About
My practice will continue operating virtually under all circumstances in order to keep everyone safe, and to avoid any potential ethical/legal conflicts.
I work primarily with couples and active duty military. My areas of interest in working with these populations are: recovery from affairs (if reconciliation has been decided), nonjudgment processing for affair situations, male sexual health, impact of narcissism in relationships, consensual nonmonogamy, same-sex relationship challenges, and other sexual health matters. I also understand the importance of how trauma can impact a relationship, and I have incorporated the trauma-informed concepts into my practice. The goal is to help people be more authentic, move past physical and emotional challenges, or to have a satisfying relationships and pleasurable sex lives.
I consider much of my work Relationship Expectation Management challenges like those connected with infidelity, alternative lifestyles, and deployment. I do also provide relationship coaching strategies for dating, self-esteem, social skills and transitioning from divorce. I assist couples when there are problems with sexual dysfunctional, like libido problems caused by sexual trauma. The interventions I use are solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and narrative techniques. I assign homework and I recommend specific readings, so that clients can engage in the personal development process. I believe that when you are a whole healthy person, you are able to contribute to a healthy relationship, and/or just be your authentic self.
In addition to working with couples, I work with individuals who are high functioning, and engaged in the personal growth process. Individual work is similar to the work done with couples, and the same areas are covered, in addition to:
*communication skill development
*confidence and self-esteem
So what is "Sexual Health Coaching or Consultation"?
It's like any other consultation or coaching except it is limited to sexual health matters, and is non-diagnostic (meaning that there is no serious medical or mental health condition being addressed). Sexual health matters are treated by talking through experiences, worries, and feelings. Together with me, (the therapist), the client works out coping mechanisms to help improve responses in the future to promote a healthier sex life.
What is the first session like?
During an initial appointment, I review a set of both mental health and sexual health assessments with the client(s), and may talk with just one client or with the partner together. I am there to guide and process current challenges. The assessments are done prior to the session.
What is the subsequent process for sex health?
I do not take one person’s side or persuade anyone. Also, everyone will keep their clothes on. I will NOT be having sexual relations with anyone or directly showing anyone how to have sex. With each session, I (the sexologist and therapist) will continue to push clients toward better management and acceptance of concerns that may be leading to sexual dysfunction. All interventions are both supportive and an educational. They are meant to provide comfort and encouragement for change. Clients will likely leave the sessions with assignments and work to do before the next appointment. It is non-diagnostic from a mental health perspective, and NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE. Only standard diagnostic issues are covered. **
If I suspect that the dysfunction is the result of a physical or nutritional concern, there may be a referral to a medical doctor, pelvic floor specialist, or dietitian. Other referral resources may also be suggested to assist in meeting therapeutic goals.
Here is a list of things I can cover under the sexology umbrella (because I am also a licensed mental health professional):
** Developmental sexuality from a bio-psycho-social perspective across the life course.
** Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values), in relation to sexual values and behaviors.
**Issues related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity: heterosexuality; issues and themes impacting lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual people; gender identity and expression.
**Intimacy skills (e.g., social, emotional, sexual), intimate relationships, interpersonal relationships and family dynamics.
**Diversities in sexual expression and lifestyles, including, but not limited to polyamory, swinging, BDSM and tantra.
**Sexual and reproductive anatomy/physiology.
**Cyber sexuality and social media.
**Pleasure enhancement skills.
**Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality, including, but not limited to, illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth & pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury and safer sex practices.
**Please note, since I am only accepting private pay and very limited Tricare referrals, please contact me to make sure your case is appropriate for my virtual practice. Erin@brighterfutureea.com. I do not do phone consultations.
Specialty
In Office Sessions
Phone Sessions
