Sex Therapy:
Many people want to know what sex therapy is and how it differs from general therapy. Sex therapy focuses on intimacy and sexual problems. Some people come to a sex therapist with specific sexual problems. Others are dealing with are other problems in their lives which are affecting their sexual functioning so they are coming to gain information and guidance from a professional specializing in sex therapy. Either way, sex therapy involves discussing the issues at hand in the therapist’s office and at times, there are prescribed exercises being given to the individual or couple to be done in the privacy of their home. I see individuals or couples together, depending on the presenting issue.
It is normal for clients to feel anxious when first starting sex therapy. Most people have trouble talking about sex at all, so discussing it with someone they have never met may feel awkward at first. I recognize this and will take the therapy at your own pace. Once we get to the root of the problem and work to resolve it, it will not only improve your intimate relationship but also will strengthen your emotional connection and improve your overall health and well being.
Couples Therapy:
Couples therapy helps two people in a relationship gain insight into their dynamics, resolve conflict and improve their satisfaction using a variety of practical and goal oriented interventions. Couples come to see me at various stages throughout their relationship. Some couples will come at the start while dating, while others will come in long term relationships. It is important to seek out couples therapy when you feel that you cannot resolve your differences without escalation, you are feeling disconnected or unhappy in your relationship, or your relationship is stagnant.
Couples therapy can help rebuild a relationship but many couples will push off starting the process. For some this happens because they do not believe that anyone can help, for others one partner is concerned about being blamed for the problems and the therapist taking sides. When treating couples, I consider the “couple” to be my client which means that I look at both spouses as contributing to the presenting problem. Although there are times that one spouse is specifically struggling with a challenge, I don’t see only one side as the cause of the problem. I work with the couple together to discover the strengths and limitations of the relationship so they can work as a team to find the clarity and peace they are striving for.
Individual Therapy:
There can be various reasons why someone might seek out individual therapy such as to cope with feelings of anxiety or depression, deal with significant life transitions, process past traumatic events, or to gain self knowledge or awareness. Client often come to see me one on one when they are experiencing problems that are interfering in their personal, romantic or sexual relationships.
As my clients become more aware of their specific strengths and challenges, I provide them with practical interventions, homework assignments and resources to help them achieve their goals. With time, they will be able to heal from past wounds, learn how to change their negative thought patterns and behaviors and flourish in many areas of their lives.