Frequently Asked Questions
What is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that specializes in all kinds of problems having to do with sexuality. You may be experiencing problems that involve your sexual functioning, relationships, sexual orientation, or gender identity, just to name a few, and feel trapped or alone. Maybe you don’t fully understand what the problems are and feel ashamed, frustrated, or confused. Working together with me, you will find help to discuss and understand your problems while charting a path towards resolving them. Each person’s path is different, so an individual plan of treatment will be made depending on your needs.
Sex therapy can help you through education, understanding and correcting faulty beliefs, and working with fear, shame, anxiety and other problems that may get in the way of pleasurable experience, self esteem, and intimacy. I may also provide referrals to other professionals when needed. Often homework is assigned between sessions to promote your progress. I am compassionate, confidential, and competent.
A certified sex therapist follows the same legal and ethical rules regarding confidentiality and professionalism used in the State of California by Licensed Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.
What are sex therapy sessions like?
Sex therapy sessions are very similar to other psychotherapy sessions. Most often they are 45-50 minutes long, and they involve talking about personal problems. As a certified sex therapist, I am highly trained and skilled at helping people feel more comfortable talking about sexual problems. Very often people are able to discuss sexual concerns with me that they have had for years but were never able to talk about!
Sex therapy, like psychotherapy, never includes sexual activity, and there is no nudity or touching involved in therapy sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed to resolve sexual concerns varies from individual to individual. During the first few sessions, you and I will spend time getting to know each other while clarifying the problems you are experiencing. It is quite common that people experience other problems along with their sexual problems, such as depression, fear, anxiety, shame, or anger. In order to develop a treatment plan, you and I will work together to understand your particular picture and how it impacts you. Sex therapy is generally short-term and solution focused; I will look for your strengths so that they can be used to help you efficiently and productively solve your problem.
What are your qualifications?
I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in the field of psychology since 1990 and have been in private practice more than a decade.
I have a B.A., M.A., and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology; I am also an R.N. I am certified by the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists as a Sex Therapist and have studied under Stephen Braveman, a nationally known sex therapist and specialist in sexual trauma and transgenderism.
I am a clinical member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
What kinds of problems do you treat?
Here are a few:
- Gender concerns
- Problems with sexual functioning
- Problems with sexual desire
- Sexual trauma
- Concerns regarding sexual orientation
- Concerns regarding relationships and sexual lifestyles
Sexuality concerns following medical treatment or illness - Body image concerns
Sexuality with medications, such as Viagra or antidepressants - Life transition concerns, such as menopause or aging
Spiritual concerns as they affect your sexuality - Desire for more education
Will you prescribe medication?
No. Medication is legally prescribed only by a Medical Doctor. I am happy to provide referrals when medical treatment is indicated or desired as is in your best interest.
Will my insurance be billed?
No. I will provide you with a superbill after each session so that you may submit it to your insurance company if you choose. Payment is due after each session; I accept cash, checks, Visa, and MasterCard.
