You might assume that people who seek a sex therapist’s support are in relationships that are on the rocks.
It is usually the opposite, says Mary Foxworth in Hong Kong, who describes herself as an “inclusive intimacy educator”.
“Even if couples feel they are coming to me because they are unhappy with the quality of their intimacy,” she says, “I always reinforce the message that the fact they are showing up is a really positive sign of their commitment and desire for personal and relationship growth.”
Dr Kristin Zeising, a clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist in Hong Kong with 20 years of experience, agrees.
Zeising chose her speciality when she realised “so many people carry silent pain and shame around sex – and no one talks about it at dinner parties”.
“Some couples come in disconnected and stuck in painful patterns, but other couples are quite strong; they communicate well, parent well, support each other – except when it comes to sex.”