Intimacy Therapy: Rebuild Connection, Closeness, and Sexual Wellness
Intimacy therapy is all about helping individuals and couples build stronger emotional and physical connections.
If you’ve ever felt like something’s missing in your relationship—”maybe there’s less affection”, “mismatched desires”, or “trust issues “. It’s important to know that many couples encounter these issues. An article from The National Institute on Aging highlights that “a significant number of adults face sexual challenges at some point,” underscoring how common these experiences are among older adults.
At Empathy Health Clinic, we know topics about sex or intimacy can feel overwhelming or even awkward to talk about. But here’s the thing: intimacy is so much more than just physical connection. It’s about trust, vulnerability, and truly understanding each other’s needs.
That’s why our sexuality & intimacy wellness therapists are here to offer a safe and supportive space. You can openly discuss things like emotional closeness, physical touch, and sexual satisfaction. All of this happens without fear of judgment.
Remember intimacy is something that can flourish. It just takes time, effort, and the right support. And we’re here to help every step of the way.
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Discover what our clients are saying about their experiences with our Therapy Services. Their stories highlight the positive impact we’ve made on their journey towards better mental health and well-being.
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What's The Real Meaning of Intimacy?
When we hear “intimacy,” many of us think of physical intimacy or sex. While physical intimacy is certainly a part of it, the meaning of intimacy goes much deeper. At its core, intimacy is about genuine connection—feeling seen, heard, and accepted by another person.
Intimacy encompasses several dimensions:
- Emotional Intimacy: Emotional connection lays the foundation for sexual wellness. Sharing your feelings, vulnerabilities, and innermost thoughts with someone you trust. It’s about creating a safe space where you can be your authentic self.
- Physical Intimacy: Physical touch like hugging, kissing, and sexual activity. It’s about expressing affection and closeness through physical means.
- Intellectual Intimacy: Sharing ideas, beliefs, and values with someone. Engaging in open conversations about desires, fantasies, and values can deepen your understanding of each other, leading to a more satisfying and aligned sexual connection.
- Experiential Intimacy: Sharing experiences and creating memories together. Building new and exciting experiences together—both inside and outside the bedroom—can reignite passion and strengthen your bond, enhancing sexual wellness.
By exploring these interconnected areas, we can build stronger, more fulfilling relationships and develop a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Learn About Therapy
What is Intimacy Therapy?
A happy sex life is an important part of a healthy relationship. Studies show that people who have regular physical and emotional intimacy are often happier. But having a good intimate life is about more than just how often couples are together.
Things like low interest in sex, sexual problems, low confidence, trouble reaching orgasm, and other struggles can cause stress even in happy relationships. This is where intimacy therapy, also called sex therapy, can help. It’s for both partners and individuals and focuses on solving these issues to build stronger connections and better satisfaction in relationships.
Sex Intimacy therapy also goes beyond addressing problems. It also helps individuals and couples explore sexual self-discovery, enhance intimacy, and promote overall wellness. This means knowing what you want, talking better about your feelings and needs, and building a stronger connection with yourself and your partner.
How Does Couples Intimacy Therapy Work?
Couples intimacy therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to help partners overcome relationship challenges by exploring their fears, anxieties, emotions, and shared experiences. Through guided discussions, couples team up with a therapist to identify barriers and develop practical strategies. The goal is to enhance communication, build stronger emotional bonds, and cultivate a more satisfying and fulfilling intimate relationship.
Unlike what movies might show, intimacy therapy is not about open relationships or sharing private details you’re not comfortable with. It’s a safe, judgment-free space where you won’t be shamed or told how to improve things physically. Sessions are professional, with everyone staying fully clothed and focused on conversations.
Often, relationship therapy works hand-in-hand with marriage counseling. With a shared focus on addressing deeper relationship dynamics, creating a holistic approach to improving emotional and physical closeness. This all while encouraging personal growth and well-being.
What to Expect
What to Expect in Sexual Therapy Sessions:
Initial Assessment:
The first session is designed to help the therapist understand you as a couple. This includes areas like communication, intimacy, and exploration of sexual identity. Depending on your circumstances, this may include meeting with both partners together or separately. It’s an opportunity to share what feels comfortable and set expectations for the journey ahead.
Safe Conversations:
In intimacy therapy, you’ll have guided conversations to express your feelings, fears, or frustrations constructively. The therapist’s role is not to take sides but to act as a neutral facilitator, guiding you through your difficulties. During this session, the therapist will ask thoughtful questions to explore your relationship history, key concerns, and goals for therapy. So whether that’s improving intimacy, addressing conflicts, or fostering a deeper understanding of your sexual needs and desires, the therapist ensures both partners feel heard and understood.
Identifying Root Causes:
The therapist works with you to uncover the underlying causes of intimacy challenges. These could include communication barriers, unresolved conflicts, trust issues, past traumas, physical concerns, or emotional disconnects. Sessions may include both partners together and occasionally one-on-one discussions with the therapist.
Building Better Communication:
A core part of the process involves learning new ways to communicate effectively. Therapists may use specific tools, exercises, or role-playing scenarios to help you express your needs and understand your partner’s perspective.
Addressing Emotional and Physical Connection:
For physical intimacy concerns, therapists explore these topics delicately, without judgment. Discussions might involve understanding expectations, fears, or discomforts. The focus is on rebuilding trust and comfort rather than prescribing solutions. Assignments, like spending quality time together or practicing non-sexual touch, may be suggested to help rebuild connection.
