Tampa Sex Therapy & Intimacy Coaching
Sex therapy is a specialized form of talk therapy focused on addressing concerns related to sexuality, sexual health, and intimate relationships. It involves working with a trained and licensed sex therapist who has expertise in helping individuals, couples, and sometimes groups navigate various issues related to sex and intimacy.
Sex Therapy in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
The goal of sex therapy is to help individuals and couples experience satisfying relationships with a pleasurable sex life. Sexual dysfunction is more common than you may think and includes symptoms such as:
Low libido
Erectile dysfunction
Porn addiction
Inability to reach orgasm
Distressing sexual thoughts
Sexual addiction Tampa
Sexual arousal disorder
Premature ejaculation
Sexual dysfunctions can be medical, mental, emotional, or psychological in nature. Our Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota therapists (including specialists for erectile dysfunction counseling) are also trained in trauma therapy which is commonly related to underlying psychosomatic issues.
Meet Our Sex Therapists in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota
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![Dr. Mary Perleoni, PhD, LMHC – Tampa intimacy therapist and founder of IBWHC]()
Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC
Founder, Intimacy & Sex Therapist | Tampa & Sarasota, FL
Dr. Mary Perleoni is a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of It Begins Within. She specializes in sex and marital therapy for couples facing intimacy challenges, communication breakdown, or sexual disconnection. With advanced training in trauma, attachment, and neurobiology, Mary supports couples navigating issues like mismatched desire and erectile dysfunction in a judgment-free, evidence-based environment. Her work helps clients build emotional safety and rediscover physical closeness at any stage of a relationship.
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![Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC – Couples sex coach and sex therapist in Tampa Florida]()
Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC
Marital Sex Coach & Licensed Therapist | St. Petersburg, Florida
Melissa Zentner is a licensed counselor and sex therapist who helps couples in Tampa restore connection, intimacy, and trust. Her approach blends sex-positive education with practical coaching, making her a go-to choice for clients struggling with desire gaps, sexual anxiety, or performance concerns like erectile dysfunction. Melissa is especially passionate about helping couples strengthen emotional and physical intimacy through open communication and sex therapy grounded in neuroscience and relational health.
What Does a Sex Therapist Do?
A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional who specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate challenges related to sexual function, physical intimacy within relationships, and ultimately sexual pleasure. At IBW, our therapists provide a confidential, non-judgmental space where you can discuss your concerns openly, explore your desires, and learn strategies to improve sexual connection and emotional well-being.
We combine evidence-based techniques with compassionate guidance, whether you’re seeking couples intimacy therapy, support from an intimacy coach near you, or help with individual sexual performance related anxiety.
Who Can Benefit from Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy can help anyone who wants to improve their intimate relationships, address sexual dysfunction, or explore their sexual identity in a supportive, professional environment. We work with individuals, married couples, and partners in all stages of life.
Conditions We Treat
Erectile Dysfunction Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg
Up to 35% of erectile dysfunction cases have psychological causes, such as anxiety, relationship stress, or past trauma. Our erectile dysfunction therapists in Tampa and St. Petersburg use proven approaches to address performance anxiety, rebuild sexual confidence, and improve intimacy.
Men’s Sexual Health Therapy
Our therapy for men addresses low libido, performance anxiety, premature ejaculation, and the emotional aspects of sexual health. This is not just “fixing a problem”—it’s about restoring confidence and connection.
Couples Intimacy Therapy in Florida
We help couples strengthen their bonds through intimate therapy that improves communication, deepens emotional closeness, and rekindles physical connection.
Therapy for Sexual Trauma
Past sexual trauma can affect desire, arousal, and trust. Our trauma-informed approach helps clients in Tampa and St. Petersburg process difficult experiences, reduce anxiety, and reclaim a sense of safety in intimacy.
What to Expect in Sex and Intimacy Therapy
Every client’s journey is unique, and your sessions will be tailored to address your specific physical, emotional, and relational concerns. At It Begins Within, we create personalized treatment plans designed to help individuals and couples meet their goals, whether that means overcoming sexual dysfunction, deepening emotional closeness, or improving sexual satisfaction.
In Couples Intimacy Therapy
A specialized sex therapist provides a confidential, supportive space to explore both sexual and relationship challenges. Your first sessions include a comprehensive assessment of your sexual health, emotional connection, and communication patterns. From there, your therapist integrates evidence-based methods—including sexual psychotherapy, CBT for sexual anxiety, mindfulness, and guided intimacy exercises, to help you increase desire, enhance arousal, and rebuild trust.
Whether you seek couples intimacy therapy or one-on-one guidance, the goal remains the same: to help you and your partner experience more pleasure, emotional safety, and long-term connection.
Can an Individual See a Sex Therapist?
Individuals can absolutely see a sex therapist on their own. Sex therapy is not exclusively for couples, it is also available for individuals who may be experiencing sexual difficulties or have concerns related to their own sexuality.
