Understand why your body tenses up without blaming yourself
Try gentle practices that help your body feel safe
Explore intimacy beyond penetration at your own pace
This guide is for anyone experiencing painful or impossible penetration, or who feels their body tenses up during sex or exams. It’s especially helpful for people navigating vaginismus, fear of penetration, or partners wanting to explore intimacy without pressure.
This is a digital resource delivered as a PDF.
This guide offers psychoeducation, reflection prompts, and nervous-system practices to support clients with vaginismus or penetration-related anxiety. It helps normalize the protective reflex, reduces shame, and opens conversation about pacing and safety. Practitioners can use it as a session tool, homework resource, or referral support.
Feel free to recommend or work through this guide with your clients—we just ask that you purchase individual copies for each client who will be using it!
These guides are educational resources only and do not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. While created by sex therapy professionals, they are not a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your sexual health, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider. By purchasing and using these resources, you acknowledge that individual results may vary and that you are responsible for consulting appropriate healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation.