What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of counseling aimed at addressing sexual difficulties and enhancing sexual well-being. It provides a safe, confidential space to explore and resolve issues like low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, sexual anxiety, or intimacy problems. Through personalized strategies and compassionate support, we'll work together to improve your sexual satisfaction and relationships. If you're seeking professional guidance for a healthier sexual life, please reach out to schedule a consultation. Let's work towards achieving a fulfilling sexual experience.
Sex Therapy
Sex therapy is a focused type of counseling that deals with sexual function, intimacy, and sexual feelings. Whether you're working individually, as a couple, or with your family, it provides a supportive environment to explore and address these issues with a qualified therapist.
Sex Therapy is similar to other forms of talk therapy, with the exception that your therapist is well versed and trained to treat sexual issues.
Individuals and couples enroll in sex therapy for a variety of reasons. Sex Therapy can assist you in deepening your level of intimacy, treat sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction, concerns related to sexual arousal or desire, and explore the worlds of kink or polyamory, infidelity, or more.
Sex therapy can be effective for individuals + couples
of any age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Female Sexual Health
Talking about your sexual needs can help bring you closer to YOU + promote sexual fulfillment.
A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, + resolution.
Sex Therapy for Couples
Focus on connection rather than orgasm.
Even twenty years after the sexual revolution, in a highly sexually explicit culture, a surprisingly large number of people continue to experience sexual problems that have a significant impact on the overall health of their romantic relationships.
Feminism + Sex
Feminist sex is all about having the sex you want to be having, rather than the sex you “think you should be having.”
It’s about having sex that is free of expectations + assumptions that you might have learned from the movies, porn industry, societal constructs, your parents, your friends, sex education and/or from the general global media.
It is about increasing pleasure + intention + freedom - to be your sexual self.
Adult ASD + Neurodiverse Sexuality
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that comprise a heterogeneous group of conditions, which are characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive and stereotyped interests and behaviors.
Sexuality-related problems can arise, especially at the start of puberty, a time when the development of ASD individuals' social skills cannot keep up with increasing social demands, and the challenges of forming romantic and sexual relationships become particularly apparent.
Out of Control Sexual Behaviors OCSB
The term "out-of-control sexual behavior" refers to a sexual health issue characterized by the feeling of losing control over consensual sexual urges, thoughts, or behaviors.
Gender Questioning People
Many of us know how it feels when we do not fit in.
It can be hard when we do not fit in because of our gender. It can be very hard for young people.
There are many gender questioning people like you. The only person who knows the answer to your own gender question is you.
Every journey to being your true self is different. Some people are very sure, while others may not be. If you are not sure, you are not alone.
ASEXUALITY
Love doesn’t equal sex.
It’s important to remember that asexuality is an umbrella term, and exists on a spectrum.
Asexual people – also known as “Ace” or “Aces” – may have little interest in having sex, even though most desire emotionally intimate relationships. Within the ace community, there are many ways for people to identify.
BDSM + Kink + Fetish + Vanilla
Those who identify as “kinky” or practice BDSM (bondage & discipline, domination & submission and sadism & masochism), or have particular sexual fetishes.
We at SBCS are kink -friendly + knowledgeable.
PolyAm
Polyamory (from Ancient Greek πολλοί (polloí) 'many', and Latin amor 'love') is the practice of, or desire for, romantic relationships with more than one partner at the same time, with the informed consent of all partners involved.
FAQ’s about Sex Therapy
Typically short term in duration. However, treatment plans depend on the concerns and goals being addressed.
How long will I need to attend?
Sex Therapy can be utilized as a tool to combat and treat a variety of conditions and concerns, such as:
Concerns about sexual interests or sexual orientation
Partner + Relational sexual health concerns
Medication-induced sexual dysfunction
Substance-induced sexual dysfunction
Aging + sex over the life-span
Out of Control Sexual Behaviors (OCSB)
Desire Gaps in sexual desire + libido
Concerns about sexual desire or arousal
Dysfunction pertaining to STIs
Concerns related to impulsive, or compulsive sexual behavior
Concerns related to visual sexual imagery or porn
Erectile functioning concerns
Ejaculating early (premature ejaculation)
Delayed ejaculation — sometimes called impaired ejaculation
Difficulty with sexual arousal
Trouble reaching orgasm (anorgasmia)
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Intimacy issues related to a disability or chronic illness/ condition
Concerns regarding past unwanted sexual experiences or sexual trauma (Certified and Trained in Brainspotting )
Concerns related to navigating "kink" (leather, BDSM, fetish, polyamory, etc.)
What kinds of concerns or disorders can sex therapy treat?
Your therapist will certainly spend time discussing your concerns in detail during your first session together. However, therapy, at times, can be anxiety-provoking for some folks, which can cause us to forget things. In order to ensure that your therapist fully understands your concerns, it may be helpful to write down the following information prior to your first appointment:
Details of your problem, including when it started, whether it's always present or comes and goes, professionals, you've seen, and treatments you've tried and their outcomes
Key personal information, including your medical conditions and any major stresses or recent life changes
All medications that you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, other supplements, or herbal preparations, and their dosages
Any questions that you want to ask your therapist about your sexual concerns or the therapeutic process
We also suggest that you visit our Know This page to learn more about our office values.
How can I prepare for my first appointment?
Your therapist will do their best to ensure that you feel comfortable, affirmed and supported. However, the topic of sex and sexuality can be challenging and overwhelming for people to talk about. Many clients report shame and discomfort while initially discussing their sexual health and experiences. It’s not surprising, as we are constantly bombarded with mixed messages about sex and sexuality. Your therapist will offer you a sense of nonjudgmental and empathy as you explore sexual topics in a safe space at your own pace.
Space Between Counseling Services is a sex-positive practice, meaning we believe in equal rights for consenting adults who engage in alternative sexual and relationship expressions.
Will I Feel comfortable?
While the course and pace of therapy is different for everyone, it is likely that you will begin sex therapy by describing your specific sexual concerns, history and other relating factors such as other potentially related medical concerns, medication, and trauma history.
If you're actively in a romantic relationship, it's usually most helpful to involve your partner in meetings with your sex therapist. You’ll likely receive exercises to complete together, both in session and a “homework”, such as:
Communication exercises with your partner
Utilizing mindfulness techniques that may help you and your partner slow and focus on what you’re sensing during intimate encounters
Reading articles or studies related to sexual health
Watching educational videos about sexual health
Changing the way you interact with your partner both sexually and nonsexually through verbal and nonverbal communication
As sexual health therapy progresses, you can use your home experiences to further identify and refine the issues you'd like to work on.
What should I expect?
Depending on your needs, we can support you by collaborating with health care providers, including
Collaboration with your medical providers
Collaboration with providers who can sometimes help with problems that contribute to sexual difficulties, such as physical therapists, psychiatrists, sexual medicine nurse practitioners, physicians, or gynecologists.
Kindly note:
No physical examinations or prescription of medications are offered at the Center for Sexual Health.
Do you collaborate with other providers?
Do you offer touch related services?
NO physical contact is not part of mainstream sex therapy and is against the ethics of licensed mental health professionals.
The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) is a national credentialing body that certifies sex therapists, counselors and educators
Sex therapists at SBCS are licensed therapists and are AASECT Certified Sex Therapists (or in route to become one under supervision). They have received specialized training in helping individuals or couples resolve sexual difficulties and/or to help improve sexual function, sexual confidence and sexual relationships.
AASECT credentials sexual health professionals on the basis of rigorous standards for academic preparation, supervised training and consultation, field-related experience and applied skills.
ASSECT SEX THERAPY Certification
Kink-aware therapists…
hold a certain amount of expertise to address various issues related to BDSM + Kink + Fetish + Vanilla + alternative sexual practices.