Individuals seek sex therapy for a variety of reasons which can include
Addressing sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or difficulty reaching orgasm
Exploring questions or concerns related to sexual orientation or sexual behavior
Coping with past experiences of trauma or abuse
Managing feelings of low sexual desire or dissatisfaction with one's sex life
Improving body image and self-esteem related to sexuality
Learning skills and techniques for enhancing sexual pleasure and satisfaction
During individual sex therapy sessions, the focus is on addressing the specific concerns and goals of the individual. A certified sex therapist provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to sexuality and work towards achieving a pleasurable sex life.
While sex therapy for couples typically involves addressing issues within the context of the relationship, individual sex therapy allows individuals to focus on their own needs and experiences without the presence of a partner. However, in some cases, an individual may choose to involve their partner in therapy sessions, particularly if their concerns have implications for the relationship or if couples therapy is deemed beneficial.
Women’s Sexual Therapy
Women’s sexual health therapy is a specialized form of talk therapy designed to address female-specific concerns related to sexuality, intimacy, and sexual well-being. At It Begins Within, our licensed therapists provide a safe, non-judgmental space for women to explore issues like low libido, pain during sex, or emotional barriers to pleasure, often stemming from hormonal changes, trauma, stress, or relationship dynamics. Drawing on evidence-based methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and trauma-informed care, we help women reclaim confidence, enhance desire, and foster healthier intimate connections. This therapy is tailored for women at any life stage, including those experiencing postpartum shifts, menopause, or past sexual trauma, and can be conducted individually or as part of couples counseling.
What Issues Does Women’s Sexual Therapy Address?
Common challenges we treat include:
Low Libido or Sexual Desire: Often linked to hormonal imbalances, stress, or emotional factors, therapy helps identify root causes and rebuild arousal.
Difficulty Reaching Orgasm (Anorgasmia): Techniques to overcome barriers and improve sexual satisfaction.
Sexual Trauma or Anxiety: Healing from past experiences to reduce distressing thoughts and enhance emotional safety in intimacy.
Postpartum or Menopausal Changes: Supporting women through life transitions affecting desire, lubrication, or body image.
Benefits of Women’s Sexual Therapy
Research shows that sexual therapy can significantly improve women's sexual function and overall quality of life. Key benefits include:
Enhanced Sexual Desire and Arousal: Mindfulness-based and CBT approaches boost libido, lubrication, and orgasmic response, with studies reporting significant improvements.
Improved Relationship Satisfaction: Therapy fosters better communication and emotional intimacy, reducing conflicts and strengthening bonds with partners.
Greater Confidence and Self-Esteem: Women often gain renewed body positivity and empowerment, embracing their sexual identities freely.
Reduced Anxiety and Pain: Evidence-based techniques alleviate performance anxiety, trauma-related distress, and physical discomfort for more fulfilling experiences.
Couples Sex Therapy
Many couples find that going together for their sex therapy sessions can be more successful. Many sexual issues may actually stem from deeper issues within the relationship, and can be best addressed together rather than alone. Sex therapy for couples can assist with the solution of sexual issues in relationships which have negatively affected intimacy.
Time to Seek a Sexologist For Your Relationship?
Couples benefit from seeing a couples sex therapist if they are encountering challenges in their intimate relationships. This is especially true if that issue has existed over a prolonged period of time. That “prolonged” period can vary based on the couple, and their unique understanding of what a healthy sex life is or was. From my personal and professional experience, happy couples have a very fulfilling sex life, and “work” on it multiple times a week.
8 Signs That May Indicate Your Relationship Could Benefit from Sex Therapy
Struggling with communication challenges
Significant mismatch in libido
One or both partners are experiencing sexual dysfunction
Lack of sexual satisfaction
Challenges with intimacy
Suffering from past trauma or abuse
Life transitions
New or changing of sexual preferences or sexual identity
Can Couples Therapy Help with Sex?
Couples talk therapy can significantly improve a couple's sex life by addressing underlying relationship issues, improving communication, and fostering intimacy. In therapy, couples have the opportunity to explore and resolve conflicts, build trust, and strengthen their emotional connection, creating a supportive foundation for their sexual relationship. Effective communication is crucial for a satisfying sex life, and therapy helps partners learn to express their desires, preferences, and concerns openly and honestly.
Couples are able to have a safe space to explore their sexual dynamics and identify behaviors or patterns that may be contributing to sexual difficulties. Therapy can also help to uncover and address individual issues that may be impacting the relationship such as stress, anxiety, or past traumas. For these reasons, we strongly believe in the power of in-person therapy (over a virtual option) for couples in our Tampa & St. Petersburg offices.
Through increased intimacy, understanding, and connection, partners can achieve a more fulfilling and satisfying sexual relationship. By working together with a trained therapist, couples can navigate challenges, strengthen their bond, and cultivate a healthier and more vibrant partnership.
Sex Therapy Exercises To Do at Home
Sex therapy exercises (including the sex therapy techniques used) aim to enhance communication, intimacy, and sexual satisfaction for individuals and couples. These exercises are tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, and many are taught directly by the American Academy of Sexual Educators. It's crucial to approach these exercises with openness, honesty, and a willingness to engage in self-exploration and communication. Working closely with a qualified sex therapist ensures exercises are tailored to individual needs, leading to increased intimacy, satisfaction, and overall relationship well-being.
