When sex isn’t working the way you want it to, whether emotionally, physically or in your relationship, it can feel hard to know where to turn. Do you talk to a therapist, try coaching, or just keep quiet and hope things get better?

In many Asian households, sex was never something openly discussed. So it’s no surprise that as adults many of us struggle to find the words or the right support. Maybe things feel distant with your partner. Or maybe you’ve never felt fully confident in your body or pleasure. You want guidance but you’re not sure who to turn to.

And since September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, we’re marking it with a little reminder that your intimacy matters — plus a 20% off select experiences at Hedonist Tribe. Perfect for special occasions, or simply as a way to deepen connection with your partner. 💖

If you’ve ever caught yourself late at night Googling “sex coach Singapore” or “intimacy coaching Singapore” after a frustrating bedroom moment, you’re definitely not alone.

This blog will help you understand the difference between a sex coach and a sex therapist, explore your options, and find the support you need for deeper intimacy and better sexual wellbeing.

Jump to Section

• What Does a Sex Coach Do?
• What You Might Work on With a Sex Coach
• What a Session Looks Like With a Sex Coach
• Sex Coaching Styles You Might Encounter
• What Does a Sex Therapist Do?
• What You Might Work on With a Sex Therapist
• What a Session Looks Like With A Sex Therapist
• Do Sex Therapists Have “Styles” Too?
• What Do They Have in Common?
• Side-by-Side Comparison (Cost Included)
• Which One is Right for You?
• Where to Find Sex Coaches and Therapists in Singapore
• When It’s a Medical Issue

Sex Coach vs Sex Therapist: What's the Difference, Really?

A sex coach and a sex therapist both help with sexual wellbeing, but they approach things in very different ways. Let’s break it down.

What Does a Sex Coach Do?

A sex coach (also called an intimacy coach) helps you grow your confidence, deepen pleasure, and build better communication around sex and relationships. Their work is educational, practical, and forward-focused.

They won’t diagnose you or dig into your psychological past. Instead, they focus on helping you feel more comfortable in your body, expand your erotic awareness, and explore intimacy without shame.

What You Might Work on With a Sex Coach If:

• Learning how to communicate your desires to a partner.
• Feeling “stuck” in routine sex and wanting to reignite the spark.
• Navigating mismatched libidos with your partner by finding new ways to connect and redefining intimacy together.
• Rebuilding intimacy after long-term stress, parenting, or illness.
• Exploring new fantasies or roleplay in a safe and guided way.
• Getting curious about kink, BDSM, or fantasy exploration in a safe and non-judgmental space.
• Gaining confidence as a beginner to sex — from understanding your body to exploring pleasure in a safe, guided way.

“Intimacy coaching is about rediscovering what pleasure means to you, on your terms.”

What a Session Looks Like With A Sex Coach:

An intimacy coaching session in Singapore is usually a mix of conversation, guided exercises, journaling prompts, and personalised suggestions for at-home exploration. Depending on your needs, sessions may include breathwork, embodiment practices, or sensuality exercises. You’re in the driver’s seat, and the coach is your informed co-pilot.

Coaches are not medical professionals, but many are certified through respected intimacy education programs. In Singapore, some work independently, while others partner with platforms like Hedonist Tribe’s Pleasure Concierge to support clients looking for safe, trusted and pleasure-positive guidance.

Sex Coaching Styles You Might Encounter:

Intimacy coaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Many coaches blend different approaches based on their background and what resonates with you. Here are some common styles you might come across:

• Somatic-Based Coaching - Focuses on reconnecting with the body through breathwork, grounding, gentle movement, and touch-awareness. This approach helps bring you back into the present moment and out of your head.
  
  
• Skills & Education Coaching - Offers practical tools, techniques, and knowledge, covering everything from anatomy and pleasure mapping to communication strategies and boundary-setting.
  
  
• Relationship Coaching - Supports couples and individuals in navigating relationship dynamics, love languages, mismatched desire, and building deeper emotional and sexual intimacy.
  
  
• Trauma-Informed Coaching - Gently creates a sense of safety while helping clients explore shame, regulate their nervous system, and reframe past experiences that may impact intimacy.
  