They can provide valuable support in various areas, including:
Relationship Issues:
Kink-aware therapists deeply understand how relationships may be structured within the context of BDSM. They recognize the significance of power dynamics and role-playing, which are common in these relationships. By comprehending these aspects, they can better assist individuals and couples in navigating and improving their relationships.Everyday Problems:
One of the key strengths of kink-aware therapists is their ability to avoid making assumptions about their clients' concerns or difficulties. They acknowledge that depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, and family problems might not necessarily be linked to an individual's sexual preferences or practices. This unbiased approach fosters a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment.Coming Out:
Kink-aware therapists are adept at helping individuals explore and accept their sexuality and interests. They guide embracing their particular fetishes or kinks, facilitating disclosure of these preferences to partners, and navigating the process of "coming out" to others in their lives, especially concerning their participation in BDSM conferences or events.Cultural Role Conflicts:
For those who struggle with their identity within the BDSM community and how it interacts with societal expectations, kink-aware therapists offer valuable assistance. They help individuals reconcile their roles and identities within the BDSM world and the larger cultural context.Vanilla + Kink Conflicts:
If a person's partner identifies as kinky while they identify as "vanilla" (not inclined kink), it can lead to complex emotional challenges. Kink-aware therapists understand and validate both perspectives, helping individuals process their feelings and reactions while fostering acceptance of their partner's preferences.Internalized Oppression:
Kink-aware therapists recognize that some individuals experience shame related to their sexual preferences. Through their knowledge and empathy, they assist clients in understanding the sources of shame, learning to work with and overcome it, and ultimately building compassion and self-esteem.Abuse + Trauma:
A crucial aspect of kink-aware therapy is differentiating between consensual BDSM practices and abuse or other forms of trauma. These therapists are equipped to help individuals heal from non-consensual experiences and address their impact on overall well-being and relationships.In summary, kink-aware therapists possess specialized knowledge and skills to support individuals and couples within the BDSM community, providing understanding, validation, and compassionate guidance across various personal and relational issues.
As sex-positive therapists…
we at SBCS - approach adult consensual sexual acts with the same open-mindedness + non-judgment as we do any other kink or fetish.
If an individual embraces their kink or fetish and finds value in it, and it positively affects their life, we at SBCS fully support their autonomy. For those who may have concerns or struggles related to their kink or fetish, our role as sex-positive therapists is to assist our clients in navigating and processing their feelings.We refrain from passing judgment and recognize that attempting to change or eradicate such desires would be fruitless, as the triggers behind arousal are deeply ingrained once known. Instead, our focus lies in helping the person embrace and accept their kink or fetish as a natural and healthy aspect of their sexual identity.From this point of acceptance, we collaborate with our clients to explore whether acting on their desires aligns with their values, relationships, and life aspirations or if they prefer to redirect their sexual expression towards aspects that better resonate with their overall goals. In all cases, our goal is to empower individuals to make informed and fulfilling decisions about their sexuality in a supportive and understanding environment.Clients who have worked with therapists at SBCS appreciate that Our Style is:
Open, approachable, curious, and relatable.
We are very transparent about the therapy process.
Our communication is direct, and forthright.
CLINICIANS at sbcs strive to be therapists that:
Desire to know you personally beyond the bedroom
Offer you (both/group/pod) practical solutions + with common sense approaches
Motivates and fosters emotional insight for your complete wellness as a sexual human being
Networks within the community to provide you with relevant additional resources + insights
at sbcs, we do our best work with clients who are:
Motivated to get in the muck + do some genuine self-reflection.
Committed to taking the things we talk about in session + applying them to their daily lives + habits.
Seeking to confront some harsh truths about their situation + their contributions to the situation(s).
Ready to move beyond - blaming and/or feeling blamed for their circumstances + DESIRE a more transparent forward motion in sexual health, sexual wellness, pleasure, intimacy, and adult play through the ages!
If you or your partner(s) are interested in sex therapy
Schedule your phone consultation now via the link below:
Space Between Counseling Services offers 15-minute complimentary consultations for individuals and 15-25 minutes complimentary consultations for Couples and Partners.
