Sex Therapy

Let's Talk About Sex (Therapy)

First things first: sex therapy is talk therapy. There's no physical contact, no nudity, no awkward exercises in my office. What there is, is a safe, confidential space to have the kinds of conversations about sex and intimacy that most people have never had — because nobody taught us how, because shame got in the way, or because we just didn't know we were allowed to.

As an AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) member, I bring specialized training and ongoing education to my work with sexuality-related concerns. My approach is fundamentally sex-positive, which means I don't start from the assumption that there's a "normal" way to experience desire, pleasure, or intimacy. Instead, I help clients explore what feels authentic and fulfilling to them — free from judgment, shame, or someone else's script about how sex "should" be.

I'm also kink-affirming and poly/CNM-affirming. If your sexual expression involves kink, BDSM, multiple partners, or anything outside the conventional box, you won't need to defend or explain it in my office. We'll simply get to work on whatever you're actually here for.

What Sex Therapy Addresses

People come to sex therapy for a wide range of reasons. Some are dealing with a specific sexual concern; others are working on the relational and emotional landscape that shapes their intimate lives. Here are some of the areas I work with most often:

Desire and Arousal

Low desire, mismatched desire between partners, difficulty with arousal, or a shift in what turns you on — these are among the most common concerns that bring people to sex therapy. Desire is complex. It's influenced by stress, medications, hormones, trauma history, relationship dynamics, body image, and a thousand other factors. I help clients understand their own desire patterns and develop practical strategies for cultivating the intimate life they want.

Sexual Identity and Exploration

Whether you're questioning your sexual orientation, exploring new aspects of your sexuality, coming to terms with a kink or fetish, or navigating sexual identity alongside your gender identity — I provide a nonjudgmental space to explore. As a queer therapist with specialized training in LGBT Psychology from Antioch University, I bring both personal understanding and clinical expertise to these conversations.

Intimacy and Connection

Sometimes the issue isn't sex itself, but the emotional intimacy that makes sex meaningful. Feeling disconnected from a partner, difficulty being vulnerable, fear of emotional closeness, or patterns of avoidance that show up in the bedroom and beyond — these are all things we can work on together. I often integrate attachment theory and trauma-informed approaches to help clients understand the deeper dynamics at play.

Pain and Physical Concerns

Sexual pain (such as vaginismus, dyspareunia, or pain with penetration), erectile concerns, and other physical aspects of sexual function have both physiological and psychological components. I work collaboratively with my clients' medical providers to address the whole picture, helping with the anxiety, fear, and relational strain that often accompany these experiences.

Shame and Sexual Trauma

So many of us carry sexual shame — from religious upbringings, cultural messages, past relationships, or traumatic experiences. That shame can profoundly affect how we relate to our bodies, our partners, and our own desire. I work gently and at your pace to help you unpack the shame, process the experiences that created it, and reclaim a relationship with your sexuality that feels authentic and empowering. For clients with sexual trauma histories, I integrate EMDR and other trauma-informed approaches.

What to Expect

Your first sex therapy session isn't that different from any first therapy session. We'll talk about what brings you in, your goals, and your history — both sexual and relational. I'll ask questions that might feel vulnerable, but I'll never push you beyond what you're comfortable with. My job is to create a space where these conversations feel possible, not to make you perform vulnerability before you're ready.

From there, sessions typically involve a mix of talk therapy, psychoeducation (you'd be amazed how much basic sexual knowledge most people were never given), and practical strategies. I may suggest exercises or conversations to try between sessions — always with your input and consent. If there are relational dynamics at play, I may invite a partner to join for some sessions.

I see individuals and couples for sex therapy. Sessions are 50 minutes and are held in my Pasadena office or via telehealth throughout California. Individual sessions are $210; couples sessions are $230.

Is This Right for You?

Sex therapy with me might be a good fit if:

• You're experiencing low desire, arousal difficulties, or sexual pain and want to understand why
• You and your partner(s) have mismatched desire or differing sexual needs
• You're exploring your sexual identity, orientation, or interests and want a safe space to figure things out
• You're carrying sexual shame from religion, culture, past relationships, or trauma
• You want a kink-affirming therapist who understands BDSM, power exchange, or non-traditional sexual expression
• You've experienced sexual trauma and it's affecting your intimate life
• You want to have better, more fulfilling sex but aren't sure where to start
• You've tried talking to a general therapist about sex and felt like they didn't know what to do with it

Talking about sex with a stranger might feel daunting, but I promise — it gets easier, and most clients tell me they wish they'd started sooner. Book a free 15-minute consultation and let's have a conversation. No pressure, no commitment — just a chance to see if we're a good fit.