Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Women in Los Angeles, CA

Sad woman with sexual dysfunction sitting on the edge of bed while per partner reclines

I believe that sexual pain is real and can be healed. As a certified sex therapist in Los Angeles, CA, I've worked with many women who have pain during sex, and I know how difficult it is to find a solution. I want to help you get there and improve your experiences and sexual desire.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women: Physical and Emotional Fallout

As a sex therapist who has worked with many women who have pain during sex, I understand how difficult it can be to live with this condition. Not only are you dealing with the physical symptoms of painful sex, but you're also dealing with the emotional effects it has on your life.

I understand what it's like to feel like your body is betraying you.

I understand how it feels to want to be touched, to want a partner, to want sex—and then the pain starts, and all those desires are gone.

  • Do you ever feel like sex is just not worth it and sexual arousal is a huge obstacle?

  • Do you want to feel more confident and connected to your partner, but you're afraid that you'll never be able to achieve that?

  • Do you want to be able to have an orgasm during intercourse, or even just know what one is?

  • Is sexual activity hampered by vaginal dryness

A Safe, Supportive Place to Begin Healing From Sexual Dysfunction

You deserve sexual satisfaction and positive sexual health. I provide a safe, supportive, confidential environment to discuss what is vulnerable and authentic. It's important to me that you feel comfortable sharing the details of your sexual experience so we can work together toward healing those parts of yourself that are hurting.

A Collaborative Approach to Therapy

I work as part of a team with your primary care physicians, gynecologist and physical therapist when needed, so that we can support you in getting what you want—to find enjoyment during sex without pain.

You are not alone as you navigate the many reasons for sexual pain disorders and their side effects.

I Provide the Tools Needed to Feel Confident in Your Body Again

Maybe you've tried everything and nothing has worked, or maybe you just don't know where to start. Perhaps you're feeling stuck and alone in your pain—like no one understands what you're going through.

I do understand. I'm here to help you heal from sexual pain and dissatisfaction by providing the tools and support you need to feel confident in your body again.

I’ve worked with many women who experience

Woman sitting on the edge of her bed with her partner in the background representing someone dealing with sexual dysfunction that is impacting their relationship. Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Women in Los Angeles, CA can help.

I work with women who have pain during sex on a regular basis.

And while each person's experience is unique, there are some common threads that we can explore together:

  • How your thoughts and feelings are impacting your body.

  • What's important to you about lovemaking and your body.

  • Learning how to work with those things in session so that you can learn how to work with them in real-world situations outside of my office.

I will walk alongside you through this process of healing from sexual pain so that sex can be pleasurable again for the first time in a long time (or ever).

Working Together to Overcome Fear

We'll work together on techniques to manage your thoughts and feelings during sex so that arousal isn't mixed up with fear anymore, making sex something that helps you feel good instead of painful or scary. We'll also work on connecting with what is personally meaningful about sex and your body—your own sexuality—and create an environment where those things can be discussed without judgment or shame.

Together we will connect what is personally meaningful to you about sex and your body—whether that's being able to share an intimate moment with your partner or having a healthy sexual relationship with yourself—and work together toward those goals. This is not a cookie-cutter process but one that is here to support you in the outcomes you desire.

My Approach to Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Women

I understand what you're going through because I'm here to help. I've worked with many women who have struggled with experiencing pain during lovemaking. Furthermore, I've helped them overcome their pain through my years of experience as a sex therapist and my work as part of a team with your medical providers.

Individualized Treatment Plan

I work closely with my clients to create an individualized treatment plan where we can explore what's causing this pain and decide how best to move forward together. Together we'll find ways to support your relaxation and pleasure so that you can connect with what is personally meaningful about sex and your body—and get back in touch with why it feels good! 

A Holistic Approach to Healing

I am an experienced sex therapist who works holistically with the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of female sexual dysfunction. In addition, I understand how your mind and body work together so you can create a plan that will help you reach your goals in the shortest amount of time possible.

Couple laying in bed together with their feet sticking out of the bottom of the blanket representing a woman who has overcome vaginal pain through Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Women in Los Angeles, CA.

Begin Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Women in Los Angeles, CA Today!

You don't have to feel ashamed or alone in your struggle with sexual dysfunction. In sex therapy, I provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for individuals and couples to explore intimacy issues related to female sexual function.

Learn how to enhance communication skills and rekindle the spark in your relationships without fear and discomfort. Through personalized guidance, a specialized treatment plan, practical tools, and ongoing support, I help you navigate challenges, boost low sexual desire, and build healthier connections for a more fulfilling sex life.

It's not your fault that you're struggling, and as a certified sex therapist, I am here to help.

Reach out for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to explore if therapy or sex coaching is right for you.

I have an office location in Los Angeles, and I also offer telehealth services to clients in California, New Mexico, and Florida. Thank you for reaching out. I look forward to meeting you.

Other Therapy Services By Cindy Michel, M.A., LMFT, CST

Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Women may is only one of the services I offer. I also offer other types of online therapy services such as Individual and Couples Sex Therapy, Online Sex Therapy in California, New Mexico, and Florida,  EMDR Therapy, Brainspotting, Sexual Trauma Therapy, Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Men, and Somatic Therapy. I also provide Sex Coaching Services. Please reach out if you want to learn more about my other services and explore if therapy or coaching is right for you.

FAQ’s About Sexual Dysfunction in Women

How do a sex therapist and a medical doctor work together?

Medical professionals can address the physical aspects of your body that may contribute to a sexual desire disorder or pain during intercourse. Many treatment options, like estrogen therapy, can increase sexual responsiveness. Doctors can also help you understand the relationship between your current medications, like an antidepressant, and your sexual response.

A sex therapist provides psychotherapy to address past and present conditions that influence painful sex. Exploring past sexual abuse and experiences, as well as current low libido issues and uncomfortable sexual encounters, can help create an individual treatment plan for healing.

Is there more than one type of sexual dysfunction in women?

Women may encounter many challenges that are considered sexual dysfunction, including:

  • Changes to the vagina that influence lubrication and blood flow

  • Painful intercourse

  • A decreased sex drive

  • Trouble with reaching orgasm

  • Low desire and loss of sexual interest

  • Perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal-related issues

How does female sexual dysfunction affect other parts of life?

The inability to have pain-free sex affects you and your partner. Communication issues, differences in desire, and lack of pleasure impact relationships. Seeking therapy, medical care and learning new communication skills and sexual techniques work to overcome these challenges.