Sexual Health & Intimacy Support in Brisbane
Understanding Sexual Pain
Sexual pain can show up in different ways. You might be experiencing:
Pain with penetration
Burning or sharp discomfort during sex
Anticipatory fear of pain
Difficulty with tampon use or gynaecological exams
Tension or involuntary tightening
Avoidance of intimacy due to discomfort
Some people have been given terms such as vaginismus or dyspareunia. Others may not have a diagnosis but know something doesn’t feel right.
Pain during sex is often influenced by multiple factors — physical, psychological, relational, and nervous system-based. Therapy focuses on understanding your unique experience rather than reducing it to one explanation.
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Yes. While medical causes should always be explored, psychological therapy can address fear responses, trauma patterns, avoidance cycles, and nervous system activation that often contribute to ongoing pain.
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You can self-refer. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, Medicare rebates may apply for eligible sessions.
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Psychologist support with sexual pain may be helpful if you:
Experience persistent pain during sex
Feel anxious about intimacy
Have avoided sex due to discomfort
Have a history of sexual trauma
Feel confused about why pain is happening
Want psychological support alongside medical or pelvic floor treatment
Many clients also work alongside GPs, gynaecologists or pelvic floor physiotherapists. Psychological therapy can complement medical care.
How Psychological Therapy Can Help
Sexual pain is rarely only about the body. The nervous system, anxiety patterns, past experiences, relationship dynamics, and cultural messaging can all play a role.
Therapy may support you to:
Reduce fear and anticipatory anxiety
Understand and calm nervous system responses
Process trauma where relevant
Address shame or self-criticism
Rebuild confidence and safety around intimacy
Develop practical strategies to reduce avoidance
My approach draws from ACT, CBT and trauma-informed therapies including EMDR where appropriate. Therapy is collaborative and paced according to your comfort.
You will never be pushed into anything you are not ready for.