Think of a Clinical Sexologist as a sexuality specialist. When you have sexual questions or concerns you want to consult someone who has the greatest knowledge of your particular concern.  If a sexologist is board certified they have completed between 300-500 hours of training in the field of human sexuality.  If they have an academic degree such as a Masters or a Doctorate, they have completed between 3000-5000 hours of training in human sexuality.

If you feel that a sexual issue/concern you have experienced for a period of time is not improving, you will most likely benefit from seeing a Sexologist. Sexual issue(s) can have a major impact on one’s self-esteem, as well as on one’s intimate relationships.  The earlier that you come in for a session, the sooner the issue(s) will be addressed and resolved.

After we have discussed your concerns/issues and arrange an appointment over the phone or email, you will meet with me in my warm, comfortable, and private office.  A typical first visit includes an assessment of the presenting problem or concern and an overall relevant history.  Therapeutic home assignments may be given at the conclusion of the initial session.

Subsequent sessions may include a discussion of your experience with your home assignments and addressing questions.  Your progress and barriers that may have arisen will be discussed and we may conclude by assigning you more exercises to do at home.

A session never involves sexual contact, or any other kind of sexual activity or nudity.  Sexologists are expected and bound to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner with their clients at all times.  I take seriously the level of integrity and respect required to do this work and I feel privileged to help you with your sexual concerns.

Below, is the P-LI-SS-IT* model (Annon, 1976) which is the foundation for Sexuality Counseling.  Sexuality Counselors are trained to perform the initial three steps (P-LI-SS).

Permission (P): The practitioner creates a climate of comfort and permission for clients to discuss sexual concerns, often introducing the topic of sexuality, thereby validating sexuality as a legitimate health issue.

Limited Information (LI): The practitioner addresses specific sexual concerns and attempts to correct myths and misinformation.

The practitioner compiles a sexual history or profile of the client:

1. Defining the issues and concerns of the client.
2. Determining the course of how the issues have evolved over time.
3. Facilitating the client’s understanding of the main issues and providing options for resolution.
4. Assisting the client in formulating perceptions and ideas about sources of these concerns and developing realistic and appropriate goals and solution plans.

Specific Suggestions (SS): After the client is well informed about the cause of their issue or concern, they naturally would like a solution to their problem. In many cases, there are specific techniques that are tailored to the client’s needs through therapeutic home assignments.

Intensive Therapy (IT): The practitioner provides specialized treatment in cases that are complicated by the coexistence of other complex life issues, which may also include psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, anxiety disorders (including obsessive-compulsive disorder), personality disorders, or substance abuse, or by interpersonal or intrapersonal conflict.

Sexuality Counselors are trained to identify situations that require intensive therapy and to make appropriate referrals.

Sessions are usually weekly and may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the issue(s).

I do not disclose information without your written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule:

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist your cooperation for your own good. If you do not cooperate, I may take further measures – without your permission, to ensure your safety.
• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The law requires me to report this to the appropriate authorities.

I see men, women, teenagers, and I am open and affirming to all sexual minorities.  In his book, Health Care Without Shame, Charles Moser, Ph.D., MD, defined a sexual minority as “anyone who is not traditionally heterosexual.”  This would include any group of people with a sexual orientation, preference, behavior, and/or feelings that place them in the minority of the general population, i.e., gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer and those with an intersex condition.  Also included are people who participate in alternative lifestyles such as swinging, polyamory and the sub-culture of “BDSM” (Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, Sadism & Masochism).

“Sexuality encompasses far more than how you have sex, or if you have it at all.  Sexuality is a central part of our identity, and includes our feelings about our gender, how we express ourselves, our sexual orientation, our body image, and, yes, our sexual behaviors.”   ~Logan Levkoff, Ph.d.

Sex-positivity means that people benefit from holding positive attitudes about sexuality without any guilt or shame. Sex is a subjective experience and we each have a different relationship with it. Sex should be liberating and pleasurable and people that are sex-positive are confident about it and are not afraid to communicate about what they need sexually.

Sex-positive people appreciate sexual diversity; there is no such thing as “normal” sex in this ideology. There is no place for judgment and moralistic preaching. People experience pleasure in many different ways and we each have our own boundaries. Everyone deserves to have the sex life that is comfortable to him or her, as long as it can be had consensually.

Sex-positivity includes all people, whether they are straight, gay, bisexual, intersex, disabled, kink, old, young, etc. It also includes people that live in institutions and require care from attendants. People that have disabilities, disease, and physical and psychosocial disadvantages are all sexual beings and should not be excluded.

Sex-positivity promotes sexual health. Regardless of health status, a sex-positive approach to partnering aims to reduce both risks of transmitting STIs and the stigma associated with having them. In managing sexual health, people need to have access to safe, affordable contraception and procreative choices.

Education is an important means to a sex-positive society. Sex education should be taught at all levels of life that is age appropriate, accessible, and comprehensive. Sex education does not limit discussion to the harm of sex. Instead, it emphasizes the benefits of healthy, consensual sex.

Please check with your insurance to see if your plan provides coverage for my services. I accept cash, check, Master and Visa cards.