Sex Therapy

I specialize in sex therapy for couples, as well as perimenopause and menopause. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I help couples navigate intimacy challenges, enhance communication, and rebuild connection. Additionally, I offer expert support for individuals experiencing the emotional and physical transitions of perimenopause and menopause, focusing on improving overall well-being and quality of life during these life stages.

Sex therapy can be an individual or couples endeavor and focuses on difficulties centered on sexuality and relationships. Views on sexual behavior can be as varied as our family, educational, and social experiences, and as a result, we can feel shamed, embarrassed, and confused regarding our sexual desires and interests. I strive to normalize a wide range of sexuality while assisting individuals in managing performance, communication, and anxiety due to misinformation.

My practice in sex therapy is rooted in trauma-informed, attachment-oriented, culturally responsive, and body-centered approaches. My expertise is in helping clients recover from sexual trauma, as well as empowering members of the LGBTQIA+ and the consensual non-monogamy communities to live in a fully expressed way free from trauma. I offer sex therapy to individuals and those in relationships.

Our sexuality often lies at the center of our psyche, and for some people even their spirituality. Our sexuality influences our self-perception and perception of the world. Societal expectations and traumatic experiences can hinder our ability to cultivate healthy connections with ourselves and our sources of meaning. Sexual healing fosters more authenticity and deeper connections with those around us, as well as helping us be more embodied and creative.

I treat sexual dysfunctions, pelvic pain issues, sexual communication issues, sexual confidence problems, shame and vulnerability and sexual trauma through CBT, ACT and narrative therapy. CBT helps my clients to identify and replace negative thought patterns such as "I'm not good enough" or "I'll never enjoy sex". ACT helps my clients when they're experiencing anxiety and shame around sexual intimacy through mindfulness and psychological flexibility.

As a therapist, I offer a space of compassion and connection. I work with individuals and couples who want to explore and nurture their relationship with sexuality. I enjoy working with clients who desire to understand the deep-rooted challenges blocking them from experiencing pleasure, joy, and connection through their sexual experiences. It is incredibly powerful when clients find understanding in their past and current sexual selves.

I have completed the University of Michigan's Sexual Health Certification Program. I also am a part of multiple consultation teams with a focus on deepening my knowledge and experience in providing sex therapy. In addition, I am a member of AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) to continue to expand my training in areas of sex, sexuality, and sexual issues.

Our sexuality often lies at the center of our psyche, and even spirituality, influencing our self-perception and perception of the world. Societal expectations and traumatic experiences can hinder our ability to cultivate a healthy connection with our sexual selves. By embracing our authentic selves and nurturing positive sexual expression, foster deeper connections with those around us. not only promotes personal growth but also bolsters our creativity and

I am trained in sex therapy and earned my certification as a sex therapist last year. Sex, sexuality, gender, etc. are all biological factors of being human and it transcends all cultures and races. Yet, it is the thing humans have the hardest time talking about. I provide a safe and non judgmental space to talk about sex and sex related issues in the hopes to normalize it and help move through the learned shame that often comes with sex issues.

Sex therapy is a specialty or a niche’ in counseling. I utilize my sex therapy training and integrate it into all of my work with clients. It doesn’t have to be the focus of your journey, but we can explore and get curious in a safe space that we co-create together. Whether it be relating to ourselves or each other, our sexuality, pleasure, and intimacy is deeply human and connects us all.

My goal is to help my clients expand their views of sexuality. Many grow up with the basic knowledge of how sex happens, but with no understanding regarding pleasure, connection, kinks, dysfunction or anything outside of heterosexual intercourse. Whether that is a post-Mormon couple experiencing pleasure without constraints, a person exploring BDSM, or someone new to consensual non-monogamy, I want to help them discover and rejoice in their own sexuality and be their authentic selves.

As a sex therapist, I offer a sex-positive approach to address sexual concerns and enhance pleasure. Through open dialogue, education, and practical techniques, I empower clients to embrace their desires, overcome challenges, and cultivate fulfilling sexual experiences. My goal is to create a supportive environment where individuals and couples can explore their sexuality with confidence, authenticity, and joy.

I have completed over 200 hours of training and education related to sex therapy and am a member of AASECT, the national organization for sex therapists. I am also a Certified Sexologist with over 15 years experience working with sexual health as well sexual addictions.

Our sexuality often lies at the center of our psyche, and for some people even their spirituality. Our sexuality influences our self-perception and perception of the world. Societal expectations and traumatic experiences can hinder our ability to cultivate healthy connections with ourselves and our sources of meaning. Sexual healing fosters more authenticity and deeper connections with those around us, as well as helping us be more embodied and creative.

I had a guy come to me and said, "My wife treated me like a King but I wasn't feeling in love with her so I cheated on her" because he thought love was a feeling. I take you through the biochemistry of sexuality and help you understand the intersection of sex and attachment, the impact that the loss of the ability to attach can have on sexual experience and fidelity in relationships and help you take that information to help you develop healthy sexual attachment in the present and future.

I am a certified AASECT sex therapist, which gives me the education and expertise in addressing all things related to sex. I can assist clients in navigating sexual disorders such as ED or vaginismus, or exploring various alternative lifestyles related to kink or ethical non-monogamy. In the context of relationships, we can discuss the importance of effective communication, consent, novelty and thinking outside of the box.

PhIIRST is a uniquely specialized practice dedicated to resolving sexual problems and enhancing sexual relationships. Sexual problems are so prevalent, that nearly two thirds of all people will experience them at some time during their lives. At PhIIRST, we have an integrated approach that includes modalities such as behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, and systemic therapy in resolving sexual problems. Though treatment can be done on an individual basis or the with the couple.

"I have a lot of shame around some of the things I like sexually and in the past I haven't even been comfortable talking about them in therapy. I've had bad experiences before. But Anissa was so reassuring and open-minded I took a chance and opened up, and I'm so happy that I did." ---BB

Sex therapy is a type of talk therapy designed to help one work through physical or emotional difficulties related to sex. I specialize in kink and the dynamics involved. Maybe you would like help with contract negotiation or understanding your drive. Something else? Let's explore!