Sex Therapy in Dubai
It is normal to experience fluctuations in your sexual relationship. For example, many people find that their sexual relationship is most intense at the beginning (i.e., the ‘honeymoon period’) and less so over time. Also, many people notice that their sexual relationship changes after having children.
Some couples are able to navigate these changes on their own. You may require support if these changes and challenges are causing distress for one partner or both.
We love each other, but we are struggling in our sexual relationship. Can sex therapy help?
Yes, sex therapy can help you if you are experiencing sexual problems. Some of the issues that we can support you with include:
Lack of desire
Difficulty having an orgasm
Pain during sex
Inability to have penetrative sex
Erectile dysfunction
Premature ejaculation
Sexual trauma
Relationship and communication issues related to sex
General dissatisfaction with the state of one’s sex life
What does a healthy sexual relationship look like?
Each sexual relationship is different and there is no magic formula to ensure a healthy sexual relationship. Your psychologist will work with you to identify your sexual goals and build a treatment plan to achieve those goals. Over time, it is our hope that you will experience an increase in sexual confidence, pleasure, intimacy, and satisfaction.
Is it normal to not desire my partner?
Low desire and low sex drive are common issues that many individuals and couples face in their relationships. While attraction often fuels desire, factors such as stress, fatigue, hormonal changes, and relationship dynamics can significantly impact libido. It's important to recognize that fluctuations in desire are normal, but persistent lack of interest in one's partner may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. When desire diminishes, it can create a sense of disconnect and strain in the relationship, affecting intimacy and overall satisfaction. A relationship can still survive without desire, however, it cannot thrive or be truly fulfilling and loving.
Why do I find it difficult to orgasm with my partner?
Communication is an important part of a healthy sexual relationship. Talking to your partner about your likes and dislikes can not only help you understand each other better but also create a warm, safe, and comfortable environment for healthy sex. Anxiety around sex and orgasm is also a common reason that makes it difficult to orgasm, reminding yourself sex is a journey, not a destination can be helpful.
Why is it painful for me to have sex?
Painful sex can be linked to illness, infection, physical or psychological problems. The first step is to consult your GP to rule out any medical conditions that may be making it difficult for you or your partner to have sex. Alternatively, there could be many underlying psychological causes that could lead to painful sex or an inability to have penetrative sex.
How do we manage erectile dysfunction in a long term relationship?
Erectile dysfunction can either be caused by psychological factors (Psychogenic erectile dysfunction) or have severe psychological consequences. It is imperative for the couple to communicate well about expectations, anxieties, and sometimes the embarrassment and stigma that surrounds this label. A healthy sex life is possible with a good sex therapist who aids communication between the couple, and manages expectations.
How do we manage premature ejaculation in a long term relationship?
Premature ejaculation is the most common sexual problem that men go through. Similar to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation can either be caused by psychological factors or have psychological consequences. Counseling, medication, behavioral techniques and some exercises can be useful tools to manage erectile dysfunction.
Can sex therapy help someone who has experienced sexual trauma?
Someone who has experienced sexual trauma can find it challenging to be in a romantic relationship. Their experience makes them wary of trusting people and being abused again. Needless to say, victims of sexual trauma can develop unhealthy relationships with sex, which may show up in a lot of different ways such as avoiding intimacy altogether, engaging in risky sexual behaviors, or experiencing significant discomfort during sexual encounters. Navigating a relationship in such a situation can be difficult and delicate, and individual therapy and couples sex therapy are excellent supportive tools.
Is communication an important part of a healthy romantic and sexual relationship?
Research shows that on an average, couples tend to struggle when it comes to communication involving sexual preferences. This could be due to many different reasons - self preservation, fear of embarrassment, fear of miscommunication and judgment. Sex is not something the general population is taught to openly talk about, it’s mostly narrowed down into large stereotypes of what “men want” and “women like” and it ends there.
It is extremely important to communicate about sexual preferences, this not only creates a safe and comfortable environment for both partners, but also enables them to understand each other’s unique preferences better therefore improving their sexual compatibility.
What Sex Therapy IS
Sex therapy is like a pit stop for your sex life – it's a safe space where you can talk about all things sex with a trained professional. Whether you're dealing with performance anxiety, relationship issues, or just want to explore your sexuality, sex therapy is here to help. It's all about improving your sexual health and happiness in a judgment-free zone.
It's important to note that sex therapy is a collaborative process, and therapists work with clients to create a safe and supportive environment to explore their sexual concerns. Privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance in sex therapy, as clients may discuss intimate and personal aspects of their lives.
What Sex Therapy ISN’T
Contrary to popular belief, sex therapy isn't just for people with "serious" problems or those who are super open about their sex lives. It's not about pointing fingers or laying blame – it's about finding solutions and making positive changes. And no, it's definitely not like what you see in movies or on TV – no awkward couches or weird vibes here!
Oh, and one more thing: there's absolutely no physical touching in therapy. It's all talk, no touch!
Who goes to sex therapy?
You'd be surprised how many people seek out sex therapy! It might seem like something only those super open about sex would do, but in reality, millions worldwide face sexual challenges. It's pretty common for people to experience at least one sexual issue in their lifetime in fact 43% of women and 31% of men face one for of sexual difficulties at some point in their life. (Source)
What you can expect from your first session:
We will explore what brings you to therapy, and identify your goals and desired outcomes. We will take a sexual history, and learn about the ways the environment impacts how you experience your sexuality. We will explore a number of systems to help us understand how you express certain parts of yourself.
During your first session, you will meet with your psychologist to discuss the difficulties that you are facing in your sexual relationship.
Your psychologist will then formulate a treatment plan based on the presenting concerns and your goals. You will have the opportunity to provide feedback since you are ultimately the experts in your own sexual relationship.
From the second session onwards, your therapist will work with you towards meeting your goals.
Judy Seoud, M.Ed., M.A.
I am a passionate and driven therapist who is committed to helping you achieve your mental health goals. I aim to provide you with a safe space that will encourage you to explore your struggles, gain insight, challenge assumptions and beliefs about yourself, and appreciate your successes.
As a therapist, I specialize in working with individuals facing issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, stressful life changes, communication, sex and intimacy, and social justice.
Every individual has unique needs, and I believe in tailoring my approach for your specific situation. I utilize an eclectic approach that is composed of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Humanistic/Client Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness Training.
I earned my double masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration on Social Justice and Multiculturalism from Teachers College, Columbia University.
I invite you to reach out by calling or messaging to schedule your first appointment and begin your journey of in-depth self-discovery. I am eager to help you reach your full potential!
Here are some common terms relating to sex therapy:
Sex therapy: Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy designed to tackle all types of sexual issues. Psychotherapists specializing in sex therapy address the underlying psychological, personal, and interpersonal factors that may be affecting an individual sexual dissatisfaction or couple’s sexual compatibility.
Couples sex therapy/ couples sex counseling/ marriage sex therapy: Couples sex therapy is a specialized form of couples therapy where the therapist addresses and works on sexual problems arising within a couple - it is based on basic principles of couples counseling, however, the focus of therapeutic interventions is to communicate and work on resolving problems directly related to intimacy and sexual issues.
Sex positive therapy: Sex positive therapy works on the premise of empathy, inclusivity and non-judgement. It aims to remove the stigma and shame attached to sex by normalizing it and creating a validating, and safe space for open and honest discussions around sexual preferences, desires, and incompatibility.
Sex therapy exercises: Sex therapy exercises are usually focused on emotional closeness, alleviating anxiety around sexual performance, and emphasizing the importance of sexual and non - sexual physical touch. These exercises help overcome anxiety, build confidence, and improve the couple’s connection.
Intimacy coaching/therapy/counseling: The goal of conquering any issues with intimacy is to remove roadblocks - both physical and emotional - that may be keeping a couple from connecting on a deeper level.
