Are you trying to untangle a personal and/or relational challenge where your sexual behavior is a factor? Maybe it is an affair that just got found out and you have been accused of being a sex addict. Perhaps you are struggling with mismatched sexual desire with your partner, so you supplement with porn and masturbation (in secret)! Maybe your goal is to solve the dilemma of how to come out as gay, lesbian or some other important identity in the LGBTQ+ rainbow? Is religious shame and guilt making you feel horrible for what are actually normal sexual interests and desires? Is past trauma impacting your sexual health? People from all walks of life have been coming to work with me on the sexual and relationship issues I describe above. In the past 13 years, I have dedicated my clinical focus in the areas of sex therapy and problematic sexual behavior. The good news is that together we can make a difference–you don’t have to face these challenges alone! So, if you are tired of the negative results you are getting by avoiding your sexual challenges and you are ready to face your fears with courage, I invite you to reach out! Remember, your particular situation is likely unique, and I can take you beyond the limits of self-help!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
As a therapist, my intention is to co-create a healing experience that moves you towards strength and resiliency. Setting an intention to heal is really the engine that drives therapeutic change. So, as a therapy client, I invite you to consider these 3 key intentions in your work: (1). In addition to reducing symptoms or problems, you gain ground in your ability to deeply take care of yourself. (2). You integrate or involve your body (not just your mind) in your healing journey and (3). Expand your ability to self-reflect without defending to yourself or others.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
A cornerstone to good therapy involves treatment methods that are done with you (not to you). With that thought in mind, here is a general list of methods I utilize: (1) Goal Setting; (2) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); (3) Socratic Questioning; (4) Mindfulness; (5) Trauma-Focused Therapy; (6) Family Systems; (7) Attachment-Focused Work as described by Sue Johnson and others; (8) Relational Therapy and (9) Motivational Interviewing. Education both in-session and as homework is also a technique I often utilize.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Here are some of what I consider my strengths: (1) I utilize a calm, centered approach where "carefrontation" matters more than confrontation; (2) I have a deep rooted empathy that comes from both extensive clinical experience and personal work as a client; (3) I am good at inviting clients to new ideas and new ways of being rather than telling or instructing them to do something; (4) I endeavor to forge a real working alliance with my clients so they can fully own and be empowered in their unique process of change and (5) I encourage clients to speak openly and honestly especially as it relates to our helping relationship. I believe this is crucial to the five freedoms described by Virginia Satir which includes the right to say what you think and feel.