Men’s Sexual Health & Intimacy Therapy
Addressing the Psychological Roots of Performance and Desire
Sexual health is a vital component of overall well-being, yet it is often the area men feel least comfortable discussing. When physical intimacy becomes a source of stress rather than connection, the impact can ripple into your self-esteem, your mood, and your relationships.
I provide specialized behavioral health support for men across Oregon navigating the complex intersection of the mind and body. My goal is to help you move past the "performance" mindset and restore a healthy, confident connection to your sexual self.
Understanding the "Mind-Body" Gap
Many men are surprised to learn that sexual dysfunction is often a "software" issue rather than a "hardware" issue. Even when there is a medical component involved, the brain—the body's largest sex organ—plays the deciding role in how we respond to intimacy.
Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
If you find that your symptoms fluctuate based on the situation, or if you struggle with "spectatoring" (constantly monitoring your own arousal), you may be experiencing Psychogenic ED. This occurs when the brain's "threat detection" system overrides the arousal system. Learn more about psychogenic ED here.
Performance Anxiety & The "Adrenaline Block"
When you are anxious about your performance, your body releases adrenaline. Adrenaline is a vasoconstrictor—it pulls blood away from the extremities and toward the core for "survival." In short: your body cannot be in "fight-or-flight" mode and "arousal" mode at the same time. Therapy helps you identify these triggers and learn to stay grounded in the present moment.
Compulsive Behaviors & Modern Media
The modern landscape of digital media and pornography can sometimes create a "mismatch" between your brain's expectations and real-life intimacy. I help men navigate porn-related sexual concerns and the associated shame, helping you recalibrate your arousal system for real-world connection.
A Clinical, Evidence-Based Approach
We don’t just talk about the problem; we look at the mechanics of change. My practice utilizes a combination of:
The Dual Control Model: Understanding your unique "accelerators" (what turns you on) and "brakes" (what turns you off, like stress or shame).
Cognitive Reframing: Challenging the "scripts" of masculinity and performance that create unnecessary pressure.
Somatic Awareness: Learning to recognize the physical signs of anxiety before they lead to a "block," allowing you to intervene early.
Sensate Focus Principles: Transitioning away from "goal-oriented" sex toward "experience-oriented" intimacy to lower the stakes.
Coordinated Care for Oregon Patients
I believe in a "closed-loop" approach to sexual health. If you are currently working with a Urologist, Primary Care Physician, or Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, I am happy to collaborate with them. Behavioral therapy is often the "missing piece" that makes medical or pharmacological treatments (like PDE5 inhibitors) more effective by reducing the psychological barriers to success. Providers can find out more on my referral page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this just "talk therapy"?
While we do talk, the focus is on actionable strategies. We identify the specific mental loops that lead to dysfunction and replace them with physiological grounding techniques you can use in real-time.
What if my problem is strictly medical?
Even with medical causes (like diabetes or heart health issues), there is almost always a "secondary" layer of anxiety that develops. Therapy helps manage the emotional impact and the performance pressure that often follows a medical diagnosis, improving your quality of life.
Do I need to bring my partner to sessions?
I work with men individually to build their own confidence and understanding. However, as the work progresses, we can discuss how to share these insights with your partner to improve your shared intimacy.