  
• Tantric & Sacred Intimacy Coaching - Integrates energy work, sensual rituals, and spiritual practices to expand connection, presence, and pleasure, often drawing from Eastern traditions.
  
  
• Inclusive & Queer-Affirming Coaching - Offers supportive, affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals, non-traditional relationships, and anyone exploring gender, orientation, or identity within intimacy.
  
  
• Life-Stage Coaching - Helps navigate intimate shifts during transitions like postpartum, menopause, chronic illness, or relationship changes with compassion and understanding.

What Does a Sex Therapist Do?

A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional who specializes in helping people overcome sexual challenges linked to emotional, relational, or psychological factors.

If your concerns are deeply rooted—maybe there’s past trauma, body-based anxiety, or painful sex that’s been persistent, a sex therapist can help you unpack and heal those issues with clinical support.

What You Might Work With a Sex Therapist:

• You’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, or painful intercourse.
• You’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, or past experiences that affect your ability to connect.
• You and your partner are dealing with mismatched libidos, trust issues, or emotional disconnection.
• You’re carrying fear, shame, or guilt around sex that feels hard to move past — whether from upbringing, religion, or past relationships.
• You’re dealing with compulsive sexual behaviours or porn addiction that feel out of your control.
• You’re navigating more complex concerns such as sexual trauma, abuse recovery, or ongoing mental health issues that require therapeutic support.

“Therapy doesn’t mean something is ‘wrong’ with you,  it means you’re choosing to heal, grow, and reclaim your sexual self with support.”

Note: When it comes to sexual health concerns that may be medical in nature (such as hormonal issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, or underlying conditions), doctors are usually the first point of referral for diagnosis and treatment.

What a Session Looks Like With A Sex Therapist:

In Singapore, sex therapy sessions create a safe, talk-based space to explore thoughts, feelings, and past experiences. Many people searching for sex therapy in Singapore discover that therapists may use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, somatic techniques, or relationship counseling to help improve intimacy and satisfaction.

Do Sex Therapists Have “Styles” Too?

Yes, but they tend to show up a little differently. While intimacy coaches often draw from experiential or body-based practices, sex therapists are licensed mental health professionals who use evidence-based psychological frameworks to support healing and growth. Their “style” often reflects the therapeutic modalities they’re trained in.

Here are some of the most common approaches:

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Focuses on identifying and gently reshaping unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours around sex, desire, or performance.
  
  
• Psychodynamic Therapy - Explores how early life experiences, unconscious patterns, and past relationships may be shaping your current intimacy landscape.
  
  
• Systemic / Couples Therapy - Looks at how relationship dynamics, like communication habits, power struggles, or attachment styles, impact sexual connection.
  
  
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) - Builds emotional safety and secure bonding as the foundation for deeper intimacy and satisfying sexual connection.
  
  
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy - Uses presence, breath, and body awareness to reduce anxiety and help clients fully inhabit their sensations and pleasure.
  
  
• Trauma-Informed Therapy - Offers a safe, paced, and compassionate space for survivors of sexual trauma or PTSD to heal and reconnect with their body and desire.

What Do They Have in Common?

While intimacy coaches often guide clients through interactive tools and in-session exercises, sex therapists primarily work through talk therapy. They may suggest at-home practices, but they won’t model or physically guide exercises during sessions.

Despite these differences in training and methods, both sex coaches and sex therapists are, in principle, there to provide the same foundations of support:

• A safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space to talk about intimacy.
• Guidance to build sexual self-awareness and confidence.
• Respect for your boundaries, beliefs, and goals.

Sex Coach vs Sex Therapist in Singapore: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a quick breakdown to help clarify the differences at a glance:

Aspect	Sex Coach	Sex Therapist
Training	Certified coach (non-medical)	Licensed psychologist or counselor
Focus	Pleasure, confidence, exploration	Healing, dysfunction, emotional processing
Session Style	Tools, exercises, roleplay, guided communication	Talk therapy, CBT, trauma-informed modalities
What They Help With	Desire, confidence, communication, body image	ED, trauma, anxiety, shame, dysfunction
Typical Cost (SG)	$150–250 SGD/session (private pay only)	$180–300 SGD/session (may be partially covered by insurance)
Who They’re Great For	Curious explorers, couples wanting more spark, individuals wanting better sex	People struggling with sexual pain, trauma, or mental health-related intimacy issues

In short: Sex coaches focus on growth, pleasure, and confidence-building, while sex therapists address deeper psychological, emotional, or trauma-based concerns. 

