As a counsellor who practices sex therapy, and couples therapy counseling it is apparent to me that intimacy is a powerful force. Intimacy issues often serve as a mirror that reflect the strengths and vulnerabilities in our relationships. You might be asking yourself “how to know when to end a relationship” or “is low libido in relationships normal?”
As a sex therapist who specializes in low libido, low sex drive, intimacy issues, and therapy for relationship issues, I’ve dedicated years to understanding the complex dynamics that influence our ability to connect deeply with others. Low libido is one of the most common sex therapy Vancouver concerns among heterosexual couples, but low sexual desire or intimacy issues are often just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, intimacy therapy can reveal the areas of opportunity for growth and healing in our partnerships.
Understanding Intimacy Injuries
Intimacy injuries are the invisible wounds that form when our attempts at connection are met with misunderstanding, rejection, or disconnection. These injuries often led us to ask questions such as “should we break up?” Over time, these wounds can create barriers that prevent us from fully experiencing the closeness and connection we desire causing intimacy issues and our relationships to be sexually challenged.
My work in couples therapy Vancouver involves walking alongside individuals, couples, families, poly-pods, and non-monogamous partnerships as they navigate these intimacy issues. Through this journey, I help my clients identify the barriers that stand in the way of intimate connection and guide them in communicating these obstacles to their partners or themselves. This process is not always easy, but it is essential for building stronger, more authentic relationships.
The Importance of Body Awareness
Our bodies are constantly providing us with feedback, sending signals that indicate whether we feel safe, loved, and connected—or not. Sexual counseling is one of the many channels through which these signals are communicated. By developing a deeper awareness of our body’s responses, we can better understand our needs and advocate for ourselves in our relationships.
This awareness is especially important when it comes to recognizing and communicating our nervous system triggers. These triggers can often manifest as feelings of low libido, discomfort, anxiety, or even panic in response to certain situations or interactions. By learning to identify and articulate these triggers through sex therapy Vancouver, we can help our loved ones understand our experiences and respond in ways that support our emotional well-being.
Tools for Healing and Growth
In my couples therapy counseling, I use a variety of therapeutic approaches to support my clients on their journey in healing intimacy issues and sex challenges. Mindfulness, yoga, somatic healing, narrative therapy, emotionally focused therapy, ACT, and sex therapy Vancouver are all powerful tools that can help individuals and couples discover their most authentic relationship with intimacy.
Mindfulness and yoga, for example, can help us develop a deeper connection with our bodies and cultivate a sense of presence in our relationships. Somatic healing allows us to release stored tension and trauma, creating space for new experiences of intimacy. Narrative therapy helps us reframe our stories and recognize the patterns that may be holding us back. Emotionally focused therapy and ACT offer practical strategies for building trust, communicating effectively, and fostering emotional resilience.
Embracing Love and Pleasure
At the heart of my work is a deep passion for love, pleasure, and connection. I believe that everyone deserves to experience the fullness of these experiences in their lives. Whether it’s cultivating confidence, overcoming body image issues, or navigating the complexities of non-monogamous relationships, my goal is to support my clients in discovering what brings them true joy and fulfillment.
Intimacy is not just about physical closeness; it’s about feeling seen, heard, and valued by those we love. It’s about creating relationships that are rooted in trust, respect, and mutual understanding. By exploring the pathways of intimacy, we can unlock new levels of connection and relational contentment, leading to richer, more fulfilling lives.
Conclusion
Intimacy is a journey, one that requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to explore the depths of our emotional and physical selves. Whether you’re struggling with low desire, navigating the challenges of a non-traditional relationship, or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself or your partner, know that you don’t have to walk this path alone. Together, we can explore the barriers to intimacy, develop the skills to overcome them, and create a relationship that truly reflects your most authentic self.
Love is a powerful force, and when we tap into its potential, we open the door to a world of endless possibilities.
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Sara is a counsellor that practices from and for the heart. She works with singles and couples from a holistic perspective—integrating the somatic, cognitive and spiritual realms. She specializes in sex therapy and low sexual desire.
