There are many reasons why sex can go out of marriages. For some, it’s a matter of lost interest, less excitement, or need for a reset. For others, it’s about the loss of emotional intimacy or feelings of closeness. Some have a significantly diminished sex drive as they get older. Others realize that, while they love their spouses, sex isn’t something that makes them feel satisfied anymore. If you’re experiencing this kind of disconnect, you’re not alone and help is available with therapy for a sexless marriage in Rhode Island.

At Rhode Island Sex Therapy, we believe every couple deserves to experience intimacy, connection, and satisfaction in their relationship. Dr. Michael Stokes, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, leads our experienced team of therapists who specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate the complex emotions and challenges that come with a sexless marriage. Together, we offer compassionate, sex-positive support to help you and your partner rebuild intimacy and rediscover connection.

What Is a Sexless Marriage?

Sex is an important part of establishing and maintaining intimacy bonds with our partners. Yet, many people find themselves losing interest in engaging in sex with their spouses over time. It may seem odd, but nearly 20% of couples who are married or in committed relationships experience long periods where they don’t engage in sex.

Why Does Sexual Intimacy Matter in a Marriage?

A sexless marriage doesn’t just affect the bedroom. It can impact every part of your connection. When intimacy fades, couples often experience feelings of rejection, loneliness, resentment, or even confusion. These emotional undercurrents can lead to frequent arguments, communication breakdowns, or a general sense of disconnection.

While every couple defines intimacy differently, regular physical closeness often helps reinforce the emotional bond between partners. Therapy for a sexless marriage provides a space to explore what intimacy means to both individuals and how to reintroduce it in ways that feel authentic and comfortable.

How Did We Get Here?

Sexless marriages often occur as a result of a loss of interest, one partner’s decreased sexual desire, decreased libido, lack of time, other responsibilities distracting from the sexual relationship, and general issues within the marriage. For instance, some situations that contribute to a sexless marriage include:

• Becoming parents, which can create added strain and take up a lot of time, leading to long stretches without sex.
• Moving up in careers and spending more time at work, which can also cause stress and lead to a lack of intimacy.
• Social media and screen time, which can interfere with sexual relationships, especially among younger couples.

Whatever the reason, sexless marriages can happen even for those who start out with a healthy, thriving sexual relationship. So, if you’re not happy with your sexual relationship, you don’t have to learn to accept it. With sexless marriage therapy from Rhode Island Sex Therapy, we can help you restore and improve sexual intimacy.

How Can Therapy for a Sexless Marriage Help Restore Our Sexual Relationship?

During therapy sessions for a sexless marriage, individuals and spouses can work together to restore their sexual relationship and increase intimacy in their marriage. Therapy can also help spouses decide if the best option is to change something about their relationship. For some, that might mean divorce. For others, it can be beneficial to discuss alternative sexual arrangements like consensual non-monogamy to achieve sexual gratification without placing excessive strain on the already struggling marriage.

What Happens During Sexless Marriage Sessions at Rhode Island Sex Therapy?

In therapy, we’ll work together to uncover the emotional, psychological, and relational patterns that may be contributing to the sexual disconnect. This might include:

• Participating in communication exercises
• Exploring relationship roles
• Identifying blocks to intimacy such as past trauma, resentment, or unmet emotional needs
• Defining what a satisfying sexual connection looks like

For many couples, therapy is not just about restoring sex but about creating a more fulfilling, connected partnership.

In the process, we create a judgment-free environment to talk openly about sex, desire, and frustration without assigning fault. Our work is rooted in a sex-positive, shame-free philosophy that honors both partners’ experiences. Whether you’re struggling with erectile dysfunction, low libido, performance anxiety, or emotional withdrawal, we’ll help you unpack these layers with care and insight.

How Do I Get Started With Therapy for a Sexless Marriage?

You don’t have to just live with any romantic relationship that doesn’t give you what you need to feel fully satisfied. If you’re ready to start making changes and improving or restoring your sex life, our team at Rhode Island Sex Therapy is here to support you through therapy for a sexless marriage. Getting started is simple and easy. Just call (401) 236-5021, email DrMichaelStokes@gmail.com, or use our contact form.