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We help individuals and couples address mismatched desire, low libido, and sexual disconnection with personalized therapy designed to uncover and address the root of these challenges.
When One Partner Wants More Sex Than the Other
← Concerns we treat / Sexual Desire Discrepancies
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Text Us: 202.240.2561
Differences in sexual desire are one of the most common concerns couples bring to therapy.
It can feel confusing, frustrating, and painful when you and your partner seem to want different things, or want them at different times.
At Peak Couples & Sex Theray, we create a warm, shame-free space for you to explore these differences, understand what’s beneath them, and discover pathways to intimacy that honor both of you.
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Peak clients report feeling more connected, confident, and fulfilled in their sexual lives after working with us.
Your desire doesn’t have to feel out of reach.
If you are having an emergency, go to your local emergency room or call 911. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Peak Couples & Sex Therapy is not an emergency service.
Sexual desire discrepancies occur when one partner wants sex more frequently (or differently) than the other. These differences can stir up feelings of rejection, inadequacy, guilt, resentment, or confusion in both partners.
What Are Sexual Desire Discrepancies?
You might find yourself asking:
“How do we even begin to talk about this without hurting each other?”
“Why does my partner seem to want it all the time, while I rarely do?”
“Why don’t I want sex as much as I used to?”
“Why do I want sex more than my partner?”
CONCERNS WE SUPPORT
Low Sexual Desire / Sexual Desire Discrepancies (one partner wants more sex than the other) / Difficulty with Orgasm / Painful Sex (vaginismus, vulvodynia, pelvic pain) / Erectile Dysfunction / Premature or Delayed Ejaculation / Shame or Confusion around Desires / Navigating Sexual Identity / Exploring Kink or Fantasies
Symptoms & Experiences We Often See
At Peak, we know that sexual desire isn’t just about sex. It’s influenced by stress, relationship dynamics, past experiences, your nervous system, identity, and how safe and connected you feel in your relationship.
Anxiety or fear around initiating intimacy
Feeling rejected or undesirable when a partner declines sex
Feeling pressure to have sex when you don’t want to
Avoidance of sex due to fear of disappointing a partner
Frustration about mismatched sexual frequency
Conflicts about what “enough” sex looks like in your relationship
Loss of connection and emotional distance related to sexual concerns
We look at the whole picture of desire differences.
We work with you to explore these layers with curiosity and care, creating a path forward that feels aligned, compassionate, and sustainable.
Individual Therapy
Explore your unique relationship with desire, unpack stress or past experiences impacting libido, and reconnect with yourself in a compassionate, shame-free space.
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Couples Therapy
Address desire discrepancies within your relationship, improving communication, building connection, and finding ways to navigate differences with tenderness and clarity.
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Sex Therapy
Work with a specialized therapist to explore intimacy, pleasure, and sexual confidence while addressing barriers that may be impacting your desire.
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EMDR Therapy
For some, past experiences or trauma may contribute to low desire or fear around intimacy. EMDR can help reprocess these experiences, freeing you to live and love more fully.
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Approaches We May Use
Depending on your unique needs, your therapist may integrate approaches such as:
Gottman Method
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Mindfulness-based practices to support your healing journey
Somatic Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
We take time to understand your story.
How we address sexual desire discrepancies.
Your therapist will get to know you and your unique concerns around desire and intimacy, exploring your relational dynamics, emotional world, and past experiences with care.
We consider the whole picture.
Desire is never “just about sex.” We look at your life context, stress, health, past experiences, relationship patterns, to understand what may be getting in the way of connection and intimacy.
We create a personalized path to support your goals.
Your therapist will guide you in building awareness, communication skills, and body-based practices to reconnect with yourself and your partner, cultivating a sense of agency and ease around desire.
We are an out-of-network provider and submit claims on your behalf after each session, and you're directly reimbursed by your insurance.
Compassionate online therapy, from your own space.
Meet with your Peak Couples & Sex Therapy therapist virtually, accessing therapy and support from the comfort of your chosen space.
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Text Us: 202.240.2561
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