Practical Exercises and Homework:
Between sessions, therapists often provide exercises to practice at home. These might include journaling, practicing gratitude, or scheduling time for physical or emotional closeness. These activities help embed the lessons learned in therapy into your daily life.
What Intimacy Therapy is Not:
- It’s Not About Forced Sharing: You won’t be pressured to reveal details you’re uncomfortable with.
- It’s Not About Open Relationships: Therapy focuses on the unique connection between the two partners.
- It’s Fully Professional: All sessions are conducted respectfully, with a focus on communication and understanding, not physical activities.
Couples therapy is about rebuilding trust, closeness, and understanding. Whether the issues are emotional, physical, or both, it’s a guided process that teaches you how to support one another and create a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling relationship. It’s not a quick fix but rather an opportunity to work together toward long-term growth and satisfaction.
Is Intimacy Therapy Right for You?
Are you and your partner struggling with communication, physical closeness, or feeling emotionally distant? When was the last time you had an amazing sex with your wife or husband? If you can’t recall, then you should consider intimacy therapy for couples.
What many are not aware of is that sexual dysfunction is a common issue affecting both men and women. Studies from the National Institute of Health show that 31% of men and 43% of women experience it at some point in their lives.
Despite how common it is, acknowledging that there is something wrong is not easy. Many individuals are still uncomfortable when discussing their sex life. It’s important to remember that sexual health is a key part of your overall well-being, both physically and emotionally.
This therapy approach provides a safe, supportive space to address these concerns. Guided by a skilled sex therapist, many individuals and couples have worked through sexual difficulties and rediscovered the rewards of a healthy, fulfilling connection.
Signs It May Be Time to Seek Intimacy Therapy for Couples
You may feel frustrated, ashamed, or stressed about the situation, and it’s impacting your mental health.
You’re finding it hard to talk openly about intimacy, or conversations about sexual concerns lead to conflict or withdrawal.
You and your partner may feel distant, disconnected, or like the physical connection is fading.
Unresolved challenges, such as mismatched desires or performance concerns, may be creating stress or arguments.
Fear of failure, discomfort, or unresolved issues may be preventing you from engaging in physical intimacy with your partner.
You feel overwhelmed, stuck, or don’t know where to start when it comes to improving intimacy.
You’re willing to work on your connection but need guidance to move forward.
If any of these resonate with you, intimacy therapy could be a valuable resource to help you navigate these challenges and find solutions.
Benefits of Strengthening Intimacy Through Therapy
Imagine your relationship feeling stronger, happier, and more fulfilling on every level. That’s what intimacy therapy can help you achieve! When you and your partner talk to a sex therapist together, amazing things can happen.
First, you’ll learn to communicate better—saying what you mean and truly listening to each other. This helps you solve problems without big fights and feel like you’re on the same team.
Partners can also expect to feel more connected physically and emotionally. Whether it’s hugging more, holding hands, or just enjoying each other’s company again. Therapy can even reignite the spark in your sex life, helping you explore desires and needs openly. Greater sexual satisfaction often deepens emotional bonds and strengthens your relationship.
If trust has been broken, sexual wellness therapy can help you heal and move forward. Rebuilding not just emotional intimacy but also your sexual connection. A healthy sex life plays a vital role in reigniting passion and strengthening your bond. Rediscovering desire and pleasure together can restore the closeness and excitement you felt when you first fell in love, creating a foundation for a deeper, more fulfilling relationship.
Most importantly, you’ll feel happier in your relationship and yourself. Gain a better understanding of how you interact in relationships and what you truly need to feel fulfilled. Intimacy therapy can help you and your partner build a loving, strong, and deeply connected bond that grows over time, both emotionally and physically.
Get Started With Intimacy Therapy from Empathy Health Clinic
Searching for “couples intimacy therapy near me” or “intimacy therapy near me“? Start by choosing therapists certified by trusted organizations like the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). It’s important to ensure they have advanced training in sexuality and the expertise to address a broad range of intimacy and sexual health concerns.
At Empathy Health, we have therapists who are masters in sexual and intimacy therapy, offering compassionate, judgment-free care. We provide a safe space to explore and navigate intimacy struggles, empowering you to build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Whether you’re looking to deepen your connection or overcome specific obstacles, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Take the first step toward clarity and connection—schedule your session today, in person or online, for your convenience. Expert support is closer than you think.
Our Pricing
Patient intake session
In-person, this time will be spent evaluating your physical and mental health to provide a treatment plan that is customized for your specific needs.
- 60-minute session
- Without insurance: $155
- With insurance: cost varies depending on your provider
Follow-up Appointments
Online or in-person, monthly follow-up appointments are required for all patients to ensure the success of your treatment and that your health goals are being met.
- 15 to 60-minute sessions
- Without insurance: $155
- With insurance: cost varies depending on your provider
Therapy
Online or in person. this is designated for individuals to process and explore their thoughts. Typically, meetings are weekly or bi-weekly.
- 60-minute sessions
- Without insurance: $120
- With insurance: cost varies depending on your provider
Meet the Team
Alex Regan
Psychiatric PA-C
Melissa DiPaolis
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Dr. Robert Glenn
MD
Marjorie Felix
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Keith Harryhill
LMHCI
Marsha D. Hassell
MS, PLMHC
Toni Cassidy
MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN
Christine Orr
LCSW
Rachel Coalburn
LCSW
