What is sex therapy and what does it involve?

Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that addresses sexual concerns, dysfunction, and intimacy challenges. With Dr. Reyna Aday, sessions are talk-based and trauma-informed: there is no physical contact. We use evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioral strategies, sensate-focus exercises, somatic awareness, and EMDR to address the psychological and relational roots of sexual concerns.

What issues does Dr. Reyna Aday treat in sex therapy?

Dr. Aday addresses a wide range of concerns including performance anxiety, low desire or arousal difficulties, sexual trauma and assault recovery, pain during sex, low self-esteem around intimacy, relationship and communication challenges, and the impact of complex trauma on sexual functioning.

Is sex therapy confidential?

Yes. All therapy with Dr. Reyna Aday is strictly confidential and governed by professional ethics codes and HIPAA regulations. The only exceptions are mandated reporting requirements that apply to all licensed therapists.

Do I need to come with a partner for sex therapy?

No. Many clients begin sex therapy individually. Dr. Aday works with individuals and couples. The decision to involve a partner depends on your specific concerns and goals, and is always your choice.

How does trauma affect sexual health?

Trauma, whether sexual, relational, or developmental, can profoundly affect the nervous system's sense of safety, which is foundational to sexual wellbeing. Trauma responses such as hypervigilance, dissociation, or shutdown can manifest as low desire, arousal difficulties, pain, or avoidance of intimacy. Dr. Aday's trauma-informed approach addresses these nervous system patterns directly.

Dr. Reyna Aday

Sex Therapy

I'm a certified sex therapist dedicated to helping you reclaim safety, confidence, and pleasure in your body and your relationships. Through a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, I provide a supportive space where you can explore your concerns, heal past wounds, and build lasting intimacy.

Here's How I Can Support You

Performance Anxiety

Whether it's fear of 'going blank,' rushing through sex, or feeling judged by your partner, performance anxiety can steal joy from intimacy. Together, we'll identify the thoughts and physical sensations that fuel your worries and develop grounding exercises, mindfulness techniques, and gentle exposure exercises to help you stay present and connected in the moment.

Arousal Challenges

Struggling with desire or physical arousal is more common than you might think, and it can have many roots: stress, relationship issues, hormonal shifts, or past hurts. We'll explore both mind and body factors, using education on sexual response cycles, sex-positive communication skills, and gentle sensate-focus exercises to help you rediscover what feels authentic.

Low Self-Esteem Around Intimacy

Negative self-beliefs can block connection and pleasure. Through cognitive-behavioral strategies, self-compassion practices, and body-image reframing, we'll challenge internalized messages and nurture a kinder, more accepting relationship with yourself, so you can step into intimacy from a place of self-worth.

Emotional portrait representing healing from sexual trauma

Healing Sexual Trauma and Complex Trauma for Intimacy

Sexual Assault Recovery

Sexual trauma can profoundly affect your sense of safety, trust, and pleasure. In our work, we'll move at your pace, using somatic awareness, breath-work, and trauma-focused modalities (like EMDR or parts-work) to help your nervous system feel regulated and empowered. My goal is to help you rebuild autonomy over your body and rediscover what feels good to you.

Complex Trauma and Its Impact on Sex

When trauma is chronic or relational, such as prolonged neglect, betrayal, or developmental wounds, it can affect your ability to feel safe, trust your partner, and stay present. Using an integrative blend of somatic therapy, attachment-focused work, and polyvagal exercises, we'll help you track and regulate your nervous system's responses and create new pathways for safety and connection in intimate moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sex therapy and what does it involve?: Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that addresses sexual concerns, dysfunction, and intimacy challenges. With Dr. Reyna Aday, sessions are talk-based and trauma-informed: there is no physical contact. We use evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioral strategies, sensate-focus exercises, somatic awareness, and EMDR to address the psychological and relational roots of sexual concerns.
What issues does Dr. Reyna Aday treat in sex therapy?: Dr. Aday addresses a wide range of concerns including performance anxiety, low desire or arousal difficulties, sexual trauma and assault recovery, pain during sex, low self-esteem around intimacy, relationship and communication challenges, and the impact of complex trauma on sexual functioning.
Is sex therapy confidential?: Yes. All therapy with Dr. Reyna Aday is strictly confidential and governed by professional ethics codes and HIPAA regulations. The only exceptions are mandated reporting requirements that apply to all licensed therapists.
Do I need to come with a partner for sex therapy?: No. Many clients begin sex therapy individually. Dr. Aday works with individuals and couples. The decision to involve a partner depends on your specific concerns and goals, and is always your choice.
How does trauma affect sexual health?: Trauma, whether sexual, relational, or developmental, can profoundly affect the nervous system's sense of safety, which is foundational to sexual wellbeing. Trauma responses such as hypervigilance, dissociation, or shutdown can manifest as low desire, arousal difficulties, pain, or avoidance of intimacy. Dr. Aday's trauma-informed approach addresses these nervous system patterns directly.

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Reach out to schedule an appointment and discover how we can craft a plan that meets you where you are and guides you toward greater resilience and well-being.

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