Online or In-Person Therapy | Sessions in English / Greek
Sex Therapy
Sex Therapy
A Safe Space to Explore,
Understand, and Heal
Are you experiencing low desire, performance problems, painful intimacy, or growing emotional and physical distance?
Do you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about these issues — even with your partner?
You are not alone. Sex therapy offers a space where you can speak openly, safely, and without judgment about your most personal concerns. Therapy is possible — and you deserve it.
Sex Therapy
My name is Nicos Hadjisymeou. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist, and a Sex Therapy specialist, as well as a member of the International Society for Sexual Medicine.
I have been trained in treating sexual dysfunctions in men, women, and couples (including premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, orgasmic difficulties, vaginismus, low desire, etc.), using a holistic, evidence-based approach that integrates psychological, biological, and social factors. The aim is to enhance sexual functioning, self-confidence, and intimacy in relationships.
I’ve also been trained in Couples & Relationship Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic approaches, and modern couples-focused methods (such as the Gottman Method, Imago, Reflective Listening, Narrative Therapy, and Sensate Focus).
I deeply believe that sexuality resides at the heart of mental health and our relationships — with ourselves and others. My goal is to cultivate a safe, supportive environment where individuals and couples can reclaim balance, confidence, and fulfillment in their sexual lives.
Sexual health is foundational to psychological and physical well-being. It impacts self-esteem, emotional stability, and relationship quality. Yet many struggle with sexual difficulties that lead to anxiety, disappointment, or emotional withdrawal in the relationship.
Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy for diagnosing, understanding, and treating sexual dysfunctions in men, women, and couples.
Issues Addressed in Sex Therapy
In sex therapy, we confidentially address:
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Erectile dysfunction
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Premature ejaculation
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Dyspareunia & vaginismus
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Orgasmic difficulties
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Reduced or absent sexual desire
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Challenges related to sexual identity or orientation
I offer a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where clients can speak openly about their concerns — without shame or guilt.
Causes of Sexual Dysfunctions
Sexual difficulties usually arise from a combination of factors:
Biological factors:
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Hormonal imbalances (e.g., testosterone, estrogen)
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Health issues (such as diabetes, cardiovascular or neurological conditions)
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Medication side effects (e.g., antidepressants, antihypertensives)
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Gynecological or andrological conditions
Psychological factors:
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Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem
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Performance anxiety
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Traumatic experiences (e.g., sexual abuse, violence)
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Shame or guilt around sex
Social factors:
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Communication difficulties within the couple
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Conflict, anger, or emotional distance
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Mismatched levels of desire
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Cultural or religious beliefs affecting sexual comfort
How Sex Therapy Works
Diagnostic assessment:
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Comprehensive medical, psychological, and sexual history
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Identification of contributing factors (biological, psychological, relational)
Education & support:
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Understanding sexual functioning
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Dispelling myths and misconceptions
Therapeutic Techniques (tailored to your needs):
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe thoughts and behaviors
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Relaxation and anxiety-reduction exercises
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Couples exercises (sensate focus, role-play, reflective listening)
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Guided work to enhance self-esteem and body image
Collaboration with other specialists (when needed):
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Andrologist
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Gynecologist
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Endocrinologist
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Urologist
Sexual Disorders – Men, Women, and Couples
Men
Common challenges affecting confidence and intimacy:
Erectile dysfunction:
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Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
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May stem from organic factors (cardiovascular, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, substance use, smoking), psychological factors (anxiety, depression, trauma), or both.
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Often leads to performance anxiety, avoidance of sexual contact, and reduced self-confidence.
Premature ejaculation:
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Ejaculation that occurs before or shortly after penetration, without control.
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Affects satisfaction for both partners.
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Causes may be biological (hypersensitivity, hormonal imbalance) or psychological (anxiety, trauma, guilt).
Delayed ejaculation or absence of orgasm:
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Difficulty or inability to complete sexual activity.
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May be linked to medication, hormonal imbalances, psychological barriers, or relationship difficulties.
Low sexual desire (libido):
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often linked to stress, fatigue, hormonal shifts, or relationship strain.
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Impacts overall quality of life and intimacy.
