FAQ

Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to help individuals and couples overcome sexual challenges and enhance their sexual satisfaction. It typically involves therapeutic exercises or "homework" to be done outside of sessions. It is important to note that sex therapy does not involve any physical contact or sexual activity between clients and therapists.

Discussing sexual issues can be a source of discomfort and anxiety for many people. As a clinician, I understand the need for a safe and confidential space for my clients to openly share their concerns. I work at a pace that is comfortable for my clients to help them overcome their challenges and improve their sexual and relational well-being.

A certified sex therapist (CST) is a licensed mental health professional with specialized training in human sexuality and sexual health. To become nationally certified as a sex therapist, one must meet rigorous academic and clinical requirements established by the American Association of Sexuality Counselors, Educators, and Therapists (AASECT). This process typically takes about three years to complete. Additionally, CSTs are required to maintain their certification through ongoing professional development, completing at least 20 continuing education hours. For more information on AASECT and the requirements for becoming a CST, please visit their website.

I offer a range of evidence-based modalities to support my clients, including Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Embodied Practices (Somatic and Mindfulness), and Gottman Method Couple Therapy.

As a systemic therapist, I recognize that our relationships with ourselves and others are influenced by various systems, and we are connected through these systems. I work with my clients to explore how these systems shape their worldview and what is holding them back, so they can build positive and secure relationships with themselves and others. I aim to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals and couples to address their challenges and achieve their goals.

The length of your therapy will depend on a variety of factors, including the nature and severity of your concerns, your goals for therapy, your commitment to the process, and the approach we take in our sessions. As a therapist who specializes in in-depth work, it's possible that the duration of therapy may be longer than it would be for more short-term or solution-focused approaches. This is because we will explore deeper underlying issues that may require more time and commitment from you.

However, the specific length of therapy will ultimately depend on your unique needs and progress. We will regularly assess the effectiveness of our sessions and adjust the treatment plan as needed. It's important to communicate openly about your goals and expectations for therapy, as well as the estimated length of treatment. I believe that with patience and commitment, we can work together to achieve lasting change.

Please feel free to ask me any questions or share any concerns you may have about the therapy process. I am here to support you on your journey.

The frequency of therapy sessions can vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Generally, therapy sessions are scheduled weekly, but this can vary based on your unique situation. During our initial sessions, we'll work together to establish a treatment plan that will include a recommended frequency of sessions. Depending on the severity of your concerns, you may require more frequent sessions, such as twice a week, while others may find that less frequent sessions, such as every other week, are sufficient. It's important to communicate any scheduling preferences or barriers you may have to attend sessions regularly, so we can find a schedule that works best for you and your treatment goals. It's also important to keep in mind that therapy is a process, and progress is not always linear. As we work together, we may need to adjust the frequency of sessions based on your progress and any changes in your needs. Consistency and commitment to the therapy process can help you achieve your goals and make lasting changes. If you have any questions or concerns about the frequency of sessions or the therapy process in general, please don't hesitate to ask.

Progress in therapy is influenced by several factors, including a strong therapeutic alliance, a client's commitment to the therapeutic process, and the use of evidence-based practices. The therapeutic alliance is the relationship between the client and therapist, and it is critical to the success of therapy. I strive to establish a strong and supportive alliance with my clients, which involves creating a safe and comfortable environment where they feel heard and understood.

A client's commitment to the therapeutic process is also essential. This includes attending therapy sessions regularly, actively participating in therapy, and practicing skills learned in therapy outside of sessions. I encourage my clients to be open and honest with me and to take an active role in their therapy. We work collaboratively to set goals and develop a treatment plan that meets their unique needs and circumstances.

Finally, the use of evidence-based practices is an important factor in therapy success. I use evidence-based practices tailored to each client's unique needs and circumstances. This means that I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches that have been shown to be effective through research studies.

It's important to remember that progress in therapy is not always linear, and setbacks can occur. However, with a strong therapeutic alliance, commitment to the therapeutic process, and the use of evidence-based practices, clients can achieve their goals and make lasting changes in their lives. If you have any questions or concerns about the therapy process or what to expect in therapy, please don't hesitate to ask.

I understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes you may need to cancel your scheduled session. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know at least 48 hours in advance. This allows me to offer your appointment time to other clients who may need it.

Please note that cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance or no-shows will be charged the full session fee. However, I also understand that emergencies can happen and will make exceptions for hospitalizations and other life-and-death events.

Thank you for understanding and for helping me to provide the best care possible to all of our clients.

As a sex and relationship therapist, I have made the decision not to accept insurance for several reasons:

Privacy and Confidentiality: Insurance companies typically require the submission of diagnostic codes and treatment plans, which compromises the privacy and confidentiality of therapy sessions. I believe that clients may be hesitant to openly discuss sensitive topics related to sex and relationships if they know their information is being shared with insurance providers.

Limited Coverage: Insurance coverage for mental health services, including therapy, can vary widely. Some policies may not cover sex or relationship therapy at all, while others may impose restrictions or limitations on the number of sessions covered. This can limit the scope and duration of therapy for individuals seeking help with their sexual or relationship concerns.

Medicalization of Sex and Relationships: Insurance companies generally operate within a medical model that focuses on diagnosable conditions and treatment protocols. However, sex and relationship therapy often involves addressing complex interpersonal dynamics, personal growth, and intimacy concerns that may not neatly fit into a diagnostic framework. I prefer to provide more comprehensive and individualized care without the constraints imposed by insurance companies.

Therapist Autonomy: By not accepting insurance, I have greater control over my practice and the services I offer. I can set my own fees, design treatment plans based on my expertise, and have more flexibility in the therapeutic process without external constraints imposed by insurance companies. This allows me to provide a higher level of personalized care for my clients.

Specialized Expertise: Sex and relationship therapy requires specialized training and expertise. However, insurance reimbursement rates for therapy services are often lower compared to other medical services. This may discourage therapists from accepting insurance and limit the availability of experienced professionals in this field. By not relying on insurance, I can focus on providing the highest quality of specialized care without financial constraints.

As a sex and relationship therapist, I have made the decision not to accept insurance directly. However, I am considered an out-of-network provider, which means that if your insurance policy has out-of-network benefits, you may still be able to seek reimbursement for the therapy services I provide.

Here's how it works: When you pay for your sessions, I can provide you with a superbill that includes all the necessary information such as the diagnosis, treatment dates, and fees paid. You can then submit this superbill to your insurance company for potential reimbursement, depending on the specifics of your policy. Please note that reimbursement is subject to your insurance policy's coverage, deductibles, and any out-of-network limitations.

By choosing to be an out-of-network provider, I can maintain greater autonomy and flexibility in my practice. This allows me to provide specialized care and tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs of individuals seeking help with their sexual and relationship concerns.

I understand that affordability is an important consideration, and I strive to make my services accessible. Offering a superbill for potential reimbursement gives you the opportunity to utilize your insurance benefits, provided your policy covers the area of focus.

If you have any questions about insurance reimbursement or need assistance with the superbill process, I'm here to support you and provide the necessary documentation to help facilitate your reimbursement efforts.