Sex Therapy

SEXUALITY:  INDIVIDUALS

Many of us cannot answer the question, “How do you define your sexuality?” And yet, our sexuality is everywhere, from how we dress, to how we talk and eat, to the way we speak in relationships. Many experiences from our early ages influence how our sexuality develops and is shaped and determines how we will interact in adult intimate relationships. Some seek sex therapy to discuss their sexuality, sexual lifestyles or preferences, or just to better understand who they are sexually. People are told all the time what is acceptable and unacceptable when it comes to sex, and this limits so many into thinking they are dysfunctional or wrong or “not good” at sex. Heather specializes in helping people identify their sexuality, develop sexual confidence, and form healthier intimate relationships. This even includes re-defining their sexuality after experiences such as divorce, forming healthy relationships with someone who has different sexual preferences than they do, physical disability, or important life transitions, such as becoming empty-nesters, health problems associated with getting older or medications, and even being diagnosed with cancer. If you have questions about your sexuality, relationships, sexual wants/needs/behaviors, or simply want to learn how to define your own sexuality, talking to a sex therapist can help. Heather is a compassionate therapist that is comfortable discussing sexuality and helping people grow in theirs.

SEXUALITY:  COUPLES

Are you in a sexless marriage? Can you and your partner comfortably speak about sex with each other? Problems with intimacy and sexuality are not uncommon and are often related to fear and lack of communication. Professional therapy can be helpful in revealing the causes of intimacy problems and opening the door to closer, more trusting relationships.

DRAWING YOU CLOSER TOGETHER

Intimacy is about more than just physical contact. Intimacy involves honesty, vulnerability, and trust. When intimacy is not present in a relationship, that relationship can suffer in many ways. Sustaining a long term relationship like a marriage takes work, effort and dedication to knowing yourself and your partner and being willing to look into the mirror. Heather works to help couples enrich their relationships through increasing intimacy and getting to know each other again, emotionally and sexually. And this is done while helping couples work through their issues and improve their communication skills. Heather pays attention to individual needs so she can advocate for both spouses for the duration of their work together. She often assigns homework to do outside of session, and commitment to these assignments is crucial to the success of counseling, as most of the work is done outside of the therapy room.  The duration of couples counseling varies for each couple and can depend on the issue they are seeking therapy for. Heather will discuss these factors thoroughly with each couple to determine goals and a treatment plan.
Of course, the decision to seek help for a sexual or intimacy problem is a highly personal and emotional one, so rest assured that Heather with treat you with the most care, compassion and professionalism. If a lack of intimacy is affecting your relationship, Heather feels privileged to help. Please do not hesitate to contact Heather with questions or to set up an appointment!

SEXUAL ABUSE/UNWANTED SEXUAL EXPERIENCES: BREAK FREE

Do you ever have nightmares or flashbacks to a sexual experience? Sensitivity to safety for yourself and those around you? Do you ever become anxious and start to get dizzy or get an upset stomach? Has someone ever told you “you’re safe now”, but you have a hard time believing that? You are experiencing symptoms common to the aftermath of sexual abuse and/or unwanted sexual experiences. You may even be experiencing symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or Acute Stress disorder. Sexual abuse/unwanted experiences can have lifelong impacts, affecting everything from relationships, to phsycial and mental health. No matter when/where it takes place, sexual abuse/unwanted experiences can inflict deep and difficult-to-heal emotional wounds on its survivors. In order to cope with the lingering pain, survivors often turn to unhealthy coping skills, such as drugs or alcohol or exercise, unhealthy sexual behaviors, or even consider suicide. If you’re a survivor, seeking professional help is an important first step toward recovery and healing the wounds associated with abuse/unwanted experiences, allowing the survivors to put the pain behind them and move on with their lives. Heather‘s goal is to help survivors of sexual abuse/unwanted experiences work through the lingering emotional effects in order to move forward toward healthier, happier lives and intimate relationships.