Are you experiencing pelvic pain and/or sexual discomfort? Have you found yourself in a cycle of pain, anxiety, and avoidance?

Sex is meant to be pleasurable. When pain enters the picture, you may feel worry, fear, and even anger and shame at your body’s limitations. As a result, you might find yourself in a repetitive cycle of pain and anxiety that leads into avoidance and physical bracing. Unsurprisingly, this can make it all the more challenging for you to access both solo and partnered sexual pleasure.

What is the cause of pelvic pain and painful sex?

Pain is protective in that it is our body’s way of telling us that something is wrong. When we experience pain, we are meant to stop what we are doing. It is important to honor what our bodies are communicating to us rather than to just “push through the pain.”

There are many factors that can contribute to the development and maintenance of pelvic pain. The pelvic floor is the basin of our body and is affected by many parts of life—including stress, pregnancy and childbirth, hormonal changes, and trauma.

Clients I work with often experience one or more of the following: Endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia, bladder pain, and pelvic floor hypertonicity.

What does treatment look like?

Treatment consists of psychoeducation, mindfulness, specific suggestions, and actionable steps that move you closer to healing. Anchored in a trauma-informed approach, I will support you in processing trauma that arises from ongoing pelvic pain and sexual discomfort, disrupting the pain-anxiety-avoidance cycle, and reconnecting with your sexual self. Access pleasure…and move towards pain-free intimacy.

As part of this process, I will coordinate care with other members of your care team including your pelvic floor physical therapist and your gynecologist to ensure you’re receiving the support you need to overcome your pain. You are not in this alone.