The majority of therapists receive little to no training on talking about sexuality issues. A lot of couples come into therapy to talk about their sex life and spend months on fighting more fairly. Obviously, conflict and connection are two important components to address. Yet sometimes folks get along great but have lost their sexual connection, and some folks who fight all the time have a great sex life.
People often want to share their difficult, weird or simply amazing sexual encounters with their therapist so they can process the experiences but feel stifled or embarrassed to bring it up with a therapist who has never seemed open or interested. Well, screw that. (Pun intended.) (We’re sorry.)
Research shows that people who can talk about and process their sexual encounters tend to have better, more fulfilling sex and overall health. If you can’t talk about problems, desires and needs, you’re less likely to have the kind of sex that you want. We can help, whether it’s educating you on the fun parts of sex that your sex ed class might have glossed over or coaching you on how to talk to your partner about your needs.
Additional Read: How To Talk To Your Therapist About Sex
Our sex positive professional counselors are kink and poly friendly and supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community. Many members of our team are part of these communities, and we regularly provide additional training and resources so our clients can feel affirmed and supported no matter their identity.
Sex-positive therapy is a shame-free, nonjudgmental approach to counseling where you can talk openly about sex, pleasure, identity, and relationships without feeling like you have to censor yourself. It’s not just about “fixing” what feels hard. It’s also about figuring out what feels right for you: what you enjoy, what you don’t, what you’re curious about, and what helps you feel safe, connected, and empowered.
At Best Therapies, being sex-positive means we don’t make assumptions about what your sex life “should” look like. We create space to explore your experiences with care, curiosity, and respect, whether you’re navigating something challenging or simply want a therapist who’s comfortable having real conversations about sex and pleasure.
Consent and boundaries, always.
We help you clarify what you want, what you don’t, and what your boundaries are so you can advocate for yourself with confidence.
Pleasure-positive, not problem-focused.
We can absolutely talk about what’s not working, but we also make room for desire, pleasure, and what you want more of, without judgment.
Affirming, identity-aware care.
We use inclusive language, don’t make assumptions about bodies or relationships, and create space to explore identity, attraction, and intimacy without judgment.
No shame, no “normal police.”
We won’t pathologize consensual desires or relationship structures. You get to define what healthy, satisfying, and aligned means for you.
Trauma-informed pacing.
If past experiences, shame, or fear show up around sex, we’ll move at a pace that feels emotionally safe and grounded.
Practical support for talking about sex.
If you want, we can help you find words for needs and preferences, navigate consent conversations, and feel more comfortable communicating about intimacy.
Sex therapy can address sexual concerns and improve your sexual well-being. It’s not just about what’s wrong but finding out what is right for you — figuring out and celebrating what pleasure looks like to you. This form of specialized psychotherapy can be beneficial for individuals and couples who are experiencing a wide range of sexual issues, such as desire changes or mismatches, arousal or orgasm difficulties, pain or anxiety around sex, and challenges communicating about intimacy. For more specifics and examples of what sex therapy can address (and what sessions look like), visit our Sex Therapy service page.
Our therapists create a safe, supportive and nonjudgmental environment where individuals and couples can openly discuss their concerns and work toward solutions. Our therapists focus on sex positivity and kink positivity. We’re affirming of LGBTQIA+, polyamorous/nonmonogamous and kinky folks, helping you feel empowered in the bedroom no matter your relationship structures or partners.
In addition to individual therapy, group therapy is also available for those who benefit from shared experiences and collective support. With a sex-positive approach, therapy can help you enhance deepen intimacy, feel more at ease talking about sex, cultivate a healthier and more satisfying sexual relationship, and improve your overall quality of life. We want to help you feel comfortable and happy with your sex life and sexual relationships as part of your whole self.
For a deeper look at what sex therapy can address (with examples), explore our Sex Therapy in Chicago page.
The classic book for figuring out sexuality outside of expectations.
This great book lays out various theories about sexuality and sexual connection and how to apply those theories to your own life.
A Chicago "infotainment" show about sex, relationships, and sexuality. Panels include local Chicago "sexperts" and there's lots of great education on a variety of topics, as well burlesque performances.
A sex-positive approach means seeing sexuality as a healthy and natural part of being human. It emphasizes consent, safety, curiosity, and personal agency without shame or stigma. This lens invites people to explore their sexual identity, desires, and experiences in ways that feel right for them.
A sex-positive therapist offers a space where nothing is off-limits as long as it’s respectful, consensual, and honest. We help clients talk openly about sex, intimacy, and relationships, especially in areas that may have felt taboo or confusing. Our role is to support clarity, ease, and connection; not to judge or correct.
Look for someone who uses affirming, inclusive language and clearly states their commitment to sex positivity. Credentials like AASECT certification can be helpful, but trust your instincts and choose a therapist who makes you feel safe, heard, and fully respected. At Best Therapies, the vast majority of our clinicians are experienced in sex-positive care.
That depends on what brings you in. Some people want a few sessions to work through a specific concern, while others engage in ongoing therapy to explore deeper questions. There’s no rush and we’ll move at your pace.
Session costs vary depending on the therapist, session length, and your needs. We’re happy to talk through your budget, insurance coverage, and any sliding scale options we may have. Our goal is to make care accessible and transparent.
If something in your sexual life feels confusing, painful, or just worth exploring—it’s a good time. That might include issues with desire, identity, function, or intimacy, whether solo or with a partner. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to seek support. Therapy can be a proactive step toward connection, clarity, and self-trust.
