Celeste Smith Therapy

Sometimes the hardest part of making a choice that goes against who we are is facing the question, “what kind of person would do this?”

A values-based approach invites a different question: "What happened between what I value and what I chose?"

There is space between our values and our behavior. In that space, we may find fear, avoidance, longing, disconnection, unmet needs, or attempts to escape difficult emotions.

Understanding that space does not erase responsibility. It gives us somewhere meaningful to begin.

When we can look honestly at the gap between our values and our actions without getting lost in shame, we can begin asking a more important question:

What do I want to practice differently from here?

If you’re experiencing pain during sex, please know this: it’s not just in your head, and being told to “just relax” isn’t the answer. Sexual pain is real, valid, and treatable and it’s not your fault. As a therapist licensed to work online with clients in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, Tennessee, and Illinois, I want you to know that you are not broken. Your body is trying to protect you, not punish you and with the right support, healing and pleasure are absolutely possible.

Struggling with sexual pain or pelvic floor dysfunction? Explore expert-recommended books, informative blogs, trusted pelvic floor therapists, and social media content creators who provide guidance, support, and practical strategies for healing. Learn how somatic therapy, pelvic physical therapy, and evidence-based education can help you reclaim comfort, confidence, and sexual wellness.

When chronic illness or pain makes sex challenging, intimacy doesn’t have to disappear. As a sex therapist living with chronic illness, I help couples across Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Colorado explore new ways to connect, rebuild closeness, and redefine what intimacy truly means.

Some days, your body just won’t cooperate and saying ‘no’ to sex feels like failing the one you love. I know that struggle personally. As a sex therapist living with chronic illness, I help couples across Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Colorado navigate guilt, desire, and intimacy so connection can survive even when your energy doesn’t.

Chronic illness often changes the way couples experience intimacy and sexual connection. As a certified sex therapist living with chronic illness, I help partners across Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Colorado navigate desire, arousal, and closeness through virtual sex therapy. This post offers insight into how chronic illness impacts sexuality and how partners can support their loved one while also caring for their own needs.

Chronic illness often impacts intimacy and sexual functioning. As a certified sex therapist living with chronic illness, I provide virtual sex therapy in Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Colorado to help individuals and couples navigate desire, arousal, and connection