Sex Therapy FAQ
It's normal to have questions before starting therapy, and I want to provide as much information upfront so you can make an informed decision. I am here to give you the best and most comprehensive care possible, and if you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Questions are welcomed and encouraged.
What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses specifically on addressing psychological, interpersonal, and medical factors that affect sexual wellness and intimacy.
Human sexuality is a vast topic that can have a wonderful and healthy place in our lives. However, societal misconceptions and judgments paired with relationship issues, body image distortions, and physical health challenges often impact our sexual behaviors and health.
Therapy with a licensed mental health counselor and certified sex therapist serves to understand and process all aspects of your life to overcome intimacy issues and sexual difficulties to help you find the sex life you deserve.
You can be single or in a relationship to benefit from working on your mental and sexual health, and I can work with you individually or with your partner.
Sex therapy does not include any form of physical contact between the therapist and the patient.
What Topics Does Sex Therapy Cover?
Your personal journey toward great sex and healthy relationships is personal and unique. You may seek guidance for many reasons, including:
Low sexual desire or a mismatched libido with your partner
Erectile dysfunction, trouble reaching orgasm, or maintaining an erection
Psychological causes and trauma history that affect your sex life
Inability to orgasm and other sexual issues related to low sexual desire, experience and/or menopause
Any sexual concerns that interfere with your well-being
Addictions
Performance anxiety and overthinking during intimacy
Any aspect of your life that holds you back from having the sex life you desire
Intimacy and communication
The journey to a more rewarding sex life begins with open communication with yourself and your partners. It's important to clearly understand each other's needs, limitations, and desires as part of the mending process.
I provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals and couples to cultivate more profound and intimate communications and provide a solid framework for physical connection and fun experimentation.
Sexual dysfunction for men and women - ED, painful intercourse, and beyond
Sex therapy also addresses the physical causes of sexual dysfunction and how they affect mental health.
We have extensive training regarding the physical body and can offer additional education that helps you create a better understanding of your mind and body connection. Often, a presenting issue has many onion layers to sort through, and I will guide you throughout the process.
I am also happy to collaborate with medical healthcare professionals, like your gynecologist or urologist, to better create a holistic plan for you.
Addressing addiction/sexual compulsivity
Compulsive sexual behaviors such as unhealthy masturbation and pornography habits, impact your mental health and your relationships. Other addictions will also influence your sex life and romantic relationships.
Sex therapy can help you find healthy management techniques that interrupt negative habits.
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Sex Therapy FAQ - How is It Different From Regular Therapy?
Sex therapy is similar to traditional therapy in that it is a form of talk therapy. However, there is a deepened focus on sex and intimacy in sex therapy. In sessions, we will get specific about everything occurring to the level you are comfortable with and the pace that works for you. Additionally, I have four years of additional training in sex therapy, and I am an American Association of Sexuality Educators (AASECT) certified sex therapist.
Sex therapy is a safe, non-judgmental space for you to work on your sexual and intimate relationships. Together, we will explore areas such as communication, pleasure, arousal, desire, pain, trauma, and more.
What to Expect in Sex Therapy
During your first appointment, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment. We will discuss your concerns and explore your history, needs, and goals for therapy. We will then create a personalized plan that will meet the goals you have set. Services are tailored to each individual, and we strive to provide the most effective solutions for you.
Please come prepared with any notes, questions, or concerns you want to discuss. This collaboration allows us to make the most out of your session.
Is Sex Therapy the Same as Sex Coaching?
Sex coaching is similar but doesn't delve into the underlying currents and past traumas that affect your sex life. Instead, sex coaching guides individuals and couples to build communication skills, feel safer when exploring new ideas, and become more aligned with their partner emotionally and physically.
For many, sex coaching is a beautiful way to explore new sexual paths with confidence, knowledge, and safety. And like sex therapy, guidance from a sexual health expert ensures confidentiality, experience, and non-judgmental support.
Do You Touch Your Clients?
No. Sex therapy and sex coaching do not include physical contact between the therapist and the patient. All of my sessions are confidential talk therapy, and I will never touch or engage in any sexual activities with my clients. If you are looking for this type of relationship, please reach out to a sexual surrogate.
How Often Should I Come to Therapy?
Clients come to therapy either weekly or every other week. When you start, coming weekly will support you in making the most progress and get you off to the strongest start. Depending on your goals, I can advise you on an appropriate schedule. We will also work with your timetable and pacing.
You are always encouraged to modify your goals and timeline based on your comfort and schedule. I support your agency and applaud your investment in your sexual health based on your desires.
Can I Complete My Online Therapy Sessions From a Public Space?
Online therapy sessions should be conducted in a private location with minimal distractions. It is essential to have privacy and not feel you are being overheard during your session. It is to protect both your confidentiality and the therapeutic process.
You can meet me in my private and safe Los Angeles office if you like. Or, you may prefer to meet me online. This option accommodates your schedule and lets you create the most comfortable setting for our work together.
Online sessions are available for California, Florida, and New Mexico residents. My colleague Monica Garfield sees California clients online exclusively and has extended evening and weekend hours to suit your schedule.
Whom Do We Serve?
This practice serves adults across the lifespan who are at least 18 years old. We have extensive experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, including LGBTQIA+, kink, and polyamorous individuals. We welcome everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, religion/spirituality, and relationship status.
Begin Your Sexual Health Journey
You are welcome to join me or Monica for a complimentary consultation to discover if our services and guidance will benefit you. We are happy to answer any sex therapy questions you have, and we look forward to meeting you!
Cindy Michel’s individual and couples therapy sessions are $285 for a 50-minute session. I also offer longer sessions if and as needed.
Monica Garfield's individual and couples therapy sessions are $190 for a 50-minute session.
Sex Therapy FAQ - Insurance and Payment
Do You Accept Insurance?
I am not in network with any insurance companies, but I can provide you with a receipt/superbill that you may be able to submit for reimbursement. You would need to speak to your health insurance company directly about out-of-network benefits for mental health office visits. If your health insurance company asks for the procedure code or CPT code, it is 90834 for individual therapy and 90847 for couples therapy. We accept credit card payments at time of service.
How Much Does Sex Therapy Cost?
Individual and couples sessions (in person and via videoconferencing) with Cindy Michel are $285 for 50 minutes. However, longer sessions are available upon request.
Individual and couples sessions (via videoconferencing only) with Monica Garfield are $190 for 50 minutes. However, longer sessions are available upon request, and Monica is available on weekends and evenings.
What is Your Cancellation Policy?
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. You will be charged the full session fee when you cancel with less than 48 hours' notice.
As therapists and fellow humans, we understand that at times, circumstances beyond our control arise that may prevent you from being able to make it to your appointment. We kindly ask for understanding and communication so that we may ensure the best care for you.
Without much notice, we are unable to fill this time slot by offering it to another client. We value your understanding and respect for our time.
What services do you provide?
We provide a variety of services to best serve our clients. Our services include Sex Therapy, Sexual Trauma Therapy, Somatic Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Online Sex Therapy, Brainspotting Therapy and Sex Coaching.
Please visit our Services page for a more detailed description of each service.
Interested in Sex Therapy in Los Angeles, CA?
You have questions; we have answers. Whether it's about sex, relationships, gender identity, or sexual health, our sex therapists can help. We offer individual and couples therapy services that focus on helping you create fulfilling and meaningful relationships.
Gain the Answers You Need!