Gemstone Wellness offers sex-positive, affirming sex therapy in Chicago for individuals and couples navigating sexual health, desire, intimacy, relationships, identity, and other sexual concerns. Sessions are available in person in the Loop or virtually across Illinois.
Sex therapy Chicago clients trust our private, affirming space to talk about the parts of your life that are hardest to say out loud.
The dynamic in my sex life has changed.
Sex feels like a burden instead of something pleasurable.
I feel distant from my partner.
Sex feels painful, pressuring, and confusing.
Feeling differently about sex than your partner can feel painful and isolating for both of you. You can love your partner and still feel disconnected during intimacy. You might want sex more than they do (or much less) and feel stuck in resentment or guilt. You might notice your body shutting down even though your mind wants connection. Maybe your desire for your partner has disappeared, and you don’t know why.
Sex therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on sexual health and concerns related to sexual function, desire, intimacy and other aspects of our relationships. A sex therapist has special training in human sexuality and intimacy.
Sex therapy sessions are conversation-based and take place in the same professional format as other forms of psychotherapy. There is no physical contact or sexual activity in therapy. Instead, sessions focus on thoughtful dialogue, reflection, and skill-building
When working with couples or partners, we often focus on creating a safer relational environment where honest conversations about intimacy can occur without shame or blame.
In a survey from the American Sexual Health Association, it was highlighted that only 38% of the over 3000 people surveyed are satisfied with their sex lives. That leaves a huge percentage of people who are dissatisfied with their sex life, for one reason or another. There are many reasons why sex can feel complicated and hard to enjoy. It can feel overwhelming to try to figure it out on your own. This often leads to avoidance of the topic altogether, especially since it’s one often treated as taboo or shameful to talk about with others.
Sex therapy can help individuals and couples navigate a wide range of sexual, relational, and intimacy concerns, including:
The goal of sex therapy isn’t necessarily to perform better. It’s to feel safer, more connected, and more at home in your own body so that you can experience pleasure.
You deserve to experience pleasure.
With the help of an experienced sex therapist, you can experience pleasure and connection without having to manage feelings of shame at the same time. You can bring sex back into a sexless relationship – not because you feel like you have to – but because you deserve to feel good. Or, if you are discovering that pleasure comes from non sexual interactions and need help making sense of what that means for you, sex therapy is a great place to start.
Our Approach to Sex Therapy
At Gemstone Wellness, sex therapy is grounded in a relational, trauma-informed approach. We recognize that sexual wellbeing is shaped by many factors, including early experiences, attachment patterns, cultural messaging, and nervous system regulation.
Rather than assuming there is one “correct” way to experience sexuality, we work with you to understand what intimacy, pleasure, safety, and connection mean in your life.
Jane Sussman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Gemstone Wellness who is currently undergoing AASECT training at The University of Michigan. She specializes in sex therapy and loves to help her clients with all of the messy, wonderful stuff that comes with sex and intimacy.
In sex therapy and couples work, she helps people explore desire, arousal, communication, and connection in a space that’s shame-free, judgment-free, and peppered with the occasional bad joke when the moment calls for it.
Whether you’re struggling with mismatched libido, past sexual trauma, or just want to feel closer to your partner without awkward small talk, she will help create a space where you feel heard, understood, and maybe even a little curious about yourself in new ways.
Gemstone Wellness is committed to providing sex therapy that is inclusive of diverse identities and experiences. We welcome individuals and couples of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures. Our therapists have experience supporting clients who are exploring:
LGBTQIA2S+ identity and relationships
Cultural or religious influences on sexuality
The intersection of trauma and intimacy
Sex therapy is not about judgment or correction. It is about helping you build a relationship with your sexuality that feels authentic, informed, and connected to your values.
We can if you want to, but it’s not necessary. We will never push you to share anything you’re not ready to share.
Gemstone Wellness accepts Blue Cross and Aetna PPO plans and provides superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients can access therapy through insurance, making mental health support more affordable.
Relationship counseling can address many aspects of an intimate relationship, including communication, boundaries, conflict, attachment, trust, and relationship structure. Sex therapy has a more specific focus on sexuality and intimacy. If sexual concerns are contributing to relationship difficulties—or relationship dynamics are affecting your sex life—sex therapy and relationship counseling may be addressed together.
Yes. Gemstone Wellness provides sex-positive, kink-affirming therapy for individuals and partners exploring polyamory, consensual non-monogamy, open relationships, BDSM, and other relationship structures or sexual interests. Therapy provides a nonjudgmental space to explore communication, boundaries, jealousy, desire, intimacy, and other concerns.
No. Sex therapy can be helpful for individuals as well as couples and partners. People seek sex therapy for many reasons, including exploring their sexuality, developing greater comfort with their bodies, working through sexual anxiety or shame, understanding changes in desire, healing from sexual trauma, or improving intimacy and communication.
Sex therapy is available:
We are in network with BCBS and Aetna PPO and provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
Share what you’re looking for in therapy, what insurance you have, your availability, and whether you prefer in-person or online sessions.
We thoughtfully match you with the therapist best suited to your needs. That therapist will reach out to schedule a consultation before you begin.
During the consultation, you’ll have the chance to get to know one another, ask any questions, and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward.
Sex is supposed to be a source of connection—not something you have to dread, avoid, or feel ashamed about. Our experienced, sex-positive sex therapists can help you navigate sexual anxiety, desire and intimacy concerns, relationship challenges, sexual identity, and other concerns affecting your sex life. You deserve a space where you can talk openly, without judgment, and work toward greater confidence, trust, pleasure, and connection. Reach out today to get started with sex therapy in Chicago.