How Do I Know If It’s Time to See a Sex Therapist for Low Desire?
Experiencing low sexual desire can be confusing, frustrating, and sometimes worrying. If you’ve noticed a decrease in your interest in sex, you may be wondering whether it’s normal or if professional support is needed. Low desire is common, and it’s treatable with the right guidance. For those living in Chicago, Embrace Sexual Wellness therapists can help you identify the causes of low libido and provide strategies to improve sexual satisfaction and intimacy.
What Is Low Sexual Desire?
Low sexual desire, also called hypoactive sexual desire or low libido, is a reduced interest in sexual activity that affects both individuals and couples. Some signs may include:
Fewer sexual thoughts or fantasies
Avoiding sexual activity with your partner
Feeling emotionally disconnected during intimacy
Common Causes of Low Desire
Low desire often results from a combination of factors including:
Biological factors: Hormonal changes, chronic illness, medication side effects, fatigue
Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, past trauma, body image concerns
Relationship factors: Communication issues, emotional distance, unresolved conflict, mismatched sexual needs
Understanding the root causes is essential, as low desire rarely has a single explanation.
How to Know When It’s Time to See a Chicago Sex Therapist
Not every dip in sexual desire requires therapy; signs that professional support can help include:
Persistent low interest: Desire has been low for months and affects your satisfaction
Stress or guilt about sex: Anxiety or shame around sexual activity
Relationship strain: Ongoing tension, conflict, or reduced emotional connection
Emotional distress: Sadness, frustration, or lowered self-esteem due to low desire
Physical factors not improving: Libido remains low despite addressing medical or hormonal issues
If these signs resonate, it may be time to consider working with a Chicago sex therapist or a combination of individual and couples therapy.
How a Chicago Sex Therapist Can Help
A sex therapist in Chicago provides specialized support for individuals and couples experiencing low desire. Therapy may include:
Evidence-based techniques: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Psychoeducation: Understanding sexual response, desire cycles, and common myths
Practical exercises: Communication strategies, intimacy-building activities, and mindfulness practices
Individualized support: Tailored approaches addressing physical, psychological, and relational factors
At Embrace Sexual Wellness, we offer therapy in-person in Chicago or online via telehealth, making it accessible and flexible for busy schedules.
Self-Reflection: Are You Ready for Therapy?
Before booking a session, reflect on your experience:
How long have you noticed low desire?
How is it affecting your relationship or emotional well-being?
Have you tried lifestyle changes, stress reduction, or self-help strategies?
Are you open to exploring deeper emotional, psychological, or relational factors?
Even if you’re unsure, book a free 10 minute phone consultation with one of our Chicago sex therapists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is low sexual desire normal?
Sexual desire naturally fluctuates throughout our lifetime. People who experience persistent low desire that causes distress or impacts their relationship may benefit from sex therapy.
2. What’s the difference between a sex therapist and a general therapist?
A sex therapist specializes in sexual health, intimacy, and desire, addressing physical, emotional and relational factors, while a general therapist may not have this specialized training. The process of talk therapy may feel similar, but the overall focus and expertise is more significant in sex therapy.
3. Can therapy improve desire for couples?
Absolutely. Couples therapy combined with sex therapy can help partners reconnect emotionally and sexually, improving desire and satisfaction. It’s common for partners to have relational concerns that overlap with sexual intimacy ones.
4. How long does therapy take to improve low desire?
The timeline varies depending on individual circumstances. Some notice improvements in a few sessions, while others may take several months. The key is consistent, guided practice and exploration.
Taking the First Step in Chicago
Low sexual desire is common and treatable. Seeking support from a sex therapist is a proactive step toward reclaiming intimacy and emotional connection. Therapy isn’t just about “fixing” sex. Instead, it’s about improving communication, emotional closeness, and overall sexual wellness.
If you’ve been experiencing persistent low desire, or if it’s causing strain in your relationship or self-confidence, scheduling a consultation with our team of Chicago sex therapists can help you:
Understand the underlying causes of low desire
Learn strategies to reignite sexual interest and cope with differences
Strengthen emotional and physical intimacy with your partner
TLDR
Recognizing the signs of low desire and seeking professional support can transform your sexual and relational well-being. A sex therapist provides a safe, supportive space to explore challenges, gain clarity, and develop tools to improve desire and intimacy. Your sexual wellness is important, and taking this step shows commitment to both yourself and your relationship.
