Sexuality is an integral part of our lives as human beings. It is not only an important part of romantic relationships, but it figures strongly in our overall identity and belief system.
For some people, expressing themselves sexually is effortless. For others, it can be a very difficult thing to do.
This difficulty can stem from a physical problem or it could also be the result of a psychological trauma or issue. For example, beliefs or cultural and religious norms about sex that are encountered during childhood could alter the way an individual feels about sex as they grow into adulthood. Or a traumatic event experienced as an adult may affect the amount of pleasure or enjoyment one gets from the sexual act.
Fortunately, sexuality therapy can help process these issues and teach you how to experience a full and healthy sex life.
While there are myriad issues that can arise involving a person’s sexuality, they can all be loosely grouped into three categories:
These therapies include exploration of gender identities, exploring the transition process, or learning how to work through issues with families that may hold conservative values. They also address ethical non-monogamy concerns and uncover ways to help people accept and celebrate kink identity.
Chronic illnesses often affect the way we experience sex. Lack of libido, chronic pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and other issues stemming from the illness itself — or from treatment of the illness — can all impact sexual functioning and enjoyment.
Therapies focus on exploring new ways to find pleasure, dealing with and conquering anxieties and fears, and relearning how to experience a vibrant, healthy sex life.
Many other sexual problems such as premature ejaculation, difficulty orgasming or finding desire, erectile dysfunction, out of control behavior, and arousal issues can all affect the enjoyment of sex. Often there is both a physical and mental component surrounding these problems that can be addressed through counseling by a therapist, perhaps in conjunction with a family doctor.
I conduct sexuality therapy through a sex-positive lens that helps my clients approach sex with joy, confidence, and curiosity.
My education and training allows me to tackle issues specific to LGBTQIAA+ individuals, questioning sexual/gender identity, ethical non-monogamy, kink identity and play, and out of control sexual behavior.
I believe in value-based therapy to help my clients clarify and identify the values that influence their decisions and help them build the inner strength necessary to move forward as a fully sexual being. To facilitate open collaboration, exploration, and discovery, I create and offer a safe and positive environment.
Because sexuality is multi-faceted, I provide several modalities from which you can choose as we work through your issues such as talk therapy, bodywork, expressive arts or a combination of modalities as your needs and preferences change. Whether your sexual journey will be conducted on an individual basis or with partner(s), I can assist.
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.
