Navigating Sexual Relationships After Experiencing Trauma

At Gold Counseling, we understand that trauma can have profound and varied effects on sexual relationships. Individuals who have experienced trauma—especially sexual trauma—often struggle to feel safe, comfortable, or present during intimacy. This may lead to a decreased desire for closeness, avoidance of sexual contact, or distressing symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, or dissociation during intimate moments. Trust issues are common, as trauma can impact your ability to feel secure with a partner. This can make it challenging to communicate needs, set healthy boundaries, or express affection. Emotional numbness or detachment may also occur, making it difficult to connect both physically and emotionally.

Some trauma survivors may engage in risky sexual behaviors or use sex as a way to cope with difficult emotions, which can further complicate relationships. Others may experience physical symptoms, such as pain during intercourse or difficulty with arousal and orgasm, impacting satisfaction for both partners. At Gold Counseling, our compassionate therapists are experienced in working with trauma survivors and their partners. We offer a supportive, confidential environment where you can process your experiences, learn healthy coping strategies, and rebuild trust and intimacy. Healing is a personal journey, and we are here to help you and your partner communicate openly, set boundaries, and rediscover connection at your own pace.

At Gold Counseling, we understand that healing from trauma—especially when it impacts your sexual relationships—is a deeply personal journey. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, reminding you that with patience, support, and self-compassion, recovery is possible. The first step is recognizing and acknowledging how trauma may have shaped your feelings around intimacy, trust, and connection. We encourage you to honor your unique pace. Healing is not linear; setbacks may occur, but with guidance and perseverance, meaningful progress can happen. Seeking professional support can be incredibly beneficial. Our therapists at Gold Counseling specialize in trauma-informed care and are trained in evidence-based modalities such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic therapies. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where you can process your experiences and begin to rebuild trust in yourself and others.

If individual therapy feels overwhelming initially, we also offer group sessions and can recommend supportive online communities where you can connect with others who have faced similar challenges. Open communication is another vital aspect of healing. Our counselors can help you and your partner navigate conversations about boundaries, needs, and triggers—always at your own pace. For many couples, attending therapy together at Gold Counseling fosters empathy, understanding, and new pathways to intimacy and support.

We also believe in a holistic approach to healing. Beyond the therapy room, we encourage practices such as mindfulness, gentle movement like yoga, and self-care routines, all of which can help you reconnect with your body and create a foundation of safety. We’ll work with you to explore what feels good and safe, emphasizing that your standards define intimacy and pleasure—not anyone else’s expectations.

At Gold Counseling, we understand that trauma—whether from past experiences, relationships, or other events—can deeply affect many aspects of life, including sexual relationships. If you are considering whether or how to talk to your partner about the ways trauma is impacting your intimacy, know that you are not alone. Many individuals and couples face this important question. Trauma can influence intimacy by affecting sexual desire, comfort, trust, and communication. Opening up to your partner about your experiences can foster greater understanding and empathy, laying the groundwork for a more supportive and connected relationship. Honest conversation may also help reduce feelings of isolation or shame that often accompany trauma.

We encourage you to share only what feels comfortable—there’s no need to disclose every detail. Instead, focus on how trauma affects your feelings and needs within your sexual relationship. Discussing your boundaries, possible triggers, and what helps you feel safe can benefit both you and your partner. If you’re uncertain about how to start this conversation, Gold Counseling can help. Our compassionate mental health professionals are experienced in trauma-informed care and can provide guidance, support, and communication tools to assist you. Healing from trauma is a unique and personal journey, and you have the right to decide when and how much to share. If and when you’re ready, talking with your partner can be a meaningful step toward building greater trust, intimacy, and understanding.

At Gold Counseling, we recognize that trauma can profoundly affect intimacy and sexual relationships. Our practice provides a safe, compassionate environment where individuals and couples can process past experiences and work towards healing. Our highly qualified therapists are experienced in helping clients understand how trauma may influence their physical and emotional responses to intimacy. We use evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help reframe unhelpful beliefs and develop healthier ways of thinking. Through our individualized approach, clients learn coping strategies to manage anxiety, fear, or negative thoughts that may arise during intimate moments. We also focus on fostering effective communication, trust, and healthy boundaries—key elements in rebuilding intimacy. Our therapists guide clients in expressing their needs and concerns openly with their partners, helping couples move forward together at a comfortable pace.

Education about the body’s natural responses to trauma and support in rediscovering comfort with touch and closeness are integral parts of our process. We also offer couples therapy, which can be instrumental in helping partners understand each other’s experiences and support one another through the healing journey. Our goal is to provide tools, guidance, and encouragement so individuals and couples can reconnect, improve communication, and build fulfilling sexual relationships after trauma.

If you or your partner is seeking support after trauma, Gold Counseling is here to help you find hope, healing, and renewed connection. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Riverdale, Kaysville, Draper, and St. George, UT. We serve patients from Riverdale UT, Washington Terrace UT, Clinton UT, Kaysville UT, Layton UT, Clearfield UT, Farmington UT, Draper UT, Riverton UT, Sandy UT, St. George UT, Washington City UT, Santa Clara UT, and surrounding areas.