Sexual wellness is a fundamental part of overall mental health, yet many people—especially those from Black and Brown, or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities—have not had access to the affirming, culturally competent, and empathetic care they deserve.
Stigma, systemic barriers, and cultural taboos often make it difficult for Black and Brown individuals to openly discuss their sexual health, pleasure, and relationships. This is where sex therapy, particularly within a BIPOC-centered mental health practice, becomes vital.
At Coral Heart Counseling, we believe that sexual health is deeply connected to emotional well-being, self-identity, and the ability to experience pleasure and intimacy without shame or fear.
Our therapist, Anisa Brazier, specializes in sex therapy through a pleasure-focused and decolonized lens, offering a supportive and non-judgmental space for individuals and couples to explore their needs, identities, and desires.
What Is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on concerns related to sex, intimacy, relationships, and sexuality. It provides a space to address emotional, psychological, and relational factors that may be impacting a person’s sexual well-being. This can include a wide range of topics such as:
- Exploring sexuality and sexual identity
- Navigating intimacy and emotional connection
- Overcoming sexual dysfunction concerns
- Processing trauma related to sex or relationships
- Understanding personal boundaries and consent
- Enhancing communication with partners about sexual needs and desires
- Addressing cultural or religious influences on sexual beliefs
Sex therapy is not just about addressing challenges—it is also about fostering self-acceptance, pleasure, and deeper emotional and physical connections.
For Black and Brown individuals, sex therapy can be a transformative process that allows them to unlearn shame and reclaim their sexual agency in a society that has historically stigmatized and policed their bodies and desires.
The Importance of Culturally Competent Sex Therapy for BIPOC Communities
Traditional approaches to sex education and therapy have often been Eurocentric, failing to consider the unique cultural, historical, and systemic challenges that Black and Brown individuals face.
Many Black and Brown clients may feel hesitant to seek help due to fear of being misunderstood, judged, or further marginalized in therapeutic spaces that are not attuned to their lived experiences.
Culturally competent sex therapy, like what is offered at Coral Heart Counseling, recognizes that sexual health cannot be separated from racial, cultural, and historical contexts. A decolonized approach to sex therapy means:
- Affirming BIPOC identities and experiences – Acknowledging how racial identity, historical oppression, and cultural expectations shape an individual’s relationship with sexuality.
- Centering pleasure and liberation – Moving beyond a pathology-focused approach and instead empowering clients to embrace their sexual desires and relationships without guilt or fear.
- Integrating trauma-informed care – Recognizing the impact of racial and intergenerational trauma on intimacy, relationships, and body image.
- Challenging societal narratives – Addressing the ways in which colonialism, racism, and patriarchy have influenced negative perceptions of BIPOC sexuality.
By choosing a sex therapist who understands these intersections, clients can engage in therapy without needing to educate their provider about cultural nuances or experiences of systemic oppression.
Meet Anisa Brazier: A Therapist Who Gets It
Anisa Brazier is a therapist at Coral Heart Counseling who specializes in sex therapy, using a culturally adaptive and trauma-informed approach. She believes that everyone deserves a space to prioritize their needs and process past and present experiences in a way that affirms their full range of emotions.
Anisa’s approach to sex therapy is rooted in pleasure, liberation, and decolonization. She works with individuals and couples on issues such as:
- Sexual identity exploration
- Intimacy and connection
- General sexual health and wellness
- Addressing sexual dysfunction
- Healing from sexual trauma
Her therapeutic process is not about simply treating “problems,” but about helping clients cultivate self-awareness, confidence, and joy in their relationships with themselves and others. Anisa creates a sacred, non-judgmental, and collaborative space where clients can explore their past, present, and future selves with curiosity and compassion.
If you’ve ever felt like discussions around sex and intimacy were off-limits in your cultural upbringing, or if you want a therapist who truly understands the intersection of race, mental health, and sexual wellness, Anisa Brazier is currently accepting new clients for sex therapy at Coral Heart Counseling. Simply give us a call at 708-433-9363 or book a free 15-minute consultation HERE with Anisa to see if you’d be a good fit.
What to Expect in a Sex Therapy Session
If you’re considering sex therapy but aren’t sure what to expect, here’s a general idea of how sessions may unfold:
- Initial Consultation – This is an opportunity to discuss your goals, concerns, and any specific topics you’d like to explore. It’s also a chance to determine if the therapeutic relationship is a good fit for you.
- Building Comfort & Safety – Anisa prioritizes creating a safe and affirming space where you can openly express your thoughts and experiences without judgment.
- Exploration & Education – Therapy may involve discussing sexual health, emotional blocks, relationship dynamics, and any cultural or personal factors that have shaped your views on sex and intimacy.
- Healing & Growth – Through guided conversations, exercises, and therapeutic interventions, clients work towards healing, confidence, and fulfillment in their sexual and relational lives.
Sex therapy does not involve any physical contact or explicit demonstrations; rather, it is a conversation-based therapeutic process aimed at supporting clients in feeling more empowered in their bodies and relationships.
Why Sex Therapy Matters for BIPOC Mental Health
For many BIPOC individuals, there is deep-seated shame, stigma, and misinformation surrounding sex. These narratives can stem from colonialism, religious teachings, family expectations, and media portrayals that have long devalued or hypersexualized BIPOC bodies.
Sex therapy is a pathway to healing from these harmful messages. It is an opportunity to reframe sexuality as something that is not only natural and healthy but also joyful and affirming. By working with a BIPOC therapist like Anisa Brazier, clients can feel seen, heard, and supported in ways that mainstream therapy spaces often fail to provide.
Take the Next Step in Your Healing Journey
If you’re ready to explore sex therapy and want a therapist who understands the cultural and emotional nuances of BIPOC experiences, Anisa Brazier at Coral Heart Counseling is here to support you.
Whether you are looking to improve intimacy in your relationships, explore your sexual identity, or simply unlearn internalized shame, sex therapy can be a transformative step toward self-acceptance and pleasure.
Sexual wellness is mental wellness. You deserve a space to explore, heal, and thrive in all aspects of your identity. Reach out to Coral Heart Counseling today to schedule a consultation with Anisa Brazier and take the first step towards sexual and emotional liberation.