Performance anxiety & body image:
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Men may feel pressured to ‘perform,’ which can create a cycle of anxiety and difficulty.
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Often tied to social perceptions of masculinity and stereotypes about sexual performance.
Treatment methods:
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Psychotherapy (CBT, existential approaches, sex therapy)
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Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, mindfulness
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Ejaculation control techniques (start-stop, squeeze method)
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Strengthening body image and self-esteem
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Partner-focused work to reduce anxiety and improve communication
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Medical collaboration when necessary (e.g., erectile dysfunction)
Cases of Sexual Disorders.
Case 1 – Premature ejaculation at a young age.
A 25-year-old man, recently sexually active, experienced ejaculation in under one minute. He felt embarrassed discussing it with his partner. Therapy focused on control techniques (start-stop, squeeze), relaxation strategies, and psychoeducation. Within two months, he gained control and began to enjoy intimacy in his relationship.
Case 2 – Erectile dysfunction after diabetes.
A 55-year-old man with a history of diabetes experienced erectile difficulties, which led to feelings of shame and avoidance of intimacy. Through collaboration with an andrologist (for medical treatment) and sex therapy (focusing on anxiety and self-image), he regained confidence and overcame erectile difficulties.
Case 3 – Performance anxiety after divorce.
A 41-year-old divorced man, now in a new relationship, feared he wouldn’t ‘measure up.’ Occasional erection difficulties added to his anxiety. Through CBT, mindfulness, and gradual exposure, he regained confidence and began enjoying his sexual life again.
Case 4 – Low desire due to stress.
A 37-year-old man working long hours lost interest in sex, creating distance in his marriage. Therapy focused on work–life balance, stress management, and relationship expectations. After three months, his desire gradually returned, and he reconnected with his partner.
Case 5 – Lifelong premature ejaculation.
A 32-year-old man in a five-year relationship had always struggled with premature ejaculation. He felt ashamed and began avoiding intimacy. Therapy focused on control exercises and addressing performance anxiety. Within three months, he experienced significant improvement in both confidence and intimacy with his partner.
Women
Women may face different challenges that affect sexual functioning and psychological well-being:
Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse):
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Pain may be superficial or deep.
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Can result from gynecological conditions (endometriosis, infections, vaginal dryness), hormonal changes (menopause, childbirth), or psychological factors such as trauma or anxiety.
Vaginismus:
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Involuntary and painful contraction of vaginal muscles, making penetration difficult or impossible.
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Often linked to fear, past negative experiences, or restrictive beliefs about sexuality.
Orgasmic disorders:
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Some women struggle to reach orgasm or have never experienced one.
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Causes may be biological (neurological, hormonal), psychological (anxiety, guilt, trauma), or relational (lack of communication with partner).
Low or absent sexual desire:
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Can be related to hormonal changes (pregnancy, postpartum, menopause), fatigue, or emotional distance in the relationship.
Body image and self-esteem issues:
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Issues of insecurity, shame, or dissatisfaction with body image.
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These often reduce the capacity to fully participate in and enjoy intimacy.
Treatment methods:
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Education about the body and sexuality
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Relaxation, body awareness, mindfulness
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Gradual re-training (e.g., vaginismus treatment with dilators)
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Techniques to increase desire and orgasmic response
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Trauma-focused therapy (CBT, narrative therapy)
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Collaboration with gynecologist when needed
Cases of Sexual Disorders.
Case 1 – Dyspareunia during menopause.
A 52-year-old woman experienced pain from vaginal dryness and began avoiding sex, fearing she might lose her partner. With combined gynecological care (hormone treatment) and sex therapy (intimacy retraining), she regained satisfaction and confidence in her sexual life.
Case 2 – Trauma after sexual abuse.
A 30-year-old woman was unable to engage in sex due to past adolescent abuse. Therapy focused on trauma processing (psychodynamic and CBT), carried out at her pace in a safe environment. After one year, she regained trust and intimacy with her partner.
Case 3 – Orgasm difficulties linked to cultural taboos.
A 26-year-old woman had never experienced orgasm, having been raised in a culture where sex was considered taboo. Therapy included psychoeducation, self-exploration, and body image work. Within a few months, she reported her first positive sexual experiences..
