I am one of the very few AASECT certified sex therapists in the San Francisco Bay Area.

All certified sex therapists are also, by definition psychotherapists. Sex therapy is a specialization within psychotherapy and sex therapists are trained extensively to assess and treat the psychological aspects of sexuality concerns. We are able to make referrals to medical professionals when needed and to support our patients developing more satisfying sexual lives. It might look a lot the same as a psychotherapy session in that we are simply talking; there is no touching in sex therapy. However, the focus is on issues like desire, initiating sex, sexual fantasies, behaviors and sensations and we often give homework or exercises to treat the issues we uncover together. Not everyone comes to a sex therapist to make their sex life better or achieve better orgasms, however, sometimes it is about supporting couples with connection, body image issues, asexual experiences or about processing sexual traumas, which can at times be very painful even as it is helpful.

Yes. Although often I find when possible it is best to do sex therapy in person or at least some of the sessions in person. Sex is an embodied process and working with a sex therapist in person can provide her more information to work with. There is no touching in sex therapy but just being embodied can expedite the process.

It depends and it can be very difficult to say. I have treated cases successfully in one session and many patients work for many months or years on sexuality concerns. If time is a concern, it might be best to speak about your concerns and meet for a few sessions to see what we think it possible.