Sex Therapists at Space Between Counseling Services:
Susan Stork, LCPC, LPCC, LPC (She/they)
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
University of Michigan - Sexual Health Certificate Program 2019-2020
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists Certified Sex Therapist #1351397
Education | Training | Memberships
SUSAN STORK, LCPC, LPCC, LPCMH, NCC (SHE/THEY)
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
MARYLAND: LCPC LICENSE #: LC6380 - LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR (LCPC)
NEW MEXICO: LPCC LICENSE #CCMH0214271 - CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR (LPCC)
Delaware: LPC-0011060 Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health
FLORIDA: OUT-OF-STATE TELEHEALTH PROVIDER FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA #TPMC2114
More Info: https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/
University of Maryland, College Park, Family Studies (BS)
Loyola University of Maryland, Masters in Education / Counseling (M.Ed)
AASECT Certificate Sex Therapist in Maryland, Delaware, Florida, and New Mexico 2021
Completion of the University of Michigan - Sexual Health Certificate Program 2019-2020 Cohort - 162 CEU’s / hours pertaining to AASECT Required Coursework + weekly / monthly supervision for Sex Therapy with Dr. Neil Cannon.
A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT), developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin and trained by Dr. Stan Tatkin and Hans Stahlschmidt, PhD - Level 1 & Level 2 Trained
2020 Cohort: Selected by the PACT Institute as one of only 25 PACT-trained clinicians worldwide to join the PACT Ambassador Program, promoting the PACT method of couples therapy to professional therapists and couples.
The Ferentz Institute Trauma Certification Program, developed by Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C, DAPA and trained by Lisa Ferentz - Level 2 Certification
Certified Brainspotting (BSP) Clinician - developed by David Grand, Ph. D and Trained by Dr. Pie Frey + Dr. Christine Ranck - Phase 1 + Phase 2 + Phase 4 David Grand, Ph. D
Abby Smith, LCPC, CST (she, they)
AASECT CERTIFIED SEX THERAPIST
Maryland: LCPC License #: LC13901
FLORIDA: TELEHEALTH PROVIDER FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA # TPMC4442
Sex Therapy Supervision with Dr. Melanie Ricaurte, Psy.D., M.Ed
Abby is currently accepting new individuals and couples with concerns relating to:
Concerns about sexual interest or sexual orientation
Partner + relational sexual health concerns such as differing desire/arousal levels
Struggles with intimacy or connection
Queer sexual health + relationships
Boundaries with online sex work
Education | Training | Memberships
AASECT- MEMBER ONLY- Membership #1398519 - 2021
Understanding Non-Binary thru a Racial Lens - Trans Training Institute - 2020
Ally/Advocate Training Camp - Trans Training Institute - 2020
Gottman Method Couples Training - Level 2 - The Gottman Institute - 2020
Sex Summit: Becoming a Sexually Competent Therapist - Rachel Needle, Psy.D., Ricky Siegel, Ph.D., & Joe Kort, Ph.D. - 2020
Gottman Method Couples Training - Level 1 - The Gottman Institute - 2020
Couples Work & Why It Matters in Modern Times - Heather Garner, LCSW-C & Susan Stork, LCPC - 2019
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology - Towson University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Towson University
Brittany Spencer, LCPC (She/Her)
MARYLAND: LCPC LICENSE #: LC10970
FLORIDA: TELEHEALTH PROVIDER FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA # TPMC4438
Sex Therapy Supervision with Dr. Yamonte Cooper, EdD
Brittany is currently accepting new individuals and couples with concerns relating to:
Exploration of concerns about sexual interest or sexual orientation
Distressing sexual thoughts
Managing differing desire/arousal levels among monogamous & nontraditional nonmonogamous relationship(s)
Struggles with sexual anxiety and performance
Struggles with intimacy or connection
Queer sexual health + relationships
Education | Training | Memberships
MEMBER ONLY American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists - MEMBER ONLY 1404064
A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT), developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin and trained by Dr. Stan Tatkin - Levels 1 Trained - 2021
Sex Summit: Becoming a Sexually Competent Therapist - Rachel Needle, Psy.D., Ricky Siegel, Ph.D., & Joe Kort, Ph.D. - 2020
Training of Trainers Intensive - The Transgender Trainer Institute - Dr. Eli Green - 2019
Couples Work & Why It Matters in Modern Times - Susan Stork, LCPC, NCC & Heather Garner, LCSW-C - 2018
Bachelor of Science in Human Services - Waynesburg University
Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling - McDaniel College
DIANA HARDEN, LCPC
MARYLAND: LCPC LICENSE #: LC12874
FLORIDA: TELEHEALTH PROVIDER FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA #TPMC4356
Diana is currently accepting new individuals and couples with concerns relating to:
Anxiety/Depression
Life/Career Transitions
LGBTQIA+ Affirming and Inclusive (Individuals and Couples)
Couples who identify as "Dual Income, No Kids"
Sexual Health Concerns (Individuals & Couples)
Education | Training | Memberships
From Trauma to Trust: Treating Betrayal in Couples Workshop, PACT Institute, trained by Dr. Stan Tatkin, November 2023
A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT), developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin and trained by Dr. Stan Tatkin - Level 2 Trained - 2023
A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT), developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin and trained by Dr. Stan Tatkin - Level 1 Trained - 2021
Partner Attachment Inventory Workshop, led by Stan Tatkin, PsyD., MFT (developer of A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT)) (June 2023)
Gottman Method Couples Training - Level 1+2- The Gottman Institute (May 2022)
The Ferentz Institute Trauma Certification Program, developed by Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C, DAPA and trained by Lisa Ferentz - Level 1 Advanced Certificate in Trauma Treatment (June 2022)
Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator (2021)
Master’s of Education in Counselor Education- Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2009)
Bachelor of Science in Human Services- Stevenson University (2006)
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists - MEMBER ONLY 1467972
TELL ME ABOUT FEES AND INSURANCE?
Clinician fees at SBCS range from $175-$275 per individual 45-minute session. Couples intake sessions range from $275-$650 and $275-$425 per follow-up appointment.
SBCS is not paneled with any insurance plans but can offer you what's called, "out-of-network" (OON) benefits. Not everyone has this as part of their benefits package so please call your healthcare plan and ask these questions:
Do I have out-of-network benefits?
What percentage of my therapist's fee does my plan pay for?
MOST OON benefit PLANS REIMBURSE BETWEEN 50-90% OF OUR FEES.
At times insurance plans request upfront billing codes your therapist will be using. You can share this list of codes for their approval:
90791 Psychiatric Diagnostic Assessment (from 1-4 sessions depending on the problem)
90847 Family Psychotherapy, conjoint psychotherapy with the patient present
90834 Psychotherapy, 45 minutes
90832 Psychotherapy, 30 minutes
When using OON benefits, your clinician would provide you with a monthly document called a "superbill" which is like an invoice but contains the service codes, dates of treatment, and monies paid during therapy. You would submit this to your plan directly and your plan would reimburse you directly.
You can get in-network therapy if this is out of your budget.
Your plan can identify in-network providers should you need to use your benefits.
HOW ARE our RECORDS STORED?
We at SBCS utilize a HIPAA compliant, encrypted, electronic medical record called SimplePractice that holds all of our client's mental health records safely in it. You will get a link to a client portal where you fill in demographic information and can access documents like invoices and superbills on your own.
HOW DO I PAY my therapist?
SimplePractice has a credit card processing system named Stripe embedded in it. If choosing to work with a therapist at SBCS, you would upload your credit card number and your therapist will charge after each session or late cancellation for the fee. Your therapist will only have access to the last 4 digits of your card and it is completely secured.
DO YOU HAVE A CANCELLATION POLICY?
All clinicians at Space Between Counseling Services have a 24 business hour cancellation policy. You will be responsible for an entire session fee if the change is made in less than 24 business hours' notice. Exceptions may be made for emergencies such as sudden illness or accidents, at your therapist’s discretion. It should be noted that insurance does not reimburse for canceled sessions and HSA and FSA cards can't be used in these cases.
As the air begins to bite and the comforts and excitement of the seasonal transition begin to dwindle, many are left yearning for someone to cozy up to. The term “cuffing season” may come to mind? While there are so many reasons for this time of year to be filled with excitement and happier emotions, there’s also a ton of pressure that surrounds the colder months, that can be sometimes feel overwhelming and challenging