Sensate focus is a common exercise involving non-sexual touch to foster relaxation and intimacy without the pressure of sexual performance.
Communication exercises help partners express desires, preferences, and boundaries openly and constructively, strengthening the foundation of the relationship.
Fantasy exploration encourages partners to share and explore sexual fantasies in a safe and supportive environment, fostering deeper intimacy and understanding.
Behavioral experimentation allows partners to gradually explore new sexual activities or techniques, overcoming barriers and expanding their sexual repertoire.
Homework assignments between sessions reinforce learning and practice, such as journaling about experiences or practicing communication skills.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are employed to reduce stress and anxiety during sexual encounters, enhancing awareness and pleasure.
Sex Therapy in Tampa Bay and Beyond
At It Begins Within, we provide expert sex therapy to individuals and couples throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg, and the greater Tampa Bay area. For many, especially married men—challenges like performance anxiety or a loss of physical intimacy in their relationships can feel deeply personal and isolating. But the truth is, these struggles are far more common than you might think, and they’re often within your power to change with the right support.
facts about sex and intimacy in relationships
Studies show that up to 20% of erectile dysfunction (ED) cases are purely psychogenic, meaning it is caused by psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or emotional blocks rather than physical issues alone. [source]
Therapy works. Approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy for sexual dysfunction are proven to heal psychosomatic ED, helping men regain confidence and improve sexual satisfaction. [source]
If you are living in a sexless marriage or lacking the physical intimacy in your relationship that you desire, you may take comfort in recognizing you aren’t alone. A recent survey revealed that 20% of married couples in the U.S. have sex less than once a month, and more than 15% of respondents reported they are in a sexless marriage. Stress, busy lives, and unspoken relationship challenges can dim physical intimacy—but that doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. [source]
Study results from married couples in the US report that being sexually active, having sex more frequently, and reporting better sexual quality are all related to better mental health outcomes. [source]
So if we want more sexual satisfaction and physical intimacy in our relationships (and we know it has significant benefits for our mental health) - what’s the problem? If you’re wrestling with performance anxiety or longing to restore physical closeness in your marriage, know this: these struggles don’t define you, and they don’t have to last.
We’ve seen how sex therapy transforms lives and marriages right here in Tampa. Take the first step toward building a stronger relationship today.
Sex Therapy Questions Answered by Tampa Relationship Experts
How long does sex therapy usually take?
Sex therapy is typically short-term and focused on goals. Many couples and individuals see progress within 8–12 sessions, though the exact length depends on the complexity of concerns. At It Begins Within, our licensed therapists begin with a personalized assessment and treatment plan so you know what to expect.
Can I come alone for sex therapy if my partner isn’t ready?
Yes. While sex therapy often involves couples, many people begin individually to work on concerns like low desire, anxiety, or past sexual trauma. Starting on your own can help you gain clarity, reduce pressure, and build confidence. Our therapists often find that once one partner feels supported and begins making changes, the other partner becomes more open to joining sessions.
What’s the difference between a sex therapist, sexologist, and sex coach?
Sex Therapist – A licensed mental health professional with specialized training in sexual health and relationship therapy. They use evidence-based methods (like CBT, EFT, or mindfulness) to address sexual dysfunctions, intimacy issues, and emotional concerns.
Sexologist – A broader term that can refer to anyone who studies or works in the field of human sexuality. Not all sexologists are therapists; some are researchers, educators, or clinicians.
Sex Coach – Typically a non-clinical professional who offers guidance, exercises, and education to improve sexual confidence or skills. Unlike therapists, coaches are not licensed to treat mental health conditions or trauma.
What is sex dysfunction?
Sex dysfunction is a persistent difficulty with sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain during intercourse that causes distress or problems in a relationship. It may involve physical, psychological, or relational factors, and effective treatment often combines medical evaluation with therapy.
Can a woman cause erectile dysfunction?
A woman cannot directly cause erectile dysfunction, but relationship stress, unresolved emotional conflict, or lack of intimacy can contribute to performance anxiety and erection difficulties in men.
What does a sex therapist do for couples?
A sex therapist for couples evaluates sexual and relationship concerns, teaches communication skills, and uses evidence-based methods—such as sexual psychotherapy or couples intimacy therapy—to improve emotional closeness and sexual satisfaction.
Do you offer sex therapy for married couples only?
Sex therapy is available for married couples, partners in committed relationships, and individuals. While many clients are married, our approach supports anyone seeking to improve sexual function or intimacy.
Is sex addiction therapy different from regular therapy?
Sex addiction therapy is a specialized form of counseling that addresses compulsive sexual behaviors using targeted strategies like CBT, trauma therapy, and relapse prevention, rather than general mental health techniques alone.
Do you offer virtual intercourse therapy?
Virtual intercourse therapy is available through secure telehealth sessions for clients anywhere in Florida. These sessions provide education, coaching, and guided intimacy exercises from the privacy of your home.
Schedule Free Consultation
We offer comprehensive mental health services for individuals and couples. We are dedicated to the best outcome for our clients. Please reach out to us today to start your healing journey.