Compulsive Sexual Behavior / Sex Addiction Counseling (OCSB)

Many mental health professionals view and treat sexual behavior that feels out of control as an "addiction," with sexual behavior being the primary problem. The addiction model is typically based on 12-step programs that focus on refraining from sexual behavior judged inappropriate by the program, rather than cultivating sexual behaviors that support a healthy and unique expression of the individual's sexuality. As an alternative or adjunct to this approach, we work with sexual behavior that feels out of control as a potential symptom of some greater underlying cause that, when addressed, can lead to greater pleasure, fulfillment, and alignment in your sexual and intimate relationships.

Couple / Relationship Counseling (PACT and EFT)

By employing a psychobiological approach to couple/relationship counseling (i.e., PACT*), we can explore dynamics in the relationship around communication and attachment, and also include aspects of developmental neuroscience and arousal regulation to better understand how the mind and the body impact relationship.

*Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT) is a way of working together in which we bring awareness to the moment-to-moment level of activation in the body (e.g., stress, anger, fear, excitement, etc.) and how each partner then does or does not regulate that activation. This allows each person to bring clarity to their own thoughts, emotions, and feelings, in order to better understand one another and find greater attunement.

Sex Therapy / LGBTQ+: Gender Identity, Sexuality, Sex, and Intimacy

We are interested in and celebrate diversity in gender, sexuality/sexual, and orientation. In addition, we are advocates for freedom in sexual expression and welcome all forms of sexual expression, preferences, and fetishes from vanilla to kink and everything in between. Our background in Contemplative Psychotherapy, which includes the practice of meeting ourselves and others with openness, curiosity, non-judgment, kindness, and compassion, provides the ground from which we can explore how you are relating to these aspects of yourself and how these aspects impact, and are impacted by, how you cultivate intimacy in relationships.

Non-Traditional Relationship Counseling (PACT and EFT)

We welcome diversity in working with all forms of relationship, whether heterosexual, same-sex, monogamous, polyamorous, open, etc., as well as all forms of sexual preferences and expressions, from vanilla to extreme forms of kink and fetish play–and everything in between. In this process, it is not the configuration of the relationship nor the sexual interests of the partners that are problematic, it is making agreements and boundaries explicit, and giving voice to the expectations and concerns of everyone involved.

Sexual Abuse and Trauma Counseling (SE, Sensorimotor, and EMDR)

The impact of trauma–including sexual abuse, incest, unwanted sexual encounters, etc.–can last long after the threat has ended and frequently underlies anxiety, depression, addiction, and other unwanted/compulsive behavior. As a result, addressing the trauma rather than attacking the related symptoms can be a more effective approach. The integration of Contemplative Psychology, Somatic Experiencing (SE)*, and other modalities provides an opportunity to join the mind and the body in order to heal the wounds and effects of trauma.

*Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a way of working together in which we bring awareness to your body, particularly the level of activation and deactivation of the nervous system, rather than getting mired in the narrative or content of that story. We have worked with many clients who have spent years engaged in talk-based therapy trying to find relief from trauma to no avail, who then experience a significant and more lasting shift as we work using this embodied approach.

Counseling for Sex Workers

Sex worker-friendly therapy provides a sex-positive, open-minded, and understanding approach to exploring the relationship between self, relationships, sexuality, intimacy/sex, and a sex-based profession. This work is not about pathologizing/shaming the sex industry, rather supporting the process of integrating one's values, beliefs, and actions with their work choices so that it is a more mindful and empowering experience.