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Couples Counseling
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Sex Therapy
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What is Sex Therapist?
A sex therapist is a therapist that uses a form of psychological counselling designed to address sexual sexual dysfunction as well as the enjoyment of sexuality to improve and deepen the sexual experience.
Sex therapy does not involve physical exams, nudity and certainly no sexual touching. It is a branch of traditional psychotherapy and is “talk therapy.” A sex therapist will use psychological counselling methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques to identify dysfunctional myths and beliefs surrounding sexuality, sex education and couple’s counselling to empower clients to experience sexuality in a different way. A way that allows more confidence and understanding of their own sexuality and freeing them from sexual misinformation and increase intimacy within a couple.
Sex therapy can be useful for individuals to identify their own sexual needs and desires, as well as within the relationship of a couple, addressing the dynamics and patterns to bring greater intimacy and passion.
A Sex Therapist treats 6 popular issues
Pre-orgasmia: Difficulty reaching orgasm
Painful or Inhibited Intercourse: including vaginismus
Low Sexual Desire and mismatched libidos
Erectile Dysfunction
Rapid Ejaculation (aka premature ejaculation)
Delayed or Inhibited Ejaculation
Dr. Zebroff’s Approach to Sex Therapy:
I am a Vancouver sex therapist who sees sex as multifaceted, enjoyed in many ways and for many reasons. Above all I take a sex-positive approach — never losing track of the fact that sex is juicy and delicious, and living without it is a tragedy.
Petra has a psychophysiology background and focuses on women’s health first. Out of good health (of body and mind) come a good life and great sex. Key areas of life and psychology that ‘block’ good sex are identified.
Stress is a major factor that has consumed our human experience. Stress and sex have a valuable relationship. One that can destroy a sexual experience as well as add to it. Petra delves into that relationship in every client to find the best possible inspired sexuality living in that woman to increase arousal and orgasm.
But that is not all, once sexual blockers are identified we focus on ‘sexual triggers’ discovering what can enhance sexuality making every woman feel as sexy as she can.
Petra identifies that every man and woman is different in their own individual sexuality. She has identified different ‘arousal types’ that help everyone know where they are garnering their own sexual inspiration.
Finally, while the individual is the focus of therapy, it is often difficult to separate the person from the relationship. Sexual intimacy is often lost in long term relationships. Petra focuses on identifying the dynamic and pattern of the relationship and working with couples to bring back a passion that is unique to each couple.
Sex Therapy:
Sex can be one of the most intimate acts ever, and yet it can also separate us.
Some of the more common issues I encounter are:
Low Desire & Mismatched Desire: Mismatched desires are one of the most common reasons couples seek therapy. One member of the couple feels more desire than the other and they both become frustrated.
Orgasm Issues: Most orgasm issues are due to lack of enough arousal. We have a program designed to help men and women become aware of their authentic sexual arousal style, as well as their individual blocks to arousal. To understand where they may be sabotaging their own pleasure and to develop their own positive triggers.
Sexual Negotiation: The key to great sex with a partner is knowing what you want and knowing what your partner wants. Sexual contracts is one tool to open up discussion about what you would like to happen sexually in a safe and easy way. I help you to negotiate Sexual Contracts, BDSM Contracts or Open Relationship Sexual Contracts.
Sexual Confidence and Inexperience: Men and women expect themselves to know how to have sex — without any much accurate information. Through education, social-skills training, and pattern-breaking, I counsel the sexually inexperienced to feel more comfortable about their abilities to have strong and sexy relationships that will last.
Rapid Ejaculation (aka Premature Ejaculation): Rapid ejaculation is common issue affecting up to 31% of couples. It is defined as the consistent inability to delay or control ejaculation along with distress for the man and his lover to enjoy sex. Sex therapy allows both parties to explore the many solutions to this issue and which works for your situation.
Welcome to The Art of Connection!
Contact Dr. Petra Zebroff Ph.D. for couples counselling, individual therapy or sex therapy including social counseling. Email or call me for an appointment.
Vancouver downtown office: 1125 Howe St Suite #915. Vancouver BC
Ask a Dr. Zebroff a question or make an appointment:
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Couples Counsellor and Sex Therapist Vancouver
Welcome to TAC (The Art of Connection) — the couples counselling and sex therapy clinic for men and women who want to live an inspired life! Dr.PetraZebroff has been a sex therapist in Vancouver for more than 25 years.
