Sex Therapy: Understand How It Works and Discover Its Benefits
Sex therapy helps individuals and couples address sexual difficulties by exploring psychological, biological, and relational factors. It promotes self-awareness, communic...
Ms Mariana Galuppo, BPsych
Clinical Psychologist
“Space for reflection on relationships and sexuality — CBTHelping you rebuild intimacy, confidence and relational balance with evidence based”
About Me
I’m Mariana Galuppo, a Psychologist and Sex Therapist from Brazil, currently based in Amsterdam. I provide online therapy for individuals and couples who wish to improve their emotional connection, communication, and sexual well-being.
My work is grounded in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), and Cognitive-Sexual Therapy. I’m a member of the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM), the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM), and serve as Subdelegate of the Sociedade Brasileira de Estudos em Sexualidade Humana (SBRASH) for the State of Bahia.
Over the years, I’ve supported clients facing challenges such as anxiety, low desire, performance concerns, relational conflicts, and emotional distance. My goal is to create a safe and respectful environment where people can explore their experiences with openness, compassion, and curiosity.
I see therapy as a collaborative process — a space to understand patterns, develop emotional awareness, and strengthen the ability to relate authentically to oneself and others. Beyond solving problems, therapy can help you reconnect with your values and create more fulfilling relationships and experiences in your everyday life.
Approach
My approach combines evidence-based methods with a warm, human connection. Using principles from CBT, IBCT, and Cognitive-Sexual Therapy, I adapt each process to meet your personal needs and goals.
In our sessions, we’ll explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact and how they influence your relationships and sense of self. Together, we’ll work on practical strategies to manage anxiety, communicate more effectively, and build emotional and sexual intimacy.
For couples, therapy focuses on understanding recurring patterns, promoting acceptance, and restoring emotional closeness. For individuals, it supports greater self-knowledge, confidence, and awareness of one’s desires and limits.
My aim is to make therapy a meaningful experience — one that combines reflection, learning, and real-life change, at your own pace.
Contact Mariana
Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.
Basic Information
In-person & Online
Services
1. Individual Sex Therapy
I support individuals experiencing low or absent sexual desire, difficulty reaching orgasm, erectile difficulties, premature ejaculation and concerns related to compulsive sexual behavior or excessive pornography use. The work also includes performance anxiety, questions about gender identity and expression, and challenges in communicating desires and boundaries. Together, we explore emotional, relational and cognitive patterns to help you build confidence, clarity and a more authentic relationship with your sexuality.
2. Couple Sex Therapy
I support couples dealing with mismatched desire, difficulties initiating intimacy, performance concerns, long term sexual disconnection and the emotional impact these challenges create. Together, we explore patterns that keep the couple stuck and build a more open, honest and sustainable sexual connection.
3. Individual Therapy (Relationships & Emotional Wellbeing)
I work with individuals facing anxiety, jealousy, insecurity, low self esteem, attachment patterns and recurring challenges in relationships. The process helps you understand emotional cycles, strengthen self trust and create relationships that feel healthier, safer and more aligned with your values.
4. Couple Therapy (Relationship Focused)
I assist couples who struggle with communication breakdowns, recurring conflicts, emotional distance and difficulties repairing after tension. The work invites the couple to see each other with more clarity, improve emotional responsiveness and build a partnership grounded in understanding, connection and mutual care.
5. LGBT Affirmative Therapy
I offer a supportive, research informed and identity affirming space for LGBTQIA+ clients navigating sexuality, relationships, self acceptance, family dynamics, internalized stigma and the impact of minority stress. The work centers your lived experience and helps you build emotional clarity, healthier boundaries and relationships that feel safe, authentic and aligned with who you are.
Services Offered:
Sex Therapy
Specialised therapy addressing sexual concerns such as low desire, performance anxiety, pain during sex, or mismatched needs between partners.
Learn more about Sex TherapyCBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
Learn more about CBTIndividual Therapy
One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.
Learn more about Individual TherapyRelationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Works With:
- Adults
- Couples
Area of Expertise
Scope of Practice:
LGBTQIA+ Support
The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.
Men's Issues
Psychological challenges commonly experienced by men, including difficulty expressing emotions, anger, relationship struggles, fatherhood pressures, and societal expectations of masculinity.
Expat
The psychological challenges of moving to a new country or city, including loneliness, culture shock, identity shifts, and loss of social support.
Learn more about ExpatSexual Issues
Difficulties related to sexual functioning, desire, identity, or behaviour that cause distress or interfere with relationships.
Learn more about Sexual IssuesSex Addiction
A pattern of compulsive sexual behaviour that feels out of control and causes harm to one's relationships, work, or well-being.
Relationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Divorce Counseling
Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.
Professional Title:
Clinical Psychologist
An advanced mental health professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and complex conditions.
Credentials
Registrations
Conselho Federal de Psicologia
Psicólogo
Registration: 0311556
Qualifications
Bachelor of Psychology
FEAD - Minas
Year: 2013
Service Areas
Alto do Mundaí, Porto Seguro, Brazil