Christi Gadd, M.Sc.
Christi Gadd is a DHA registered Clinical Psychologist (Dubai) and an HPCSA registered Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist (South Africa). She completed her MSc Clinical Psychology degree including a one year Clinical Psychology internship at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Ga-Rankuwa & Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, Pretoria. She started her career in 2012 as a Clinical Psychologist at 1 Military Hospital in the South African National Defence Force where she was involved in neuro-rebilitation, psychotherapy, psychodiagnosis, health psychology and the training and supervision of intern clinical psychologists. She moved to full time private practice in 2017 where she provided psychotherapy, psychological assessments, aeromedical assessments and medico-legal assessments.
She has many therapeutic interests including anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Christi is particularly interested in the transition to expat life. One of the things she loves most is accompanying people on their journeys of self-discovery and self-actualization.Her interests are best summarised as a curiosity to learn more and more about what makes us human, especially our brains.
Therapist Specialities
Figuring out this beautiful, crazy thing called life
Grief, loss and processing emotional pain
Relationship challenges - they are not as easy as Hollywood would have us believe
Intimacy issues
Betrayal
Adjusting to parenthood
Deciding whether to have children or remain childfree
Conscious uncoupling
Discernment therapy - assisting a couple in finding clarity around the future of their relationship
Trauma - acute and chronic
Resentment and unmet needs
Personal growth & self-actualisation
Neuropsychology of emotions and relationships
Breaking intergenerational patterns
Expat living and the effects thereof on romantic and family relationships
Support for Neurological diagnoses (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neuron Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Alzheimers Disease & other forms of dementia, brain injuries, brain tumours)
Christi’s favourite part of being a therapist is using both her head and her heart in her work. First her heart to create a deep connection and a sense of feeling heard and understood for her clients. Then her head in a scientific, systematic analysis of their challenges and what might be keeping them stuck in these. This is further supported by an understanding of our brains and how they control our behaviour, but also how our relationships and life experiences influence our brains and sense of wellbeing.
She sees each client as unique and no two therapy processes are the same. Each process is adapted to the client’s specific needs. She listens empathically, but also gives solution focussed input and feedback. You might also be surprised by a bit of humour in your therapy process.
Her love of human relationships is grounded in the South African principles of Ubuntu - I am because we are. Pointing to the belief that we are all interconnected and need each other to live joyful and fulfilling lives. Trauma, pain and distress in one part of a system influences the rest of the system, but healing and growth in one part of the system also ripples into the rest of the system.
Christi’s therapeutic processes combine in-person and online sessions as she commutes between Dubai and South Africa. She enjoys using technology in the therapeutic process and translating therapeutic techniques for an online format.
Treatment Modalities
Rational Emotive Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (RECBT)
Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT)
Integrative Interactional Psychotherapy
Interpersonal Pattern Analysis
Person Centred Therapy
Systemic Therapy
Solution Focussed Therapy
Brainspotting
Guided imagery
Meditation & breathing techniques
Existential Psychotherapy
Supportive Psychotherapy
Narrative therapy
Academic Qualifications and Experience
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus (South Africa)
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology – University of Pretoria (South Africa)
Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology, Genetics, & Psychology - University of Pretoria (South Africa)
Associations and Affiliations
Clinical Psychologist - Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
Clinical Psychologist - Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Neuropsychologist - Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Full Member - South African Clinical Neuropsychological Association (SACNA)
Registered Medico-legal Practitioner - South African Medico-legal Association (SAMLA)
Our sex therapists and couples counsellors are here to help you in your relationship, whether you need to heal or want to thrive.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you repair or improve your relationship. Contact us however you feel most comfortable, for example Whatsapp message us, or feel free to call us on +971 56 895 2347. You can also email or simply send us a query via our online form. Instagram message, Facebook chat… whatever works best for you!
Our goal is to make you comfortable.
Your relationship is important. Sex therapy and couples therapy can help. We are here to support you.
