Sex & Relationship Therapy in Ann Arbor: A Complete Guide
Relationships go through seasons — some easy, some hard, some confusing enough that it's not clear what's actually wrong, only that something feels off. Sex therapy and couples therapy exist for exactly that gap: structured, professional support for the parts of intimacy and connection that are hard to sort out alone. This guide covers what these therapies treat, how they work, and how to find the right therapist in Ann Arbor.
What Is the Difference Between Couples Therapy and Sex Therapy?
Couples therapy addresses the relationship as a whole — communication patterns, conflict, trust, and emotional connection. Sex therapy is a specialized subset focused specifically on sexual health and intimacy, and requires additional training beyond general couples counseling. Many people benefit from a blend of both, since sexual concerns and relational concerns are often intertwined.
A therapist with AASECT certification (from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) has completed dedicated coursework, supervision, and clinical hours specifically in sex therapy — it's the credential to look for if intimacy or sexual health is part of what you want to work on.
What Does Couples and Sex Therapy Treat?
Desire and intimacy concerns, including low or mismatched desire, sexual pain, and difficulty with arousal
Communication and conflict patterns that repeat without resolving
Attachment and emotional disconnection, often addressed through Emotionally Focused Therapy
Major life transitions, like pregnancy, postpartum, or infertility
Trauma and attachment repair, including infidelity and betrayal
Identity, self-acceptance, and life changes that can arise early or many years into a relationship
Who Is Couples and Sex Therapy For?
These therapies are not limited to married couples in crisis. They're inclusive of:
Individuals working on their own relationship to intimacy, identity, or past experiences
Unmarried partners and long-term relationships at any stage
LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples
People in non-monogamous or polyamorous relationships
Couples navigating a specific transition — new parenthood, infertility, illness, or a major life change
What Actually Happens in a Session?
Sex therapy and couples therapy are talk therapy. There is no physical exam, nudity, or sexual activity involved — sessions are conversations, structured exercises, and skill-building, much like any other form of psychotherapy.
Common Approaches Used in Relationship and Sex Therapy
Therapists draw from a range of evidence-based modalities, often blending several based on what a client needs:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — repairing attachment bonds and emotional responsiveness between partners
Gottman Method — structured tools for communication, conflict, and connection
Internal Family Systems (IFS) — working with different internal "parts" shaped by past experience
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — addressing anxiety, negative thought patterns, and avoidance
Attachment-based and trauma-informed approaches — understanding present patterns through the lens of relational history
How to Find the Right Therapist in Ann Arbor
Look for a few things when choosing a sex or couples therapist:
Relevant credentials — an LMSW, LPC, or LMFT license, plus AASECT certification if sexual health is a focus
A stated approach that fits you — trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming, poly-affirming, etc., if those are relevant to your situation
Session format that works for your life — in-person, telehealth, or both
Clear information about cost — whether they accept insurance or work as private pay with superbills for out-of-network reimbursement
Get Started in Ann Arbor
Intuitive Therapy Partners offers more than one path into couples and sex therapy, depending on what you're looking for:
Sarah Cissell, LMSW and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, provides individual and couples therapy with a focus on intimacy, sexual health, and relationship communication. Her practice is sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and poly-affirming. Schedule a free consultation or read more on Sarah Cissell's therapist profile.
Valerie Roedenbeck Maloof, LMSW, is trained in the Gottman Method and works with individuals and couples on relationship issues, life transitions, and premarital counseling. Schedule a free consultation or read more on Valerie Maloof's therapist profile.
Both clinicians see clients in person in Ann Arbor, MI, with telehealth options available.
