Asking for help isn’t easy, especially in a society where speaking openly about sexuality is rare and taboo.
On the inside, you’re overwhelmed, feeling guilt and shame at what's going on. You may be sitting here, looking through the internet trying to find answers to figure out: is this normal? Will I ever recover? Will this get better?
Sex is a natural part of many individuals’ lives and a part of most relationships. Yet, somehow, you feel that you have uncertainties, questions, issues, concerns, and … no one to turn to. Some days, it may feel like your partner is more like a roommate than a lover. Perhaps, someone has hurt you and now you’re struggling to feel safe in your body. You may be searching for places to find answers about your sexual or relationship concerns, but it's been difficult to do so—where do you go? Who can you trust? Will there be judgement? On the outside, you are portrayed as the perfect couple, as if your sex life is wonderful, or like you’re in control of your body and your emotions.
Whether you’re here because your relationship is in trouble, you need to figure out some sexual concerns, or you are wanting to deal with and heal from sexual abuse or assault, you’ve come to the right place.
Allura Sex Therapy Centre, founded by BC’s first AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, is Vancouver’s leading trauma-informed therapy practice that exclusively focuses on sex, sexuality, and relationships. Our counsellors provide a safe, judgement-free and sex-positive space for our clients to heal on their own terms and provide help through sex therapy, couples counselling, and trauma counselling. Regardless of your goal, our counsellors are here to help you grow into your relationship or sexuality and feel confident that you know how to find your way through.
Ultimately, you are the expert in your own life; we are here to guide you along your journey to sexual satisfaction and confidence.
Our services are anti-racist, LGBTQ-, kink-, and poly-friendly, sensitive, and aware, as well as trauma-informed.
Our Values
Collaborative
We work as a collaborative team to provide clients with the best quality care, drive the mission forward, and contribute to our vision.
CURIOSITY
We are willing to be reflective, receive feedback, understand our growth edges and communicate our strengths and growth edges openly and with curiosity; this curiosity extends to clients and remaining curious about who they are.
Pleasure-centered
Good sex is rooted in pleasure – we wholeheartedly believe that moving beyond the symptom and centring pleasure as a part of healing is crucial to fulfilling sexual experiences and well-being.
Secure connection
We understand that relationships are rooted in attachment and we are aware of how attachment influences sexual and relational issues. This goes beyond the therapy space but also how how we show up as a therapist, colleague, and human.
commitment to growth
We aim to continuously grow and improve because clients deserve our best work and we enjoy the work when we feel confident and competent! We engage in monthly learning and education as a team, learning from each other and experts in our field, and pursue ongoing advanced training in sex therapy, relationship counselling, and trauma therapy.
inclusive & anti-oppressive
Every person and part of them is welcome at Allura. We created a safe space for people of all identities, particularly folk who may not feel safe otherwise. LGBTQ+, non-monogamous, kinky, sex workers, BIPOC. Beyond that, we actively challenge injustices and aggression in the system both in and outside of the therapy space while remaining aware of and reflective on our own power & privilege.
Our team acknowledges that we are uninvited settlers on the traditional, stolen, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations, also known as Vancouver, British Columbia. We hold gratitude and awareness of the history of the land and people to whom it belongs to, and are committed to decolonizing our practice as therapists and as humans.
“We know by now that there’s no such thing as normal—or rather, that we’re all normal. We’re all made of the same parts as everyone else, organized in a unique way. No two alike.”
- EMILY NAGOSKI
"Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life" (2015)
Services
Sex Therapy
Therapy focused on sexual issues that may be showing up in your life, particularly in the bedroom. Low desire, sexual pain, erectile dysfunction—sex therapy helps you feel more in control of your body (and your mind). Beyond the body, sex therapy can also support navigating LGBTQ2S+ concerns, ethical non-monogamy, and other sexual behaviours, interests, and concerns.
Relationship Counselling
If your relationship has felt distant, you’re having trouble with talking to one another and are stuck in an argument cycle, relationship or couple counselling can help. Our therapists welcome and support couples of all relationship structures to reconnect, repair relationship wounds, and begin to move toward feeling more connected.
Sexual Trauma Counselling
When our sexuality and body is taken away from us, we are left feeling trapped and scared to connect with intimacy and another person. Sexual trauma counselling can help anyone who has had sexually traumatic experiences heal from their pain and reconnect with their whole sexual selves again.
Webinars & Workshops
Knowledge is power. We regularly offer webinars and workshops on different topics around sex and sexuality so you can get started on your journey without needing to dive into the deep end of therapy. Our webinars and workshops are developed through the latest research and information about sex and sexuality and are facilitated by different members of our team. Can’t attend live? try one of our pre-recorded webinars or sign up for a live one and receive lifetime access to the recording.
Low-Cost Counselling
We believe therapy should be accessible to everyone, especially sex therapy. The first of it’s kind in Vancouver, low-cost sex therapy is offered by our intern counsellors who are closely supervised by experienced clinicians on the team! Connect with us to learn if our intern counsellors may be a good fit for you.
Professional Development Trainings
Most mental health professionals and other medical professionals aren’t taught about sex and sexuality in their graduate or professional programs. We offer accessible and high-quality training opportunities to do our part in changing the stigma and biases around sex and sexuality in the professional world.
Ready to get started?
We have a team of highly qualified and trained counsellors – we're here to help.
Inquire Now →Get Connected WITH A FREE 15-Minute consultation
A better and more pleasurable sex life is just around the corner. Contact us now to get started on your journey—our team is here to help make that possible.