Certified Sex Therapy
Sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy that addresses concerns related to sexual health, sexual function, desire, intimacy, and identity. Sessions are entirely talk-based — there is no physical contact of any kind. At the Ottawa Centre for Relationship & Sex Therapy, all our therapists have specialized training in sex therapy. Supervision of the clinic is provided by Fiona MacDonell, an ASTO-certified sex therapist.
Who seeks sex therapy
Sex therapy is sought by individuals and couples in Ottawa and across Ontario dealing with a range of concerns. These include:
- differences in sexual desire between partners
- difficulty with arousal, orgasm, or sexual pain
- the effects of past sexual trauma on current intimacy
- sexual shame
- questions about sexual identity or orientation
- compulsive sexual behaviour
- a desire to explore kink
- communication difficulties between partners about sex
- navigating open or non-monogamous relationships
- wanting a more fulfilling relationship to sexuality
A lot of people wait a long time before reaching out — held back by shame, embarrassment, or the sense that they should be able to handle this on their own. Working with a trained sex therapist means you don’t have to. We can help you find language for what you’re experiencing, work through what’s underneath it, and figure out where to go from there. You don’t have to have it figured out before you reach out.
What sex therapy involves
Sex therapy — sometimes called sexual therapy — sessions follow the same format as other forms of psychotherapy. You will talk with your therapist about your concerns, your history, and what you are hoping to address. The therapist may suggest exercises to work on between sessions. This can include mindfulness or structured communication with a partner. Psychoeducation about sexual response and other tools may also be recommended.
The value of certified sex therapy
Certification as a sex therapist is provided in Ontario through the Association of Sex Therapists of Ontario (ASTO). ASTO certification requires specialized training, clinical supervision hours, and ongoing education well beyond general psychotherapy training. Working with a certified sex therapist means the person treating you has been specifically trained and evaluated in this area.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Sex therapy involves specialized clinical training in human sexuality that most registered therapists do not have. A certified sex therapist is trained to assess and treat sexual concerns specifically.
No. Sex therapy is conducted entirely through conversation. There is no physical examination or physical contact of any kind.
No. Many people seek sex therapy as individuals, without a partner. You do not need to be in a relationship to benefit from working with a sex therapist.
Concerns can include low or mismatched sexual desire; difficulty with arousal or orgasm; painful sex; the effects of sexual trauma; or compulsive sexual behaviour. We also work with sexual identity questions; navigating open or non-monogamous relationships; and communication difficulties between partners about sex.
All sex therapy at the Centre is delivered by registered psychotherapists. It is therefore covered by most extended health benefit plans that include registered psychotherapy. We encourage you to confirm with your provider, but coverage is available through most plans.