Intake sessions
Starting sex therapy can feel intimidating. You may feel hopeful, uncertain, nervous, or a combination of all three. The intake sessions are meant to offer a relaxed, confidential, and non-judgmental space for us to meet, understand what brings you to therapy, and explore how I may be able to support you.
What CAN happen during the intake session:
- We will discuss what prompted you to seek support
- We will talk about current concerns, your sexual and relationship history, your past and present physical and mental health, and any significant life experiences
- You can ask questions about my approach and qualifications
- Together, we will consider therapy goals and next steps
What does NOT need to happen:
- You do not need to provide intimate details before you feel comfortable. There is no such thing as “being ready”. We follow your pace.
- You do not need to answer every question.
- No physical examination, nudity, sexual contact, or sexual activity happens during sessions. Sex therapy is talk therapy.
- Every sexual identity, interest, fantasy, desire, experience, or activity is approached with curiosity. The same applies to your sexual functioning.
Individual vs Relationship intakes
If you are starting couples or relationship therapy, you should know that:
- All partners attend our intake session.
- As part of the assessment process, we will have both joint and individual sessions. The first two sessions are typically held together, followed by two individual sessions, with the fifth and final session bringing you together again.
- I do not keep secrets: Information shared individually that is relevant to the relationship may be brought into joint sessions, at the therapist’s discretion. The aim is to ensure that individual sessions support the therapeutic work of the relationship as a whole.
- The focus is to understand each person’s experience and perspective: We are not here to determine who is “right”.
My approach is sex-positive, consent-oriented, inclusive, trauma-informed, and affirming of all sexual orientations and gender identities. All relationship structures, bodies, abilities, cultures, and sexual interests are welcomed with openness, curiosity, and humility. Come as you are!