FAQs

What is Therapy?

Therapy, also called counselling, psychotherapy, “talk-therapy”, and more, is a structured and research-based practice of helping others better manage their problems. Good therapy is tailored to the individual’s current needs and goals, stage of life, level of psychological awareness, and personality. Therapy might include feeling heard and validated, receiving education about what is troubling you, building tools and skills (and being provided the opportunity to practice them and get feedback), celebrating your successes, and/or challenging your existing assumptions and changing how you think about yourself and your world. Some sessions can feel easy and rewarding, while others can be difficult and emotionally painful. In the end, the overarching goal is to come out the other side with a better understanding of yourself and those around you and better skills to be able to deal with past and future problems. At my practice, I tailor my therapy approach to meet your need. The specific types of therapy approaches I draw from include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Gottman Therapy approaches for couples.

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is counselling or psychotherapy that is specifically aimed at addressing sexual concerns or problems. Sometimes this looks very much like talking about sex, sometimes we spend time talking about everything but sex, knowing that much of it will circle back to helping us resolve the sexual problem or concern. Sex therapy very typically involved exercises that are done at home, either on your own or with a partner.

Many sexual problems are rooted in both physiological and psychological problems. Sex therapy may also involve consultation with a medical professional or physical therapist, perhaps you even saw a medical professional before seeking therapy. I am well versed in the medical aspects of sexual problems and can work with any other treatment providers to give you the best support and care possible!

It is important to note that sex therapy is not a regulated profession, so you need to check the credentials of anyone offering sex therapy. I am a trained and licensed psychologist who has been specializing in sexuality since my undergraduate university degree.

What is a Psychologist? How do they differ from other professionals?

A psychologist is a professional with a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), in the field of psychology. Psychologists can specialize in a variety of areas related to mental health, the brain, and wellness. Psychologists who practice therapy are called “clinical psychologists.” During graduate school, a clinical psychologist completes therapy practicums and internships/residencies, much the same as a medical doctor does. Graduate school also includes coursework on therapy and assessment and the completion of a doctoral research dissertation. Most psychologists also completed a master’s degree prior to their doctorate, at which time they also completed a research dissertation. Psychologists must meet strict educational standards and pass exams in order to be licensed. Continuing education is required each year to maintain an active license. It is important to note that psychologists are not the same as psychiatrists, who are medical doctors. We are not able to prescribe medication in the state of California.

So what does all of that mean anyway? It means that clinical psychologists are not only highly specialized and trained in providing therapy, but that we also understand the importance and significance of research, and have the skills to understand and integrate the latest research into our everyday treatment with you!

What if I’m unsure about therapy or embarrassed to talk about my problem(s)?

Many people find it embarrassing to talk about sexual topics. I have spent my career helping people with their sexual problems, and teaching other professionals about how to talk about sex with their clients. A central component of my practice is to work with each individual to provide a space that is safe and comfortable to talk about any of their problems, particularly sexual ones. Therapy is a unique space where you can talk free of judgment. People often find that, once they overcome their initial fear/anxiety/embarrassment/awkwardness, the topic of sex becomes easier and they experience a sense of freedom and increased self-efficacy at being able to (finally) discuss sex in a meaningful and direct way.

How long are the therapy sessions?

This depends upon the presenting concerns and how many people are in the session.

Therapy sessions for individuals are typically 50 minutes, though sometimes I see individuals for “intensive” sessions on a less frequent basis and these can last up to half a day.

Couple’s sessions begin with an 80 minute intake, followed by two 50-minute sessions with each individual. After that, we typically meet for 80 minutes, but some couples elect to go with 50 minute sessions. I also offer “intensive” sessions for couples that can range from a few hours to a full day.

Group therapy is 90 minutes per session.

How long does it take until I feel better?

Typically, people report some improvement after a few sessions, but long term improvement and reliable change can take much longer. At the end of the day, it really depends on your presenting problems and goals, and how much work you want to put into making changes outside of the therapy session each week. I work with people who have questions or brief concerns that only need 2 or 3 sessions to those who I see over many years and everything in between.

While I cannot predict how long you will benefit from therapy from the get-go, I can tell you that I am honest with you along the way about your progress and needs in terms of duration and frequency of ongoing therapy. I work with your personal goals, your financial situation, and your unique set of presenting problems (and strengths) to ensure that you are getting the most out of therapy and developing the skills to better address problems as they come up for you in the future.

Isn’t it easier to just take medication?

Many people ask this question. For some diagnoses, medication is essential for psychological stability. For most people though, each provides different sets of benefits and drawbacks. While medication can help to manage overwhelming symptoms or ease anxiety in sexual situations, therapy explores the underlying cause(s) of the problem and teaches you skills to address the problem in the present and the future. In sex therapy, even for problems that have a medical component, therapy is often an essential component of treating the problem. I do not prescribe medication, but I can work with you, and any medical provider you see, to help figure out what the best overall treatment plan looks like for you.

Do you take insurance?

As with many providers, I do not take insurance. I do provide what is called a “superbill” that you can submit to your insurance company for partial or full reimbursement. What this means is that I am not in any insurance network, but some companies may still cover you for psychotherapy services. I recommend calling your insurance company to ask about the details of coverage for psychotherapy services, specifically, for a psychologist.

I do take HSA, which is an alternative that many clients have found benefit from. I also provide a number of sliding scale spaces in my practice for clients who are unable to afford the full fee, but wish to start (or continue) with therapy. Please inquire regarding availability.