Sex Therapy Melbourne
Support for Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Connection
Sexual wellbeing is an important part of many people's lives, yet it is often one of the hardest topics to talk about.
Many people carry concerns about desire, intimacy, arousal, communication, sexual confidence, body image, or the impact of past experiences on their sexual relationships. Others find themselves struggling with changes that have emerged over time as a result of stress, parenting, illness, trauma, relationship challenges, ageing, or major life transitions.
These experiences are often far more common than people realise.
At Salt & Earth Psychology, therapy provides a respectful, non judgemental space to explore concerns related to sexuality, intimacy and relationships. Sessions focus on understanding your experiences within the broader context of your life, recognising that sexuality does not exist in isolation from your emotions, relationships, history, health, culture, values and environment.
Appointments are available online throughout Melbourne and Australia.
What Is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a form of counselling that focuses on concerns related to sexuality, intimacy and sexual wellbeing.
Despite common misconceptions, sex therapy does not involve physical contact, examinations, demonstrations or sexual activities during sessions. It is a talking therapy that provides education, support, reflection and practical strategies tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Sex therapy recognises that sexuality is complex.
Sexual difficulties are rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, they are often influenced by an interaction between biological, psychological, relational and social factors.
Stress, fatigue, relationship dynamics, mental health, trauma history, physical health, medications, parenting responsibilities, cultural messages, body image concerns and life stage changes can all affect sexual wellbeing.
Rather than searching for a simple explanation or quick fix, therapy focuses on developing a deeper understanding of the factors shaping your experiences and identifying pathways toward meaningful change.
Common Reasons People Seek Sex Therapy
People seek support for a wide range of concerns.
Some of the issues explored in therapy include:
Low Sexual Desire
Many people worry that something is wrong with them when they experience a decrease in desire.
In reality, desire is influenced by many factors and often fluctuates throughout life. Therapy can help explore the contexts and conditions that support or inhibit desire while reducing shame and self criticism.
Desire Differences in Relationships
Differences in sexual desire are one of the most common concerns experienced by couples.
These differences do not necessarily mean a relationship is failing. Therapy can help individuals and couples understand these patterns and develop more effective ways of communicating about intimacy.
Sexual Difficulties Following Trauma
Trauma can affect the way people experience safety, connection, touch, vulnerability and desire.
For some people, trauma contributes to avoidance, anxiety, emotional disconnection, shame or difficulties experiencing pleasure. Therapy can provide a supportive space to explore these experiences at a pace that feels safe.
Difficulties with Intimacy
Some people find themselves longing for connection while simultaneously feeling afraid of vulnerability.
Therapy can help explore the emotional, relational and historical factors that may be affecting intimacy and connection.
Body Image and Sexual Confidence
The relationship we have with our bodies often influences the relationship we have with sexuality.
Concerns about appearance, self worth, ageing, illness, disability or self confidence can all affect sexual wellbeing.
Sexuality During Life Transitions
Major life events can significantly affect sexuality and relationships.
These transitions may include:
Pregnancy and parenthood
Fertility challenges
Pregnancy loss
Menopause and perimenopause
Chronic illness
Ageing
Relationship changes
Grief and loss
Understanding Sexual Wellbeing
Sexual wellbeing is about more than the absence of problems.
It includes the ability to experience sexuality in ways that feel safe, authentic, meaningful and aligned with your values.
For many people, improving sexual wellbeing involves moving away from performance, pressure and self judgement and toward greater curiosity, connection and self understanding.
Research increasingly highlights that desire is highly contextual. Factors such as stress, emotional safety, relationship quality, fatigue, novelty, life circumstances and self compassion often influence sexual experiences more than people realise.
This means that improving sexual wellbeing is often not about "fixing" yourself. Instead, it involves understanding the conditions that allow sexuality and intimacy to flourish.
The Impact of Trauma on Sexuality
Trauma can influence sexuality in many different ways.
Some people experience reduced desire or avoidance of intimacy. Others find themselves disconnected from their bodies, overwhelmed by shame, struggling with boundaries, or experiencing difficulties feeling safe in close relationships.
These responses are often understandable adaptations rather than signs that something is wrong with you.
Therapy can help you better understand the relationship between trauma and sexuality while developing greater self compassion and choice in the present.
Where appropriate, therapy may incorporate trauma informed approaches, including EMDR, to address underlying experiences that continue to affect sexual wellbeing.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy may help you:
Develop a deeper understanding of your sexuality.
Explore the factors influencing desire and intimacy.
Improve communication about sexual needs and preferences.
Address shame and self criticism.
Strengthen emotional and relational connection.
Navigate life transitions affecting sexuality.
Understand the impact of trauma on intimacy and relationships.
Develop greater self compassion and self acceptance.
The goal is not to create a particular version of sexuality or intimacy.
Instead, therapy focuses on helping you build a relationship with sexuality that feels authentic, meaningful and aligned with your values.
Why Choose Salt & Earth Psychology?
At Salt & Earth Psychology, conversations about sexuality are approached with warmth, respect and curiosity.
Kellie Dundon is a registered psychologist with additional training in trauma informed therapy and a growing professional focus on sexual wellbeing and intimacy. Her work is informed by contemporary understandings of sexuality that recognise the influence of relationships, context, life experiences, culture and nervous system functioning.
Therapy is collaborative and tailored to the individual. There is no expectation that you should fit a particular model of sexuality, relationship or intimacy.
Instead, the focus is on creating a safe space where you can explore your experiences without judgement and develop greater clarity, self understanding and connection.
Appointments are available online throughout Melbourne and Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in a relationship to attend sex therapy?
No. Many people attend individually to explore concerns related to sexuality, intimacy, desire, body image or past experiences.
Can sex therapy help with low desire?
Therapy can help explore the many factors that influence desire and identify ways of supporting sexual wellbeing.
Is sex therapy only for people experiencing sexual problems?
No. Some people attend because they want a deeper understanding of their sexuality, relationships or intimacy.
Can trauma affect sexual wellbeing?
Yes. Trauma can influence desire, arousal, intimacy, boundaries, emotional safety and connection.
Will I need to discuss explicit sexual details?
You are always in control of what you choose to share. Therapy proceeds at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful.
Can sex therapy be provided online?
Yes. Sex therapy is a talking therapy and can be effectively provided through telehealth.
Is sex therapy confidential?
Yes. The same confidentiality and privacy requirements that apply to other psychological services apply to sex therapy.
Book an Appointment
If you would like support with concerns related to sexuality, intimacy or sexual wellbeing, Salt & Earth Psychology offers online appointments for adults throughout Melbourne and Australia.
To learn more or book an appointment, please get in touch.
