Social Worker — plus specialized sex therapy training.
People come to sex therapy for many reasons: a specific concern that has persisted, a shift in desire following a life event, difficulty connecting with a partner, or simply wanting to better understand themselves. There is no threshold of severity required to begin.
A note on confidentiality
- Everything discussed in session is held in strict confidence
- Your file is separate from any GP or specialist records
- You can attend individually — a partner's involvement is never required
- Sessions are available in-person and virtually across Alberta
- Billing receipts reflect psychology or counselling services only
Areas of Focus
Concerns we work with
Sex therapy addresses a wide range of concerns — from specific physical difficulties to relational disconnection and questions of identity. You don't need a diagnosis to begin.
Low or Mismatched Desire
One of the most common concerns in sex therapy. Whether desire has decreased over time, was never particularly high, or differs significantly between partners, this is addressable — and does not require you to fit someone else's idea of normal.
Sexual Pain
Vaginismus, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, and related conditions have strong psychological components that respond well to sex therapy. We often work in coordination with pelvic floor physiotherapists and gynecologists.
Erectile Dysfunction
Performance anxiety, relationship stress, and psychological factors contribute significantly to erectile concerns — even when a physical component is present. Therapy addresses the anxiety cycle and restores confidence and connection.
Orgasm Difficulties
Primary or secondary anorgasmia, difficulty reaching orgasm with a partner, or disconnect between arousal and pleasure are all areas that respond meaningfully to sex therapy and psychoeducation.
Relationship Issues & Couples Counselling
Communication difficulties, conflict, trust repair, and the gradual drift that happens in long-term partnerships. Sex therapy addresses the full relational landscape of intimacy alongside couples counselling work.
Boundaries & Communication
Learning to talk about needs, desires, and limits — with a partner or within yourself. Clear, honest communication is foundational to sexual wellbeing and relationship satisfaction.
Sexual Self-Esteem & Confidence
Shame, fear, and negative beliefs about one's body or sexuality are among the most common barriers to a fulfilling intimate life. Sex therapy addresses these with skill and without judgment.
Ethical Non-Monogamy
Support for people navigating open relationships, polyamory, or other relationship structures — including communication, jealousy, agreements, and relationship design. All relationship styles are welcome here.
Communicating Relationship Style Preferences
Coming out to a partner about your relationship style preferences, exploring what you want, or navigating a transition from one structure to another. This is complex territory that deserves skilled support.
Teen Sexual Health
Developmentally appropriate support for adolescents navigating questions about sexuality, relationships, identity, and sexual health. Sessions are confidential, non-judgmental, and age-sensitive.
Reconnecting After Life Changes
Postpartum changes, menopause, illness, or other major life events can shift the sexual landscape of a relationship. Sex therapy helps couples and individuals reconnect without the expectation of returning to a previous normal.
Shame & Fear Around Sex
Religious upbringing, cultural messaging, past experiences, or internalized stigma can create deep shame around sexuality. Sex therapy offers a non-judgmental space to untangle this — at your pace, on your terms.
How We Help
What makes sex therapy at Summit different
Sex therapists are licensed professionals with specialized training in human sexuality and relationship dynamics. Here is what you can expect when you work with one of ours.
Professional Expertise
Sex therapists are licensed professionals with specialized training in human sexuality and relationship dynamics. At Summit, this means a base credential — Registered Psychologist or Registered Social Worker — plus dedicated sex therapy training. They bring real expertise to help you navigate complex sexual and emotional concerns, not just general therapeutic goodwill.
Non-Judgmental Environment
Our psychologists provide a judgment-free space for you to discuss your most sensitive concerns. This is not a space where you need to justify your desires, your relationship structure, your identity, or your history. You are welcome here as you are. This kind of environment is what makes it possible to actually talk honestly — and talking honestly is where change begins.
Customized Treatment
Sex therapists tailor treatment to each client's unique needs, concerns, and goals. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and there is no idea of normal you are expected to arrive at. Your therapist will work with you to define what success looks like — and then help you move toward it.
Confidentiality
Privacy is paramount in sex therapy. All sessions are strictly confidential — your file is separate from any GP or specialist records, and billing receipts reflect psychology or counselling services only. Your therapist will discuss the specific limits of confidentiality with you at the start of treatment, as required by their college.
How We Work
The therapeutic frameworks behind sex therapy at Summit
Our sex therapists draw on evidence-based modalities suited to the complexity of sexual and relational concerns.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
EFT addresses the attachment patterns and emotional cycles that drive relational disconnection. It is one of the most robustly researched couples therapy approaches and is particularly effective when intimacy concerns are rooted in emotional distance or insecure attachment.
Cognitive Behavioural Approaches
Unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and patterns around sex often maintain the very difficulties people are struggling with. CBT-informed sex therapy identifies and restructures these patterns — including performance anxiety cycles, shame-based beliefs, and avoidance.
Somatic & Trauma-Informed Work
Sexual concerns — especially those connected to trauma — are often held in the body as much as in the mind. Somatic approaches track and work with the physical experience of safety, arousal, and connection, restoring a sense of agency and presence.
Psychoeducation & Skills-Based Work
Accurate, shame-free information about anatomy, arousal, desire, and sexual response is itself therapeutic. Many people have never had access to this kind of education. Skills-based approaches — including sensate focus and communication skills — build capacity directly.
Starting the Work
What to expect when you begin sex therapy
Your first session will feel like therapy — because it is. There is no pressure to share more than you're ready to, and your therapist will move at your pace. Here is how most people experience the process.
Free Phone Consultation
A 15-minute call to talk through what brings you in, answer questions about our approach, and confirm the right therapist fit. There is no commitment, no pressure, and nothing you need to prepare. Most people find it easier than they expected.
Initial Assessment (1–2 Sessions)
Your therapist will gather a full picture — history, relationships, what you've already tried, what matters most to you. For couples, initial sessions often include both a joint meeting and individual time with each partner. This assessment shapes the entire treatment plan.
Collaborative Goal Setting
You and your therapist agree on what success looks like — which may shift as you go. Goals in sex therapy are always yours to define. Your therapist's job is to help you move toward them with skill and honesty, not to tell you what normal should look like.
Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Most sex therapy runs 8–20 sessions, depending on the complexity of the concern. Sessions are typically 50 minutes, weekly or biweekly. Between sessions, your therapist may suggest reflection exercises, reading, or specific communication practices — never anything you haven't agreed to.
Our Specialists
Therapists trained in sex therapy
The clinicians below have specialized training in sex therapy and human sexuality. Use the Find Your Fit tool to explore further, or book a free consultation to talk through the right match.
Common Questions
Sex therapy — your questions answered
Related Support
Other areas we work with
Ready to talk to someone who gets it?
Your first phone consultation is free and completely without pressure. We'll talk about where you are, what you're looking for, and whether one of our sex therapists is the right fit.
We acknowledge that our practice is located in Treaty 6 territory, on the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and Nakota Sioux Peoples. We recognize that healing and reconciliation is a responsibility shared by all and are proud to partner with organizations that help Indigenous community members access culturally safe mental health care.
Summit Counselling Services is a counselling practice operating our of Edmonton and St. Albert. We provide clinical services to children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families. We have a talented team of Edmonton psychologists, therapists and counsellors with a wide range of specializations and trainings at Summit Counselling Services who would be honoured to walk beside you on your journey. At Summit, we believe in therapy your way. Our goal is to customize your psychotherapy and counselling sessions to best suit your needs. We believe in the differences and unique perspectives each person brings to therapy and incorporate these into our work with you.