Great question! Sex therapy is like therapy for mental health, with a focus on presenting challenges related to sex and sexuality. A certified sex therapist has education, training, and supervision in the field of sexuality studies. We are governed by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).

A dissertation serves as the final fulfillment requirement for successful completion of a doctorate degree. It is a research study that demonstrates academic and practical knowledge within my field. This means that I reviewed current research and regularly met with faculty advisors to develop an appropriate research strategy and proposal. My research was presented, and the merit of my study was assessed and approved by a committee.

My dissertation is entitled: PTSD on Relational and Sexual Satisfaction: Evaluating the Effects of PTSD, Emotional Numbing, Moral Injury, and Caregiver Burden.

In this study, I examined the perceptions of 66 female civilian partners married to male veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. I specifically studied how PTSD, emotional numbing, moral injury, and caregiver burden correlated with relational and sexual functioning and satisfaction, as experienced by the civilian partner in these couples.

For more information, my dissertation study can be found here.

Trauma-informed care focuses on the following foundational practice elements:

• Safety: the establishment of emotional, physical, psychological, and social safety; created through informed choice, as well as cultural and gender competence. Safe relationships are defined as consistent, predictable, and non-shaming.

• Trust building: relationships that focus on openness, transparency, respect, and compassion. Clear expectations are created about proposed treatments, as well as the provision of care and services.

• Collaboration and mutuality: maximizing collaboration, and understanding what both people see as helpful.

• Empowerment and choice: strength-based approaches are empowering, and support individuals to take control of their lives and service use. Adaptations to trauma are emphasized over symptoms, and resilience is emphasized over pathology.

Currently, I am seeing clients via Telehealth. I use a HIPAA compliant video conferencing platform.

• My out-of-pocket fee is $150/session.

• I accept BCBS PPO insurance plans. In order to understand any coverage costs, it is important to contact your insurance provider and speak with a customer service representative to determine the following:

  • Do I have a deductible, co-pay, or co-insurance?

  • Is the clinician I am interested in working with an in-network provider my your plan?

  • Does my plan include in-person and Telehealth coverage?

  • Is a pre-authorization or authorization needed for sessions to be covered?

• If you have insurance other than BCBS PPO, you can call your insurance provider and inquire about out-of-network benefits. In these cases, full payment ($150) is due at the time of session, and a superbill will be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Yes, our visits are confidential. There are some legal and ethical considerations that limit confidentiality in some cases, and these will be discussed during the intake session.

Cancellations require 24 hour notice for a day appointment (before 5 pm), and 48 hours for an evening appointment (5 pm and later). The late cancellation fee is $50. Please note that this is an out-of-pocket expense that is not covered by your insurance.