In today’s fast-paced, emotionally complex world, our most personal relationships often take the hardest hit. We may find ourselves disconnected from our partners—or even from our own desires—without understanding why. Whether you're struggling with emotional closeness, physical intimacy, or communication challenges, working with a sex therapist for men or a sex therapist for women can be a transformative step toward reconnection and healing.
Heather Atles, a San Francisco-based sex and intimacy coach, specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate these deeply human challenges. Her work is rooted in compassion, non-judgment, and body-based healing, offering clients a safe space to explore what it means to truly connect—with themselves and others.
Understanding Sex Therapy: More Than Just the Physical
When people hear “sex therapy,” they often think of solutions for physical sexual dysfunction. But the truth is, most issues in the bedroom have emotional and psychological roots. Whether it's shame, anxiety, past trauma, or poor communication, these inner experiences shape how we show up in intimate moments.
A sex therapist for men or sex therapist for women like Heather Atles helps clients explore and work through these hidden barriers. Her holistic approach is not clinical or impersonal—instead, it’s about building trust, understanding your body’s signals, and learning how to express your needs in a way that feels natural and empowering.
Why Men Seek Out Sex Therapy
Men are often taught to disconnect from their emotions and perform rather than feel. This leads to a wide range of intimacy challenges—from performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction to emotional shut-down and difficulty connecting with partners on a deeper level.
As a sex therapist for men, Heather Atles helps men:
Break free from societal expectations around masculinity and sex
Reclaim their connection to pleasure and vulnerability
Overcome shame or fear around performance
Develop emotional intelligence and communication skills
Heal from trauma or body-related insecurities
Heather provides a welcoming, grounded environment where men are encouraged to speak openly—many for the first time—about the things they’ve kept silent for years.
Why Women Benefit from Sex Therapy
Women, too, face deeply ingrained cultural and personal barriers to intimacy. Many are taught to prioritize others' pleasure over their own, or carry shame and fear stemming from early messages about their bodies and sexuality. Others struggle with low libido, relationship disconnection, or trauma that makes intimacy feel unsafe.
Heather Atles serves as a trusted sex therapist for women, supporting clients in:
Reconnecting with their bodies and sensuality
Exploring desire and what truly brings them joy
Releasing shame and rewriting harmful narratives
Developing confidence in expressing sexual needs
Healing from past sexual or emotional trauma
Her work helps women redefine intimacy on their own terms—not as something they give away, but something they co-create with safety and intention.
Couples Therapy: Rebuilding the Bridge Between Two People
In her practice, Heather also supports couples seeking greater intimacy and understanding in their relationships. Whether you’ve been together for years or are facing new tensions, sex therapy for couples can offer powerful tools for connection and growth.
Common issues couples work through include:
Mismatched libidos and unmet expectations
Communication breakdowns around intimacy
Feelings of emotional or sexual disconnection
Healing after betrayal or trauma
Creating new shared intimacy rituals
Heather's work goes far beyond technique. She helps couples listen to each other, attune to one another’s needs, and develop a rhythm of emotional and physical safety. Her approach is gentle, collaborative, and full of insight.
What Makes Heather Atles Unique?
Unlike many therapists working within larger practices, Heather works solo. This means when you book with her, you’re working directly with one dedicated expert who gets to know your story intimately. This one-on-one care offers a level of consistency and connection that’s often missing in larger clinics.
Key highlights of working with Heather Atles:
Solo practitioner with personalized care and attention
Deep experience in both individual and couples work
Body-based, somatic techniques to help reconnect with physical sensations
LGBTQ+ affirming, sex-positive, and trauma-informed
Practical tools and take-home exercises to continue growth between sessions
Her practice is inclusive and welcoming to all genders, sexual orientations, relationship styles, and backgrounds. Whether you're navigating kink, polyamory, long-term monogamy, or something in between—Heather meets you exactly where you are.
Creating a More Intimate, Fulfilling Life
The decision to work with a sex therapist for men or sex therapist for women is not just about fixing problems—it’s about creating more joy, intimacy, and authenticity in your life. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or exploring your own healing path, sex therapy is a gift you give to yourself.
With Heather Atles as your guide, you’ll find a compassionate space to uncover your blocks, rewrite old stories, and embrace a new, empowered relationship with intimacy.
Ready to Begin?
If you're ready to explore what’s possible in your emotional and intimate life, visit www.heatheratles.com to schedule a free consultation. Heather offers both in-person sessions in San Francisco and virtual appointments for clients across California.
Your healing journey doesn’t have to be lonely—Heather Atles is here to walk beside you.
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