Although today’s culture is more accepting of a variety of romantic and sexual orientations, discrimination, marginalization, and oppression of LGBTQIAA+ and individuals who have non-traditional relationship structures and diverse modes of expression of sexuality still occurs.
These pressures can result in anxiety and confusion, conflict with self or partners, and several other issues that can impact the quality of life, relationships, and sex. Finding a therapist with the right experience in handling questions and resolving issues specific to these situations is the key to achieving confidence, healing wounds, and living a sexually abundant life.
Erotic marginalization exists among a wide variety of groups, from LGBTQIAA+ individuals to throuples, polyamorous pods, and kink-oriented individuals.
Many find that the community into which they were born cannot accept their authentic selves. This can stem from viewpoints of either a religious, cultural, or political nature.
Mourning that loss — and moving forward productively — is a key element to solving issues arising among marginalized groups.
Today’s families have moved beyond the traditional man + woman + child model. But relationships that exist outside of this prototype — such as polyamorous pods and throuples — are often subject to scrutiny, discrimination, and judgement that often leads to shame and fear.
Therapy can help individuals in these relationships meet the challenges posed by traditional values and find the confidence they need to embrace their identities and live a full and healthy life. Relational therapy specific to these non-monogamous partnerships helps all members of the family work through issues typical to family life — from communication problems to boundary setting and sex.
Dallas has a thriving fet-life community that embraces all nuances of sexual play and pleasure, from BDSM to swingers, furries, and any number of kink and fetish-based sexual standards. Therapies are kink-affirming and help individuals and partners introduce kink in a safe way, navigate power imbalances, and integrate fetishes and kink into their sexual experiences.
In assisting and affirming marginalized individuals, therapies help by exploring rather than questioning sexual choices. Whether you wish to delve into sexual and gender identities, get help with the transition process, or gain clarity on what your identity means to you — these therapies help you understand your sexual preferences and set healthy boundaries.
Positivity and affirmation are the key to a productive counseling experience, so I use a sex-positive lens to help my clients find acceptance and gain the confidence they need to fully explore all aspects of their sexuality.
Because I have training specific to LGBTQIAA+ individuals and adults participating in ethical non-monogamy and kink identity and play, I can relate to and affirm all facets of sexuality in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
My Middle Eastern background gives me a unique perspective on individuals who may be suffering discrimination or shame as a result of traditional cultural and/or religious norms, with the ability to understand and guide them through the process of accepting and embracing their authentic sexual selves.
Because sexuality is so amazingly complex and beautifully different for every individual/relationship, I use several modalities such as talk therapy, bodywork, expressive arts, or a mix of all to help clients —from individuals to partnerships of all types — create a vibrant, healthy sexual life.
Sandra is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Texas and founder of Instilling Hope Counseling Services. With a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Arabic Literature from The University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University, Sandra sees individuals ages 13 and up, couples, and families.
As a therapist, Sandra's personal goal is to help eliminate the negative stigma that surrounds mental health and to encourage inclusivity and positivity across a wide range of personal relationship choices.
