Answers To Questions

All the Answers You Seek, In One Place

Choosing an effective Mental Health Service Provider is like choosing a life partner - chemistry and trust are an essential combination in a successful relationship. Got questions? I’ve got answers! I go above and beyond to act as a safety net for my clients, and strive to make their experience as pleasant as possible. Take a look at some answers to the most frequently asked psychology-related questions and requests below.

What can I expect in my first therapy session?

In your first session, we'll focus on understanding your needs and goals. It's a time for us to get to know each other and build a foundation for our work together. We'll discuss what brought you to therapy, your personal history, and any specific issues you're facing. It's also a great opportunity for you to ask questions and get a feel for how therapy works. My aim is to create a comfortable, safe space where you can openly express yourself.

How do you approach confidentiality in therapy sessions?

Confidentiality is a key aspect of our therapy sessions. Everything discussed in our sessions is kept private and confidential. This is crucial for building trust and ensuring a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. There are legal and ethical exceptions to this confidentiality, such as cases involving imminent harm to yourself or others, but outside of these rare instances, your privacy is rigorously protected.

What is a sex therapist?

A sex therapist is a qualified therapist who specializes in addressing issues related to sexual function, sexual feelings, and intimacy. As a certified sex therapist, I adhere to the same laws and ethical standards as any other therapist, ensuring a professional, confidential, and respectful environment for all discussions and treatments. My practice specifically focuses on your sexual health and well-being, working with individuals and couples to explore and resolve sexual difficulties, enhance sexual satisfaction, and improve communication about sexual issues. This can involve addressing problems like low libido, erectile dysfunction, sexual anxieties, and relationship intimacy challenges. My role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore these sensitive topics, using evidence-based techniques to help you achieve a fulfilling sexual life, all within the bounds of strict professional ethics and legal requirements.

What does it take to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist?

To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, one must complete a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or a related field. This is followed by accumulating a specified number of supervised clinical hours (currently 3,000 hours) and passing the California Law and Ethics Exam and the Clinical Exam. For AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) certification as a sex therapist, additional specialized training and education in human sexuality and therapy are required. This includes completing specific coursework, gaining supervised experience in sex therapy, and adhering to AASECT’s ethical standards and continuing education requirements. Both paths require a deep commitment to professional development, ethical practice, and ongoing education to effectively support individuals and couples in their relationships and sexual wellbeing.