Serving the Greater Toronto Area - (905) 338-3873
The sexual connection can be one of the most powerful aspects of a couple’s relationship. Sexual intimacy helps partners grow closer and share a caring bond. So when there’s something wrong it’s important to explore the reasons why and to work to fix things.
Here at the Wellness Counselling Group we believe that sexuality is an important, healthy and positive part of people’s lives and that sharing emotional and physical intimacy enriches relationships. Our approach to sex therapy reflects this, working not only to help with physical challenges but also to strengthen intimacy.
Liana Palmerio-McIvor has trained extensively in sex therapy. She offers a safe, supportive and non-judgmental place for couples and individuals to work on the issues that may be affecting sexual intimacy. These include physical concerns, such as pain during intercourse, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and low desire. They may also be more emotional, psychological or spiritual. Often working with your doctor, Liana’s engaging style provides practical solutions and support to enable you and your partner to rediscover sexual intimacy, reconnect emotionally and physically and build a stronger relationship.
Sex therapy is a special type of counseling that focuses on the sexual dimension of a person’s life. We may work to deal with primarily physical things, like premature ejaculation, or we may address emotional issues, like shame. Often it’s a blend of both. The goal is to restore you (and your partner) to a healthy sexual relationship.
Sex therapy can help with almost any aspect of your sexual life. Some of the most common challenges I help people with are:
It all depends on you and your needs. Sex therapy is tailored to you, your challenges, your history and your perceptions. It may involve individual and couple sessions. We’ll first talk about your views on sex. At this point I’ll take a ‘sexual history’ (a review of your past sexual experiences and challenges, as well as any physical concerns). Together we’ll try to zero in on the core issues challenging you and your relationship. Each session offers you an opportunity to unpack your sexual issues in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment. I’m very practical so you can expect homework – exercises for you to do (alone or as a couple), books to read (I call this ‘bibliotherapy’) or videos to watch.
No. Medications intended to treat physical sexual dysfunction, like Cialis, Levitra and Viagra, must be prescribed for you by your doctor.
I typically involve your doctor when there is a physical concern that should be addressed. For example, I may recommend you speak to your doctor about taking medication for erectile dysfunction.
No. You can expect to talk and listen in our sessions. I do not refer clients to sexual surrogates (or escorts) providing paid sexual services.
I firmly believe that sex is a positive and healthy thing and that it can do wonderful things to help strengthen a relationship and deepen our bonds with each other. When I began working as a psychotherapist, I often found that my clients were also struggling with sexual issues in addition to other problems, like anxiety or depression. It was a combination of this need and my belief in the value of the sexual aspect of our lives that drove me to train as a sex therapist.
I have 18 years experience as a psychotherapist and am a certified Psychotherapist with the Ontario Association of Psychologists, Psychometrists, Counsellors and Consultants. I have been practicing sex therapy since 2005. I have participated in the Intensive Sex Therapy training program offered at the University of Guelph and have been part of a clinical practicum for sex therapy and sex medicine grand rounds at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto since 2005.
I see everyone who needs my help. I offer a non-judgmental, safe and supportive place for straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. I also have extensive experience helping transgendered people transition.
Sex therapy is about you, which includes your physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions. I strive to integrate your religious views into a plan to help you with your sexual issues.