Coaching is usually more accessible, private-pay only at around $150–250 SGD per session, making it ideal for individuals or couples curious to explore intimacy in a supportive, shame-free space. 

Therapy is more clinical, typically $180–300 SGD per session, and in some cases may be covered by insurance — though this depends on the therapist’s registration and you’ll need to check with your provider. It’s best suited for those needing support with healing, dysfunction, or emotional barriers to intimacy.

Sex Coaching vs Sex Therapy: Which One is Right for You?

Choose a Sex Coach if:

• You’re looking to expand your erotic awareness, feel more confident, or learn practical intimacy tools
• You want support that’s shame-free, forward-looking, and focused on pleasure
• You’re in a good place mentally but feel sexually “stuck” or disconnected

Choose a Sex Therapist if:

• Your intimacy issues are linked to trauma, anxiety, or persistent dysfunction
• You’re seeking clinical insight or emotional healing
• You’ve tried “just talking it out” and still feel blocked, scared, or in pain

Pro Tip: You don’t have to choose just one.
Many people use therapy to heal and coaching to grow - think of them as two sides of the same self-love coin.

Where to Find Sex Coaches and Sex Therapists in Singapore

Whether you’re seeking emotional healing, deeper connection, or simply wanting to explore your pleasure in a safe and supported space, Singapore offers a growing number of professionals trained to help. 

From certified intimacy coaches to licensed clinical therapists, you can find someone who aligns with your values, needs, and goals. Below is a list of trusted options, both public and private, so you can take that first step with confidence and clarity.

Singapore-Based Sex Coaches

1. Andrea Tan - Athena Rising

A trained coach with over 600 hours in Sex, Love & Relationship Coaching (SLRC) from Layla Martin’s Tantric Institute of Integrated Sexuality (TIIS), she brings both depth and expertise to her practice. As one of Hedonist Tribe’s in-house intimacy coaches, she leads Pleasure Concierge offerings — from bachelorette parties to blowjob and handjob workshops, as well as couple’s intimacy workshops. She also offers private coaching, helping mothers rediscover sensual confidence and supporting individuals navigating life transitions such as divorce.

Specialties: Offers deep coaching methodologies to incorporate visualisation, meditation, mind-body psychology, jade egg practices and ancient traditions.

2. Dr. Angela Tan – Reiwa Health

A family physician turned relationship and intimacy coach, Dr. Angela combines medical knowledge with heart-centered coaching to offer a truly holistic approach. Through private coaching, both in-person and online, she helps individuals and couples strengthen connection, navigate challenges, and rediscover joy in their intimate lives. Her work bridges the gap between physical health and emotional wellbeing, making her support both practical and deeply compassionate.

Specialties: Blending medical insight with relational coaching to support long-term partnerships and rebuild intimacy after trauma.

3. Dr. Martha Tara Lee – Eros Coaching

A clinical sexologist and founder of Eros Coaching, Dr. Martha creates safe spaces for people to explore intimacy. She offers coaching, workshops, and educational events that empower individuals and couples to embrace their sexuality. She is also a regular invited speaker at the Singapore Urological Association, where she has shared her expertise for several years.

Specialties: Building sexual confidence, strengthening communication, and guiding individuals and couples toward deeper connection and pleasure.

Singapore-Based Sex Therapists

Public Sector & Hospital-Based Clinics

1. DSC (Department of STI Control) Clinic

DSC Clinic provides sexual health counselling since July 2018, with a psychotherapist in a safe, non-judgemental setting. The service supports individuals with relationship issues, life transitions, STI diagnoses, risk-taking behaviours, gender-specific concerns, and LGBTQ matters. Sessions last 45 minutes at $30, with financial assistance available. Patients can speak to clinic staff during consultations or visits to learn more or book an appointment.

2. KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) – Women’s Health Psychology Services 

KKH’s Women’s Health Psychology Services provides specialised support for women through key life transitions such as postpartum changes, perimenopause, menopause, and trauma recovery. Part of the Women’s Health & Wellness Centre, the service offers assessments and personalised therapy delivered by psychologists and psychiatrists working closely with medical teams. This integrated approach ensures holistic care that supports both physical health and emotional well-being at every stage of a woman’s life.

3. National University Hospital (NUH) – Women’s Centre / Psychological Medicine

NUH’s Women’s Centre has long led in the management of sexual health concerns—operating a well-established Sexual Health Clinic since the 1980s, staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including medical doctors and psychologists, to address sexual dysfunction in both women and men.

4. Institute of Mental Health (IMH)

IMH is Singapore’s public psychiatric hospital and premier mental health institution, offering specialised psychotherapy services that include support for sexual health and trauma-related concerns. Access to most services typically requires a referral from a polyclinic or medical professional. 

Private Practice Clinics & Sex Therapists

1. Dian Handayani – Nambani (Sex & Art Therapy)

Dian is a sex therapist, credentialed art therapist (ANZACATA), and Somatic Experiencing® practitioner with over a decade of clinical experience. She integrates creative approaches—including art therapy, Jungian psychology, somatic healing, and solution-focused coaching—to support emotional and sexual wellbeing. At Nambani, she offers a warm, inclusive, and trauma-informed practice for adults and couples of all identities.

Specialties: Sexual trauma recovery, expressive (art) therapy, identity work, and healing sexual shame—especially through creative, body-centered approaches. 

2. Anita Krishnan-Shankar - Alliance Counselling

With over 13 years of experience in counselling and education, Anita is a certified Sex Therapist and Educator through the Sexual Health Alliance (USA). She combines evidence-based approaches like CBT with a sex-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirmative lens to support individuals and couples in navigating intimacy, identity, and relational wellbeing.

Specialties: Intimacy challenges, compulsive sexual behaviours and pornography concerns, sexual trauma recovery, and strengthening emotional connection in relationships.

3. Raffles Counselling Centre (Raffles Hospital)

Part of Raffles Medical Group, the Counselling Centre provides clinical sex therapy alongside emotional and psychological health services. Clients can access support for intimacy challenges within a broader framework of holistic healthcare.

4. The Therapy Room

Founded by psychologist Dr. Geraldine Tan, The Therapy Room offers therapy for sexual intimacy, anxiety, and relationship issues. Their team provides tailored support for individuals and couples seeking healthier emotional and sexual wellbeing.

5. SACAC Counselling

Established in Singapore for over 50 years, SACAC Counselling offers therapy for individuals and couples navigating intimacy concerns or sexual dysfunction. Its international team of licensed psychologists brings diverse expertise to support clients from all backgrounds.

What If It’s a Medical Issue?

Some sexual challenges are rooted in underlying medical conditions that go beyond the scope of coaching or talk therapy. If you’re experiencing things like:

• Hormonal changes (from birth control, menopause, or low testosterone)
• Genital discomfort, infections, or unexplained pain (like burning or vulvodynia)
• Pelvic floor or neurological issues that impact sexual function
• Chronic skin conditions that affect intimate areas

It’s important to first consult with a gynecologist, urologist, or pelvic health specialist who can assess and treat the physical aspects.

Once your body feels supported and any medical concerns are being cared for, you can then continue your healing journey with a sex therapist or coach. They can help you reconnect with your sensuality, rebuild confidence, and nurture emotional intimacy after a medical setback.

The Bottom Line: There’s No Wrong Door to Knock On

Sex coaching and sex therapy both serve important roles. One isn’t better than the other - it simply depends on where you are in your journey and what kind of support you need.

Whether you’re healing, exploring, or ready to reignite your connection, there’s help available. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Ready to Begin? Let’s Explore Together

It’s okay if you feel nervous or unsure. You’re not expected to know exactly what you want right now - that’s what support is for. 

Start with Hedonist Tribe’s Pleasure Concierge—a one-stop platform for intimacy and connection led by certified intimacy coaches in Singapore.

Because better intimacy isn’t a luxury. It’s a birthright. You deserve intimacy that feels empowering, shame-free, and fully aligned with who you are today.