I have worked as a clinical sexologist, author, counsellor and researcher for the last 25 years. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel more confident in who you are, to help you find full and satisfying relationships (both sexual and non-sexual), greater energy and an overall feeling of well-being.
Modern life is fast, with 30% fewer friends than just a few decades ago. Most of us are feeling overwhelmed and alone. The rates of loneliness and depression have increased dramatically. Regardless of whether you are single or in a relationship, my primary focus is to support you as you build confidence and connection with others.
As a registered Master Practitioner Clinical Counsellor (MPCC) and board certified clinical sexologist (American College of Sexologists), it has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to counsel thousands of women and couples through the company I founded in 1999, Libida, a women’s sexual magazine and store for women’s health.
About Dr. Zebroff Ph.D.
Petra Zebroff, Ph.D. has worked with sexual issues for the last 25 years. As a board certified by the American College of Sexologists, Div 35 of American Psychological Association, registered by the Professional Counsellors Association and has written hundreds of articles for Huffington Post, Psychology Today, Libida, Sexual Health and Sexlife magazine and is associated with or belongs to professional organizations including the Society for Sex Therapy and Research and Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality.
Author of over 100 articles on women’s sexuality with a focus on stress and sexuality, sexual desire, fantasy and orgasm.
Associated with (as member, presenter, award recipient or partner) with professional therapy/research organizations such as AASECT, American College of Sexologists, SSTAR, CSRF, KAP and SSSS.
Sexual abuse and addiction in relationships
Founder Libida, the first online magazine and store for heterosexual women
12 years running a sex-positive female sexuality company dedicated to enhancing a woman’s experience of sexuality.
Sex Researcher, dedicated to furthering an understanding of the joys of sexuality with a focus on sexual desire differences, pornography and sexual initiation. Read about her research on sexual initiation here.
Sex Researcher, dedicated to furthering an understanding of the joys of sexuality with a focus on sexual desire differences, pornography and sexual initiation.
Zebroff, P. (2023). Gender differences in duration and location of erotic touch in mainstream heterosexual pornography. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 32(3), 384-397.
Zebroff, P. (2021). Questionnaire for Turn-on Initiation Preference: Development and Initial Reliability and Validation. Journal of Sex Research,58(8), 1019-1034.Doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1898525
“Laughter and Sexual Satisfaction and Function” (Award best original research SSTAR conference Boston, 2015)
Dr. Zebroff’s Therapy Approach:
I focus on the potential of every client and identify each person’s individual assets while working with your individual strengths, rather than on “solving problems.” My approach to sex therapy and couples counselling includes a mixture of practices molded into an customized plan designed to address the unique needs and preferences of each client — humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, IFS, DBT, psychotherapy, EFT and Gottman for couples counselling and PLISSIT etc.
Holistic and Non-judgmental Approach: I strive to treat the whole person, in an inclusive, sex-positive and encouraging environment.
Educational Focus: Many issues arise out of simple lack of correct information/awareness. Up-to-date information and research helps to clear up myths and bring an understanding/perspective to each issue. Including the PLISSIT Model of sex therapy.
Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: I focus on the potential of every client, identifying each client’s individual assets and focusing on their strengths rather than on “solving problems”.
If you would like more information regarding couples therapy and sex therapy Vancouver, please feel free to contact me at info@artofconnection.ca.
Know when to consult a sex therapist:
An issue or negative pattern is so close to you that you are unable to separate it from the rest of your life.
You are trying hard to make a change, but don’t seem to be getting anywhere.
You know that something is wrong, but you can’t put your finger on exactly what it is.
You know you want to make a change, but you don’t know where to start.
You are uncovering thoughts or memories that make you uncomfortable.
You are conflicted by a situation, and can’t seem to see which direction to take.
You are uncomfortable doing or fantasizing about certain erotic things.
You and your partner are considering opening up your relationship (non-monogamy), but are worried about damaging the good relationship you have.
Still wondering how your partner experiences sex?
Every couple develops assumptions about desire, touch, and pleasure. Sometimes they’re right. Often they’re not. Therapy offers a place to replace guesswork with honest conversations, practical strategies, and a deeper understanding of each other’s experience.
