I help adults (and teens 13+), virtually and in-person, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunctions, eating disorders/disordered eating, and adjustment issues related to grief. Grief can manifest not just from death, but also from the end of a relationship, loss of a dream, health issues, or any unexpected changes in life. My work extends to helping those who have experienced trauma, as well as individuals looking to improve their self-esteem, strengthen their relationships, and manage stress effectively. In collaboration, from a trauma informed and compassion-focused approach, I will help you in creating a toolbox of techniques to soothe your nervous system while fostering self-compassion and building emotional awareness.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Clients can expect a comprehensive and supportive experience that aims to understand their specific concerns, establish rapport, and lay the foundation for effective therapy. The session would likely integrate elements from multiple modalities, creating a holistic approach to addressing the client’s mental health and sexual well-being. The first session would flow as: 1. Warm Welcome and Introduction 2. Discussion about Confidentiality and Consent 3. Exploring the Presenting Problems 4. Therapist Assessments 5. Psychoeducation (Introduction to Therapy Modalities) 6. Goal-Setting and Treatment Planning
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I bring a wealth of diverse skills and expertise that allow me to support clients facing a broad range of emotional, psychological, and relational difficulties. Below are some of the greatest strengths such a therapist possesses: 1. Comprehensive Knowledge Across Multiple Areas Sex Therapy Expertise: well-versed in issues related to sexual health, intimacy, desire, and sexual dysfunction. I can provide psychoeducation, tools for improving communication in relationships, and support for individuals navigating sexual trauma or difficulties. Expertise in Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating: With specialized training in eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and disordered eating habits, I can guide clients toward developing healthier relationships with food and their bodies. Understanding Anxiety and Depression: Expertise in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) allows me to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, providing evidence-based strategies to manage and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Grief and Loss Support: Having a deep understanding of how grief impacts mental health, I can support clients through mourning and help them process loss, whether it’s a loved one, a relationship, or a significant life change. Holistic and Integrative Approach I am skilled at combining different therapeutic modalities to treat clients in a way that is holistic and individualized. For example, I might use polyvagal theory to help clients with emotional regulation, while simultaneously applying CBT strategies to address negative thinking patterns, and providing sex therapy tools to support healthy intimacy in relationships. This integrative approach enables me to address the mind-body connection in both emotional and physical terms, particularly when it comes to issues like anxiety, eating disorders, and sexual health, which can often involve both psychological and physiological factors. Deep Empathy and Non-Judgmental Attitude My expertise in sensitive and often stigmatized issues like sexual problems and eating disorders, I have developed a high degree of empathy, patience, and understanding. Clients often feel safe to discuss their struggles without fear of judgment. My ability to approach difficult or taboo topics (e.g., sexual dysfunction, body image issues, trauma) with an open and accepting mindset is crucial in creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel comfortable being vulnerable. Client-Centered Fle
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My ideal clients for sex therapy are Individuals or Couples with Sexual Dysfunction: issues like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low libido, or pain during intercourse, people facing sexual identity or orientation questions, or sexual shame or guilt. For eating disorders/disordered eating, the ideal client are individuals with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, people struggling with body dysmorphia, emotional eating, and people seeking weight management and self-acceptance. For my ideal client with anxiety, they are individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, phobias, and work or school-related anxiety. For depression, my ideal client will be those with chronic low mood, people with depression following life transitions, depression linked to trauma or grief, and people experiencing depression and co-occurring anxiety. Common Client Themes Across These Modalities While each therapeutic area is distinct, my work with sexual problems, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and grief will often find common themes among the client population: Emotional distress: Many clients struggle with overwhelming emotions that interfere with their well-being. Trauma: Past trauma (sexual, relational, or otherwise) is often a root cause of various issues, whether it's related to body image, emotional dysregulation, or unhealthy coping mechanisms. Life transitions: Significant changes, whether a relationship breakup, a health crisis, or the loss of a loved one, can lead to anxiety, depression, and complicated grief, making therapy crucial for coping and adjustment. Relationship issues: Whether in a romantic partnership, with family, or with the self, relationship dynamics often underpin challenges with intimacy, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.
About Marcus Blanton-Schaedel
Specializes in
Serves ages
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT by creating a structured, collaborative environment where the client learns to identify, challenge, and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. I teach practical skills such as cognitive restructuring, behavior change techniques, and coping strategies while providing support, guidance, and accountability through homework assignments. CBT is a goal-oriented therapy designed to help clients build skills that they can continue to use long after therapy ends, promoting long-term mental health and well-being.
Compassion Focused
I provide clients with tools to cultivate a nurturing, non-judgmental approach to themselves and their struggles. Using CFT creates a safe, compassionate space for clients to explore the deeper emotional wounds they may carry, particularly those related to shame, self-criticism, and emotional pain. By using mindfulness, self-compassionate practices, and cognitive restructuring, I help clients transform negative self-views into more loving and accepting ways of engaging with themselves, which can lead to greater emotional healing and resilience.
Humanistic
Humanistic therapy is deeply client-centered and focuses on creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions, behaviors, and values. My role is to offer unconditional positive regard, empathy, and authenticity to help clients become more self-aware, self-accepting, and capable of personal growth. By fostering an environment that emphasizes self-compassion and self-actualization, humanistic therapy helps my clients tap into their innate potential to live more fulfilling and authentic lives.
Sex Therapy
In sex therapy, my primary role is to create a safe, open, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore and address their sexual concerns. Through education, communication strategies, and tailored interventions, I aid clients to improve their sexual well-being, navigate sexual difficulties, and enhance intimacy. Whether addressing sexual dysfunction, desire discrepancies, trauma, or relationship dynamics, I helps clients develop a healthier, more fulfilling connection to their sexuality, free from shame, guilt, or confusion.
Polyvagal Therapy
Polyvagal therapy is a powerful tool for helping my clients understand and regulate their autonomic nervous system, especially in the context of trauma, stress, and emotional dysregulation. By focusing on creating safety, helping clients become more aware of their physiological states, and teaching techniques for nervous system regulation, I support clients in cultivating a greater sense of control over their emotional and physical responses. Through these methods, clients can learn to shift from states of survival (fight/flight/freeze) to states of safety and connection, promoting healing, emotional well-being, and resilience.