Optimal Sexual Experiences: Group Therapy for Couples

This unique course is dedicated to helping couples experiencing low or no sexual desire, frequency issues, or desire discrepancies. Over 8 weekly sessions, participants will revitalize their sexual experiences in a supportive, fun, and non-judgmental environment.

This course is for couples struggling with any type of intimacy issues, such as:

  • Low desire

  • Health difficulties interfering with sex

  • Navigating new types of play

  • Desire discrepancy

  • Inorgasmia

  • Asking for what you want

  • This course is for everyone!

This course is caters to ALL couples. This includes:

  • Married or unmarried couples/newer or longer term couples

  • Couples who are non-monogomous/polyamorous

  • LGBTQ2sAI+ couples

  • Couples with faith backgrounds

  • Couples with or without children

  • Folks with sexual trauma, attachment trauma, or mental health struggles (anxiety, depression, ADHD),

  • Folks with vulvodynia/dyspareunia, chronic pain/illness, and any other struggle interfering with optimal sexuality

  • New or long-term couples; couples considering separation

This workshop will help you to:

  • Recognize and confront limiting sexual myths and beliefs

  • Communicate effectively about sex with your partner

  • Learn to navigate conflict in a way that deepens trust and intimacy

  • Be more aware of the ingredients of your unique sexual desire and pleasure

  • Deepen your partnership and ability to navigate pleasure together

  • Bring fun and joy back into your sex life

Course Requirements

Although not required, it is highly suggested that participants take the Mindful Self Compassion workshop before participating in this group.

Participants will be asked to meet with course facilitators prior to the course, to ensure eligibility.

It is recommended that participants read the following book before or during the program:

Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers by Peggy Kleinplatz

Timing and Schedule

The program consists of 8 weekly sessions, each lasting 2 hours.
Sessions will be hosted online over Zoom.

Please enquire for the next session dates. Registration is limited to 4-6 couples on a first come, first serve basis. If you are not able to make it into the current therapy group we will gladly put you on the waitlist.

Insurance receipts will provided as psychological skills training provided by a Registered Psychologist.

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Additional Information

This course is designed for couples experiencing low or mismatched sexual desire who want to improve their sexual connection and relationship. Over 16 hours of group therapy, participants will explore sexual preferences, communication, and ways to create satisfying experiences through discussions, exercises, and home play in a safe, supportive setting.

Based on research from the Optimal Sexual Experiences Team at the University of Ottawa, the program helps couples apply proven insights to foster deeper intimacy. Early findings show it may be more effective than traditional couples therapy for increasing sexual desire, frequency, and satisfaction. Participants may also choose to join a related research study by completing brief questionnaires before, during, and after the sessions.

Testimonial

“Our therapist has helped improve our relationship significantly. She helped us to better understand each other’s needs, communicate more effectively, and grow as individuals.

Shockingly so, I would say. When starting out, I had assumed a therapist’s goal was to bring two people closer together. I thought Stefanie might act as an arbitrator during conflict and say who is being unreasonable and who has the higher ground. That’s not how it works.

Her real talent has been in helping us understand each other’s context and communication style by asking the right questions. She never tried to change our messages to each other; she helped to ensure our messages were transmitted effectively and received in the way intended, whatever we felt or wished to say.

Stefanie (our therapist) helped us to see each other and the relationship more objectively. I never got the sense that she was trying to direct our relationship to a particular outcome; instead, she created a safe space to express ourselves and helped us interact constructively to feel understood … and that ultimately led to a better relationship.” - G.W., 34