Case 4 – Low desire after childbirth.
A 33-year-old mother of two had lost interest in sex, seeing herself only in the role of ‘mother.’ Therapy helped her reconnect with her femininity, restore balance with her husband, and dedicate time to herself. Over time, her desire gradually returned.
Case 5 – Vaginismus.
A 27-year-old woman, married for two years, was unable to complete intercourse due to intense pain. She felt guilt and disappointment. Therapy focused on addressing fear, practicing relaxation techniques, gradual exposure with dilators, and improving communication with her partner. After four months, she was able to enjoy pain-free intercourse.
Couples
Sexuality is a mirror of the relationship. When sexual issues arise, they resonate throughout the relationship.
Common issues in couples:
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Different levels of desire: one partner wants more frequent sex than the other
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Lack of communication: reluctance to discuss needs, fantasies, or dissatisfaction
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Conflicts & emotional distance: everyday stress spilling into intimacy
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Infidelity or loss of trust, leading to major distance
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Life transitions: parenthood, moving, work-related stress
Treatment methods:
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Couple therapy using models such as EFT and Gottman Method
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Communication exercises (e.g., reflective listening)
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Sensate focus exercises (gradual reconnection through touch without performance pressure)
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Rebuilding trust after betrayal or trauma
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Counseling for balancing parenting roles with romantic connection
Cases of Sexual Disorders.
Case 1 – Different levels of desire.
A 38-year-old man had a high level of desire, while his 35-year-old wife experienced lower desire. He felt rejected, and she felt pressured. Therapy focused on open, non-judgmental communication, sensate focus exercises, and redefining expectations. Within a few months, they found balance.
Case 2 – Distance caused by work stress.
A couple aged 42 and 39 struggled as the husband worked long hours, leaving his wife feeling lonely and neglected. They had not been sexually intimate for six months. Therapy helped identify stress factors, organize shared time, and introduce intimacy-building exercises. They reconnected both emotionally and physically.
Case 3 – Rebuilding after infidelity.
Following infidelity, trust was shattered, and the couple had avoided sex for a year. Therapy supported them in processing anger, working through reconnection exercises, and gradually restoring physical intimacy. Over time, they rebuilt closeness and trust.
Case 4 – A young couple facing anxiety.
A couple aged 28 and 27, early in their relationship, struggled with sexual anxiety. The man experienced erection difficulties, while the woman felt “not attractive enough.” Therapy targeted performance anxiety and emphasized trust-building. They built confidence, which led to satisfying intimacy.
What to Expect from Therapy
In sessions, we will:
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Explore your concerns in depth
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Identify underlying causes
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Learn techniques for comfort & intimacy
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Address the physical, psychological, and relational dimensions
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Develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs
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Work through shame, fear, or trauma linked to sexuality
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Strengthen emotional and physical intimacy with your partner
You will have space to:
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Speak openly about your concerns
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Understand the emotional and physiological roots of your challenges
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Learn practical tools to improve intimacy and comfort
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Build deeper trust and connection with your partner
Benefits of Sex Therapy
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Relief from anxiety, shame, or guilt surrounding sex
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Clarity about the true sources of dysfunction
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Stronger communication with your partner
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Renewed confidence and self-image
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Enhanced intimacy and emotional connection
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A happier, healthier, and more fulfilling sex life
My Role as a Therapist
I offer:
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A safe and supportive environment
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Focus on psychological & relational factors
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Evidence-based strategies
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Guidance for both individuals & couples
Sex therapy isn’t just about resolving issues — it’s about nurturing a joyful, authentic sexual life.
Myths & Truths
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The problem will go away on its own. → Not always. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
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I’m the only one with this issue. → Sexual difficulties are common and treatable.
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Asking for help means I am flawed. → Seeking support is one of the strongest and most positive steps you can take.
Your Journey
You don’t have to live with difficulties that diminish pleasure, connection, and confidence.
Sex therapy offers solutions based on science, understanding, and genuine human connection.
You can regain joy and comfort in your sexual life. And you absolutely deserve it.
Next Step
If you’re ready to address your concerns and find fulfillment again, book your appointment today and take your first step toward a healthier, more satisfying sexual life.