sex therapy for painful sex in scottsdale, AZ and online throughout AZ and Ut
When Sex Hurts, It Impacts Everything
If sex has become something you dread instead of enjoy, you’re not alone. Painful sex (also called dyspareunia) is far more common than most people realize — yet it often goes unspoken because of shame, fear, or embarrassment.
You may find yourself thinking:
“Why does my body betray me when I want to be close?”
“Am I broken because sex feels painful?”
“I avoid intimacy with my partner because I don’t want to hurt.”
“I feel guilty, anxious, and disconnected in my relationship.”
Living with painful sex can create a cycle of anxiety, avoidance, shame, and disconnection — but it doesn’t have to stay this way.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today!
Why Sex Might Be Painful
There are many reasons sex can hurt, including both physical and emotional factors. Sometimes it’s a combination of the two. Common causes include:
Pelvic floor dysfunction or vaginismus
Endometriosis or hormonal changes (menopause, postpartum, birth control)
Scar tissue or medical conditions
Sexual trauma or abuse history
Lack of arousal, lubrication, or safety in intimacy
Painful sex is not your fault — and with the right support, you can begin to heal both your body and your relationship with intimacy.
How Sex Therapy Helps With Painful Sex
As a trauma-informed, sex-positive therapist, I provide a safe and supportive space to:
Explore the emotional side of pain — working through fear, shame, and anxiety connected to intimacy
Rebuild safety in your body using EMDR to release trauma responses stored in the nervous system
Learn practical tools such as mindfulness, breathwork, and sensate focus to ease tension and create comfort
Support communication with your partner so you don’t have to suffer in silence
Coordinate care with pelvic floor therapists, OB/GYNs, or other providers if medical support is part of your healing
My goal is to help you feel safe, confident, and empowered to reconnect with your body and your partner without fear of pain.
What You Can Expect to Gain:
Through sex therapy for painful sex, you may:
Reduce or eliminate pain during intimacy
Feel more confident and relaxed with your body
Experience pleasure and desire without dread
Improve communication with your partner about intimacy
Heal shame and anxiety around sex
Rebuild closeness and connection in your relationship
Book your free consultation today!
Begin Healing From Painful Sex Today
You deserve intimacy that feels safe, pleasurable, and connecting. Pain does not have to define your relationship with sex.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward relief and healing, I’d love to meet you.
Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation
Start Sex Therapy in Scottsdale & Online Throughout Arizona & Utah
Reignite intimacy, build confidence, and embrace a fulfilling sex life with compassionate, expert guidance. At The Connection Couch in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Tucson, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Salt Lake City, Park City, and Alpine, my individualized sex therapy sessions provide a safe, judgment-free space to explore your concerns, whether you're facing challenges with desire, intimacy, shame, or past experiences. Working with a skilled sex therapist, you’ll gain the tools and understanding to create meaningful change. If you're ready to take the first step toward a healthier, more satisfying relationship with sex then I can help. Follow these steps to get started:
Schedule your first appointment for individual sex therapy
Begin your sexual healing journey with support!
Other Online Therapy Services Offered in Arizona and Utah
As a therapist, I offer more than just sex therapy for painful sex. I also specialize in individual sex therapy, working with couples through sex therapy. Additionally, I provide support for those who have experienced sexual trauma.
FAQs for painful sex therapy in scottsdale, az
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Painful sex, also called dyspareunia, refers to ongoing discomfort or pain before, during, or after sexual activity. It can stem from physical causes (like pelvic floor dysfunction or hormonal changes) or emotional causes (like trauma, shame, or anxiety). Many people experience both.
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Vaginismus is a condition where the pelvic floor muscles tighten involuntarily, making penetration painful, difficult, or sometimes impossible. This response isn’t something you can control — it’s the body’s way of protecting itself, often linked to anxiety, trauma, or fear around sex. Many people with vaginismus feel frustrated, ashamed, or “broken,” but the truth is: vaginismus is treatable.
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Yes. Sex therapy provides a safe space to address the emotional and relational aspects of pain, while collaborating with medical providers if needed. Therapy can reduce shame, rebuild safety in your body, and teach tools that make intimacy more comfortable and enjoyable.
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It’s always wise to rule out physical conditions with your OB/GYN, urologist, or pelvic floor therapist. Sex therapy can work alongside medical treatment to address the emotional, relational, and psychological effects of painful sex.
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No. Painful sex is real — it’s not imagined, and it’s not your fault. Even when emotional factors like anxiety or trauma play a role, they create genuine body responses that can cause pain. Therapy helps calm the nervous system so your body feels safe again.
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Painful sex can be caused by:
Pelvic floor dysfunction or vaginismus
Endometriosis, menopause, or postpartum changes
Scar tissue, injury, or medical conditions
Trauma, shame, or fear around sex
Lack of arousal or lubrication
Most people experience a mix of both physical and emotional factors.
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No. Sex therapy is a talk-based therapy — there are no physical exams or sexual activity in session. If you need medical support, I can refer you to trusted pelvic floor therapists or doctors. Our work focuses on healing the emotional and relational side of pain.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps release trauma stored in the body and nervous system. If past experiences (like trauma, shame, or painful medical procedures) are contributing to sexual pain, EMDR can reduce triggers and allow your body to feel safer in intimacy.
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Everyone’s journey is unique. Some clients notice improvements in a few months, while others need more time. Healing depends on factors like the cause of pain, your history, and whether medical care is also needed. We’ll move at your pace — never rushed.
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Not at all. Many individuals seek sex therapy for painful sex on their own to heal, build confidence, and prepare for future intimacy. If you have a partner, we can also include them in the process if that feels supportive.
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In our 15-minute call, you can share what’s been going on, ask questions, and learn how I work. It’s free, confidential, and no-pressure. The goal is simply to see if sex therapy feels like the right fit for you.