Reconnect. Rediscover Pleasure. Create a More Satisfying Sexual Relationship.
Every relationship faces challenges. Whether you’re struggling with avoidance around communication about sex / intimacy or feeling disconnected, couples therapy offers a safe and supportive space to learn how to talk about sex, rebuild your bond, and rediscover closeness.
Sexual intimacy can be one of the most rewarding parts of a relationship—and one of the most challenging.
Perhaps one partner wants sex more frequently than the other. Maybe physical intimacy has become stressful, painful, or infrequent. You might love each other deeply but struggle to communicate about your sexual needs, desires, or frustrations.
I'm Kim Atwood, MA, LPC, CST, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience.
I provide specialized couples sex therapy exclusively in person at my Princeton, New Jersey office, helping partners navigate sexual concerns, improve communication, and rediscover intimacy, pleasure, and connection.
When Sex Becomes a Source of Stress Instead of Connection
Sexual difficulties rarely affect just one partner. They can influence how both people feel about themselves, each other, and their relationship.
One partner may feel rejected or unwanted, while the other feels pressured or inadequate.
Over time, these experiences can create cycles of avoidance, frustration, resentment, and emotional distance.
Couples sex therapy offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to understand these patterns and begin approaching intimacy differently.
The goal isn't necessarily to have more sex. It's to create a sexual relationship that feels more satisfying, authentic, and mutually fulfilling.
A Note on Language
While terms like “sexual disorders” (e.g., low libido, anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction) are often used in medical contexts, I approach them differently. I view these concerns as challenges or processes that can be worked through, learned from, and healed — not fixed labels. Together, we’ll explore your unique situation and support you in building sexual confidence and empowerment.
Sexuality is a vital part of a relationship, but it’s often one of the hardest topics for couples to discuss. Couples sex therapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore concerns, improve intimacy, and create a more satisfying sexual connection.
Sexual & Intimacy Concerns I Help Couples Navigate
Mismatched Sexual Desire & Low Libido
When partners experience different levels of sexual desire, intimacy can become a source of tension.
We explore the emotional, relational, physical, and contextual factors influencing desire while helping partners move away from blame, pressure, and rejection.
Sexual Communication & Intimacy Difficulties
Many couples struggle to communicate openly about what they want, enjoy, fear, or find uncomfortable.
Therapy can help partners develop greater confidence discussing sexual needs, preferences, boundaries, and expectations.
Erectile Dysfunction, Ejaculation & Orgasm Difficulties
Erectile difficulties, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia, and other orgasm concerns can affect both partners.
We explore how these experiences influence sexual confidence, expectations, communication, and intimacy.
Painful Sex & Sexual Avoidance
Painful intercourse, vaginismus, vulvodynia, and other sexual pain concerns can create anxiety and avoidance around intimacy.
Couples sex therapy can help partners develop ways of experiencing physical closeness without pressure for penetration or painful sexual activity, alongside appropriate medical care.
Perimenopause, Menopause & Changing Sexuality
Hormonal transitions, aging, illness, medications, and other life changes can influence sexual desire, arousal, comfort, and pleasure.
Therapy helps couples understand these changes and discover ways to adapt their sexual relationship together.
Sexual Shame, Body Image & Performance Anxiety
Sexual shame, body image concerns, and performance expectations can make it difficult to relax, experience pleasure, or communicate authentically.
Together, we explore these concerns and develop greater sexual confidence and comfort.
Kink, Sexual Fantasies & Consensual Nonmonogamy
I offer a sex-positive, affirming environment for couples exploring sexual fantasies, kink, BDSM, consensual nonmonogamy, ethical nonmonogamy, or polyamory.
Our work may focus on communication, consent, boundaries, differing interests, and navigating these experiences in ways that respect both partners.
My Approach: Beyond Intercourse, Performance & Expectations
Sex Is Much More Than Intercourse.
One of the most important aspects of my work with couples is helping partners broaden their understanding of sex and intimacy.
Sexual connection doesn't have to follow a prescribed sequence or culminate in intercourse or orgasm.
For some couples, expanding their definition of sex creates opportunities to rediscover affection, sensuality, playfulness, pleasure, and connection without the pressure to perform.
My approach is holistic, collaborative, creative, and informed by contemporary sex therapy.
Together, we may explore:
- Understanding the factors that increase or decrease sexual desire
- Recognizing cycles of pursuit, withdrawal, pressure, and avoidance
- Developing more comfortable ways to communicate about sex
- Exploring intimacy and pleasure beyond intercourse
- Understanding the influence of stress, health, aging, and relationship dynamics
- Experimenting with new ways of connecting between sessions
I encourage couples to approach sexuality with curiosity rather than judgment and to discover what intimacy can look like within their unique relationship.
Couples Sex Therapy Intensives
More Time to Explore. More Space to Connect.
For couples who prefer longer sessions or have busy schedules, I also offer extended couples sex therapy appointments.
90-Minute Couples Therapy Session — $350
An extended session providing additional time to explore sexual concerns, understand relationship patterns, and identify practical next steps.
3-Hour Couples Therapy Intensive — $650
A half-day experience offering concentrated time to explore sexual and intimacy concerns, improve communication, and develop a personalized plan for moving forward.
Intensives can be especially convenient for couples who would rather dedicate several hours to therapy in one week than schedule that time across multiple weeks.
Both options are offered in person only in Princeton, New Jersey.
In-Person Couples Sex Therapy in Princeton, NJ
I provide couples sex therapy exclusively at my Princeton, New Jersey office.
My practice focuses specifically on sexual and intimacy concerns within relationships, rather than general couples counseling unrelated to sexuality.
Individual psychotherapy and sex therapy are also available virtually for adults located in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Indiana.
Online couples therapy is not currently offered.
Please contact me to request a free consultation online.
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