Vaginismus therapy
This isn’t something you just have to live with.
Our specialized Vaginismus therapy addresses the condition where muscles in the vagina tighten or tense up during sex or insertion, which can happen prior to sex, upon entry, or during the act itself. Some women even experience this with the use of tampons, making sex painful or in some cases impossible, with pain ranging from mild to severe. We understand that this condition can be very frustrating and a source of shame for a lot of women, often leading to a feeling of lacking control over your body as well as creating tensions with your partner.
We integrate Vaginismus therapy into a supportive, online environment where we use evidence-based approaches like EMDR, Brainspotting, and Sex Therapy to address the emotional and psychological roots of physical pain. Our goal is to move beyond a “one-size-fits-all” narrative and provide a safe space for clients in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to process these challenges without the pressure of a “quick fix”. Whether you are attending individually or with a partner, we help you navigate these complex feelings to reclaim your confidence and intimacy.
Vaginismus Therapy Can Help
Participating in vaginismus therapy can provide tools to address the shame and frustration, and to help reduce and eliminate the clenching response so you can reconnect with your body. Vaginismus can have physical origins (infection, muscle tone, lack of lubrication), psychological origins (stress, anxiety, depression, fear), or can be rooted in traumatic experiences (sexual assault, rigid family beliefs around sex, inappropriate comments about your body). As you can see in the diagram, there can be a very cyclical nature to Vaginismus. If you’ve had painful sex, your body will anticipate it to be painful again. This will prompt your body to clench up the next time you have sex in anticipation of the pain. Once your body “learns” to do this, it has to then “unlearn” it. A skilled sex therapist can help you through this process with patience and understanding. Please note, it is always helpful to have a medical exam to make sure nothing organic is causing your Vaginismus. A great resource to consider is Vaginismus.com if you would like to learn more about the condition.
What happens in Vaginismus Therapy?
Sex therapy for vaginismus is a multi-faceted process. It includes learning to identify the moments of tension or clenching, relaxation exercises, and removing some of the mental blocks that may have you “protecting” yourself from intrusion. Vaginismus therapy may also encourage the use of dilators and can teach you techniques to use them effectively. Treatment may include collaborating with a gynecologist or pelvic floor physical therapist.
Location:
Beverly Hills, CA
Interested in getting help now?
Contact Los Angeles Sex Therapist Natalie for a free phone consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
We focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of the condition where vaginal muscles involuntarily tighten. Our goal is to help you process underlying factors like anxiety or past experiences that contribute to this physical response so you can reclaim control over your body.
No. Our sessions consist entirely of talk therapy and educational interventions. We do not perform pelvic exams or any physical contact. You can discuss your physical symptoms and progress safely without any invasive procedures during our appointments.
Yes. We provide all our services via a secure telehealth platform. This allows you to engage in the therapeutic process from the privacy and comfort of your own home in Los Angeles or anywhere in California which often helps reduce anxiety.
You can attend sessions individually or with your partner depending on your preference. Some clients prefer to work on their own history first while others find it helpful to navigate the relational tensions and communication with their partner present.
We utilize a combination of Sex Therapy, CBT, and trauma informed approaches like EMDR and Brainspotting. These modalities help address the mind body connection and reduce the anxiety surrounding penetration and intimacy.
It can be. While not every case is rooted in trauma many women experience this condition due to past negative sexual experiences or medical trauma. We use specialized techniques to help you process these events safely.
We are an out of network practice. We do not bill insurance directly but we can provide monthly superbills or submit claims electronically on your behalf if your plan allows for out of network reimbursement.
There is no one size fits all timeline for overcoming vaginismus. We avoid quick fixes and instead focus on sustainable progress. The duration depends on your unique history, goals, and the complexity of the factors involved.
The first step is a 10 to 15 minute consultation call. This allows us to discuss your specific situation and determine if our approach is the right fit for you before scheduling your initial intake session.
This is a very common symptom of vaginismus. We work with clients who experience pain ranging from mild to severe, including difficulty with tampons or medical exams. We help you work toward your personal goals for your body comfort and function.
Creating Change LA is a premier destination for sex therapy and psychotherapy in Los Angeles, offering both in-person and HIPAA-compliant online sessions. The practice features a team of AASECT-affiliated therapists who provide structured, research-grounded treatment for complex sexual dysfunctions and intimacy barriers. With a transparent fee structure and a commitment to clinical excellence, they offer a clear roadmap for individuals and partners looking to resolve sexual dissatisfaction and improve their overall quality of life.
