Let’s face it; talking about sex can be awkward. Even in long-term relationships, many couples struggle to discuss sexual needs, preferences, or frustrations. Maybe you avoid the topic altogether, hoping things will magically improve. Or maybe every time you try to bring it up, it ends in discomfort or defensiveness.
You’re not alone. And here’s the truth: open conversations about sex are a key part of emotional and relational intimacy. They’re not just about physical connection; they’re about vulnerability, trust, and care.
At Journey Psychology in Sherwood Park, we help couples navigate these tricky conversations with compassion, clarity, and practical strategies. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from support, you just have to be curious about what a healthier, more connected sexual relationship might look like for you and your partner.
Why Talking About Sex Feels So Uncomfortable
There are so many reasons why sex can be hard to talk about, even with someone you love:
- You didn’t grow up in a household that modeled open discussions about sexuality
- Shame or trauma from past experiences
- Fear of hurting your partner’s feelings or being judged
- Cultural or religious messages around sex
- Difficulty naming or even knowing your own needs
When these layers go unspoken, it’s easy to default into silence. But over time, silence can lead to resentment, misunderstandings, and emotional distance.
Why Couples Who Talk About Sex Stay Closer
Research shows that couples who talk openly about their sexual relationship report stronger emotional intimacy, greater satisfaction, and fewer misunderstandings. Why?
Because communication builds safety, and safety is the foundation of trust, intimacy, and connection.
Healthy sexual communication doesn’t have to be awkward, rigid, or full of clinical jargon. In fact, the more natural and regular these conversations become, the easier it gets to share your needs without fear.
Tools From Therapy to Improve Sexual Communication
At Journey Psychology, our therapists offer evidence-based support to help you improve sexual communication. Here are some therapist-approved tips to get started:
1. Name the Awkwardness Out Loud
Sometimes the best way to defuse discomfort is to call it what it is. Try saying:
“This is a little awkward for me to talk about, but I want us to feel closer.”
When you acknowledge the vulnerability, it invites your partner to meet you with empathy, not defensiveness.
2. Use the “I Feel…” Framework
Replace criticism with curiosity and connection:
❌ “You never initiate anymore.”
✅ “I’ve been feeling disconnected from you, and I miss our physical intimacy.”
This approach keeps the focus on your feelings and avoids blame.
3. Create a Monthly “Intimacy Check-In”
Set aside time (not in the bedroom!) to talk about:
- What’s been feeling good lately?
- Are there things either of you would like to explore or change?
- How do you feel emotionally and physically connected?
Even 15–30 minutes a month can completely shift your intimacy dynamic.
4. Use Intimacy Tools & Resources
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Tools like sensate focus exercises, communication games, or guided conversation cards can make talking about sex feel less intimidating and more playful.
Ask your therapist or explore intimacy-enhancing resources that are rooted in evidence,not pop culture myths.
5. Work With a Trained Sex Therapist
Sometimes, communication struggles run deeper than just discomfort. If there’s a history of trauma, mismatched desires, medical issues, or unresolved emotional pain, sex therapy can help.
At Journey Psychology, we offer sex therapy in Sherwood Park that is inclusive, nonjudgmental, and personalized to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with low desire, sexual anxiety, or emotional disconnection, we work with you (as a couple or individually) to restore intimacy in a way that feels safe and empowering.
How Therapy Strengthens Emotional and Sexual Connection
Our therapists are trained in:
✔️ Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Intimacy
Helps couples build emotional safety and repair the bond that supports sexual connection.
✔️ Gottman Method Relationship Therapy
Teaches practical tools for improving communication, trust, and physical affection.
✔️ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Helpful for addressing unhelpful thought patterns around body image, performance, or self-esteem.
You Deserve Connection; In Every Sense of the Word
Talking about sex can feel scary at first; but it’s also an invitation to feel closer, safer, and more understood in your relationship.
At Journey Psychology, we’re here to help you build emotional and physical intimacy that’s real, respectful, and rooted in your values. Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply ready to deepen what you already have, you don’t have to navigate it alone, book your complimentary consultation today.