Sexual Concerns Are Common. Getting Help Is Brave.
Sexual and intimacy concerns are among the most common reasons people seek therapy – and among the least talked about. Shame, embarrassment, and the mistaken belief that ‘this is just how it is’ keep many people from accessing the support they need.
At Empire Psychotherapy in Hamilton, our therapists approach sex and intimacy with clinical expertise, genuine respect, and complete confidentiality. There is no concern too awkward, too unusual, or too long-standing to address. Whatever is happening for you – or for you and your partner – there is usually a path forward.
This page focuses specifically on sexual concerns and intimacy as they relate to desire, arousal, function, and relationship satisfaction. For concerns related to gender identity and sexuality as identity, please see our Sex and Gender Identity page.
Meet Our Therapists
Our therapists approach sexual and intimacy concerns with clinical expertise and complete respect for your privacy. Find the right fit for you.
Sexual Concerns Are Treatable – and You Deserve Support
A Confidential, Expert Space to Address What You Have Been Carrying.
Sexual and intimacy concerns respond very well to therapeutic support – often better than people expect. Whether you have been struggling with this for months or years, whether you have tried to address it before or this is the first time you have reached out, our Hamilton therapists are here to help. In-person or online across Ontario. Complete confidentiality. No referral required.
Sexual and Intimacy Concerns We Address
Sexual concerns exist on a wide spectrum – from difficulties with desire, arousal, or function, to relationship intimacy concerns, to the psychological impacts of past sexual experiences. All are valid, all are treatable, and all deserve professional support.
Low Sexual Desire
One of the most common sexual concerns – the significant reduction in interest in sexual activity that causes distress for the individual or friction in a relationship. Addressed both individually and in couples therapy.
Mismatched Libidos
When partners have significantly different levels of sexual desire, it creates ongoing tension and disconnection. Couples therapy addresses the relational dynamics alongside the desire discrepancy.
Sexual Performance Anxiety
Anxiety about sexual performance – including erectile difficulties, difficulty with orgasm, or concerns about pleasing a partner – that creates a self-perpetuating cycle of anxiety and avoidance.
Sexual Pain
Painful intercourse and other forms of sexual pain have both physical and psychological components. Our therapists address the psychological dimension – including anxiety, avoidance, and the relational impact – often in coordination with medical providers.
Intimacy and Emotional Closeness
Difficulty with emotional intimacy – vulnerability, closeness, and genuine connection – that affects relationship satisfaction and often underlies sexual concerns as well.
Impact of Past Sexual Trauma
Sexual trauma significantly affects how people experience their own sexuality and intimacy. Our trauma-informed therapists address these impacts with expertise and deep respect.
You don’t have to carry this on your own.
You Don’t Have to Keep Living With This.
Sexual and intimacy concerns that go unaddressed tend to worsen over time – and to affect other areas of life and relationship. Our Hamilton therapists provide a genuinely safe, completely confidential space to begin addressing what’s getting in the way.
Our Approach to Sex and Intimacy Therapy
Sex and intimacy therapy at Empire combines clinical knowledge of sexual health and function with the relational and emotional expertise that is central to our approach. Sexual concerns are rarely just about sex – they almost always connect to emotional dynamics, communication patterns, self-esteem, relationship history, and sometimes trauma.
Our therapists work with individuals and with couples – adapting the focus depending on whether the concern is primarily individual or relational. For concerns with a physical component (such as sexual pain), we often coordinate with physicians, pelvic floor physiotherapists, or other medical providers.
What Sessions Look Like
- A completely confidential, non-judgmental space to discuss what has been difficult to say
- Clinical expertise in sexual health, function, and the psychological factors that affect them
- Both individual and couples sessions available
- Coordination with medical providers when physical factors are involved
- Practical tools and strategies for use between sessions
Approaches for Sex and Intimacy Therapy
Why Hamilton Clients Choose Empire for Sex and Intimacy Therapy
Clinical Expertise in a Difficult Area
Sexual and intimacy concerns require specific clinical knowledge and the ability to hold a non-anxious, non-judgmental therapeutic presence. Our therapists have both.
Complete Confidentiality
What is discussed in your sessions stays in your sessions. We take privacy in this area very seriously.
Individual and Couples Support
Sexual and intimacy concerns can be addressed individually or with a partner. We work in both formats – adapting to what makes the most sense for your situation.
Questions About Sex and Intimacy Therapy
Do I need to come with my partner for sex therapy?
Not necessarily. Many sexual and intimacy concerns are addressed effectively in individual therapy. Whether to involve a partner depends on the specific concern and what you want to work toward.
What does a sex therapy session actually involve?
Sex therapy at Empire involves conversation – not any kind of physical exercise or demonstration. Sessions focus on understanding your concerns, the psychological and relational factors affecting them, and developing practical strategies.
I'm embarrassed to talk about this. Will my therapist make it awkward?
Our therapists are trained to hold these conversations with ease and clinical comfort. Most clients feel significantly less uncomfortable after the first five minutes than they expected.
Can therapy help with sexual concerns that have been going on for years?
Yes. Many clients have been dealing with sexual concerns for a long time before reaching out. The duration doesn’t predict whether therapy will help.
Is a referral required?
No. You can book directly online or by calling (905) 962-2220.
Our Locations
Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Empire Psychotherapy offers accessible counselling services with flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends. We serve clients in Hamilton and across Ontario through both in-person and online therapy appointments.
Hamilton
236 Pritchard Road, Hamilton, ON
Online Therapy
Our therapists are available no matter where in Ontario you call home.
A Better Intimate Life Is Possible – and You Deserve to Have It.
Start Feeling Better.
Our Hamilton therapists provide expert, confidential, and genuinely compassionate support for sexual and intimacy concerns. Book today – no referral needed – and take the first step toward something better.
The Latest from the Blog
Psychologist, Psychotherapist, or Psychiatrist? Who’s Who in Mental Health in Ontario
There are several different types of mental health professionals in Ontario, and each has a different title and a different role. If you’re in Hamilton and exploring your options,
Read Psychologist, Psychotherapist, or Psychiatrist? Who’s Who in Mental Health in Ontario
Start Your Journey to Mental Wellness With Individual Therapy at Empire Psychotherapy
Your path toward mental well-being begins with individual therapy at Empire Psychological. Our team of compassionate therapists is committed to providing you with a supportive and
Read Start Your Journey to Mental Wellness With Individual Therapy at Empire Psychotherapy
Different Types of Anxiety & Treatment Methods
Did you know that 1 in 4 Canadians will experience at least one anxiety disorder in their lifetime? Anxiety can be a broad term for describing a disorder that causes fear and panic
Read Different Types of Anxiety & Treatment Methods