Sex Therapy
Many of us are in this relentless pursuit of “normal.”
A normal partner, a normal relationship, a normal sex life. But what is “normal,” anyway?
When it comes to emotional and physical intimacy, there is no standard to follow. There is only trust, respect, and discovering what works for you (and your significant other, if that’s the case).
And while many of us expect everything to follow the fairy-tale script of romance—perfect love and lovemaking—reality tends to be quite different.
You might have met your “match made in heaven,” but things feel awkward in the bedroom. Maybe the passion in your committed relationship has died down over the years, and you have no idea how to bring it back. Or perhaps you haven’t let yourself explore your own sexuality out of shame or fear.
You might have pulled out all the stops already: tried dating apps, bought sex toys, confided in your friends, watched adult films (for educational and recreational purposes)... But somehow, you found yourself here—feeling detached from yourself and others, wanting to feel whole and enjoy your sexual being.
We are all deserving of love, connection, and pleasure. We have unique quirks and kinks, and we don’t have to hide or run away from them—even if society says otherwise.
Instead of searching or settling for “normal,” let’s embrace our genuine sexual selves!
My name is Ioana Avery. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist helping teens, adults, and couples in Katy, Texas, and its surroundings—Houston, Sugarland, and beyond. My goal is to support you to overcome challenges and discover your most authentic self so you can truly savor your life!
I was born and raised in Romania. I found psychology to be my most treasured resource in an environment filled with trauma and violence. Leaving that behind and traveling worldwide gave me the chance to learn from various cultures and taught me to appreciate how unique and special we are. I’m here to honor your needs without shame or judgment.
Together, we’ll address whatever is holding you back from experiencing your sexuality!
If you are interested in sex therapy, I can help.
Contact me or call me at 832.669.3448 to get started!
What Is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a treatment focused on navigating challenges related to gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual activity, and sexual trauma.
Sex therapy involves working with a mental health professional with evidence-based knowledge and specialized training. Sex therapy does not entail having any form of sexual interaction with your therapist or having sex in therapy. Let’s make that abundantly clear!
The goal of sex therapy is to understand and address the emotional and psychological complexity of your sexuality.
Benefits of Sex Therapy
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Raising curiosity and gaining insight into sex
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Reframing fear, stigma, or shame about sex
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Discovering and accepting your identity and sexual preferences
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Feeling empowered and in control of your desires
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Learning how to communicate your sexual wants and needs
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Improving passion, intimacy, and sexual performance
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Uncovering and addressing sexual trauma
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Healing from sexual pain
Should I Try Sex Therapy?
You have read this far, so you have probably asked yourself this question. The thing is, I don’t believe in “shoulds.” You don’t “have to” do X, Y, or Z, and frankly, therapy only works if we both want to be here and put in the effort.
The difference between sex therapy and other self-help remedies out there is that you will be working with a licensed professional who provides effective recommendations to help you. We are talking about science-backed tools, not assumptions or unfounded claims.
If you are going through these or similar sexual challenges, consider seeing a sex therapist:
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Fear or anxiety about sexual activity
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Difficulties with gender identity or sexual orientation
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Desire discrepancies or lack of passion
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Trouble with arousal or reaching orgasms
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Issues with sexual performance or dissatisfaction
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Problems related to kinks, fetishes, or porn use
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Out of control sexual behavior
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Sexual pain, abuse, or trauma
Like traditional counseling, sex therapy can benefit you even if you are not struggling with a particular problem. This form of psychotherapy is an excellent way to explore yourself, your passions, and your desires.
As your therapist, I’m here to support you in an open, honest, and practical way. I want to empower you to be unapologetically YOU so you can love yourself and others.
How Does Sex Therapy Work?
Sex therapy is all about helping you reach sexual well-being. I will guide you to discover your sexual self (your needs and fantasies), so you can communicate them and establish attainable goals.
As we examine the corners of your sexuality, we will begin to identify what works and doesn’t work for you. We will navigate fears, shame, discomfort, and any other unhelpful thoughts or behaviors that may be interfering with your sexual health.
I will provide specific resources and exercises for you to explore different forms of sexual expression. You will be able to strengthen your connection to yourself and your sexual partner(s).
Together, we can also peel off the layers of unresolved sexual trauma to help you heal past wounds and pave your way forward.
Sex Therapy at Blooming Relationships Counseling
At Blooming Relationships Counseling, I strive to support teens, adults, seniors, and couples so they can grow and succeed.
I provide various therapy services to Katy, Houston, Sugarland, and all around Texas through telehealth. This includes sex therapy, couple therapy, trauma therapy, therapy for men’s issues, and more.
My experience involves a broad range of therapeutic approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, Pragmatic/Experiential Therapy for Couples (PET-C), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), among others.
I leverage my years of training to help you with sexual issues such as desire discrepancies, erectile dysfunction, orgasm difficulties, unhealthy sexual habits, body image concerns, and many more.
I consider myself a “sex-positive” therapist because I recognize the importance of sexual health in our lives. I respect your unique story, and I’m looking forward to learning from you as we embark on this journey.
Interested? Let’s Talk!
If you want to give sex therapy a chance, I’m here for you.
Whether you want to learn about your sexuality, feel empowered and loved, or find ways to have an exhilarating sex life, I can help.
You don’t have to settle for anything less than a thrilling ride.
Call me at 832.669.3448 or contact me to book a sex therapy session today!