Frequently Asked Questions
An AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) has completed rigorous, specialized training that goes far beyond general therapy education. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) is the gold standard for sex therapy certification, requiring extensive education, supervised clinical experience, and ongoing ethical oversight.
Rigorous Training Requirements: To become AASECT certified, therapists must complete 90+ hours of specialized sex therapy education, covering topics like sexual anatomy, physiology, sexual dysfunctions, trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, and ethical practice. This is in addition to their graduate-level mental health training. I also hold the CST-S (Certified Sex Therapist - Supervisor) designation, meaning I've met even higher standards and am qualified to train and supervise other therapists pursuing certification.
Supervised Clinical Experience: AASECT requires therapists to complete hundreds of hours of supervised clinical work specifically focused on sexual health concerns, ensuring competency before certification. This means certified sex therapists have demonstrated expertise through real-world practice, not just coursework.
Ethical Standards & Continuing Education: AASECT-certified therapists must adhere to strict ethical guidelines and complete ongoing continuing education to maintain certification. This ensures we stay current with the latest research, treatment modalities, and best practices in sexual health.
Key Distinctions: Unlike therapists who may offer sex therapy without certification, AASECT-certified therapists have proven competency through standardized training, supervision, and ethical oversight. We understand the complex intersection of physical, psychological, relational, and cultural factors that influence sexual health. This specialized expertise is especially critical when addressing concerns like sexual trauma, desire discrepancies, pelvic pain, gender identity, and complex relational dynamics.
With 35 years of experience and AASECT certification, I bring both depth of training and extensive clinical wisdom to every session, ensuring you receive evidence-based, ethically sound, and culturally competent care.
Rigorous Training Requirements: To become AASECT certified, therapists must complete 90+ hours of specialized sex therapy education, covering topics like sexual anatomy, physiology, sexual dysfunctions, trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, and ethical practice. This is in addition to their graduate-level mental health training. I also hold the CST-S (Certified Sex Therapist - Supervisor) designation, meaning I've met even higher standards and am qualified to train and supervise other therapists pursuing certification.
Supervised Clinical Experience: AASECT requires therapists to complete hundreds of hours of supervised clinical work specifically focused on sexual health concerns, ensuring competency before certification. This means certified sex therapists have demonstrated expertise through real-world practice, not just coursework.
Ethical Standards & Continuing Education: AASECT-certified therapists must adhere to strict ethical guidelines and complete ongoing continuing education to maintain certification. This ensures we stay current with the latest research, treatment modalities, and best practices in sexual health.
Key Distinctions: Unlike therapists who may offer sex therapy without certification, AASECT-certified therapists have proven competency through standardized training, supervision, and ethical oversight. We understand the complex intersection of physical, psychological, relational, and cultural factors that influence sexual health. This specialized expertise is especially critical when addressing concerns like sexual trauma, desire discrepancies, pelvic pain, gender identity, and complex relational dynamics.
With 35 years of experience and AASECT certification, I bring both depth of training and extensive clinical wisdom to every session, ensuring you receive evidence-based, ethically sound, and culturally competent care.
I will discuss fees upon first contact. Please note that I am not paneled for any insurance policies, so all fees are paid directly to me. However, I provide a detailed statement that you may use to obtain out of network benefits from your insurance company.
A typical session is between 50-55 minutes. There are circumstances when an extended session may be offered when clinically helpful, such as for an extended couples session or an extended trauma processing session.
Your first visit will consist of an interview between you and your Therapist. During this interview, the two of you will determine if the Therapist is a good fit for your counseling needs.
Key agreements and information discussed during the visit include:
Therapist Fit: If you and the Therapist agree that the Therapist is not right for you, the Therapist will refer you to another Therapist.
Schedule and Time: You and the Therapist should agree on a regular day and time for your appointment. The usual schedule is once a week, but you may decide to meet every other week. Sessions are typically 45 or 50 minutes.
Fees: The Therapist will inform you of the counseling fee. Fees vary based on geographical area, the Therapist's qualifications, and the setting.
Key agreements and information discussed during the visit include:
Therapist Fit: If you and the Therapist agree that the Therapist is not right for you, the Therapist will refer you to another Therapist.
Schedule and Time: You and the Therapist should agree on a regular day and time for your appointment. The usual schedule is once a week, but you may decide to meet every other week. Sessions are typically 45 or 50 minutes.
Fees: The Therapist will inform you of the counseling fee. Fees vary based on geographical area, the Therapist's qualifications, and the setting.
I work with clients both virtually and in person. While I prefer to meet in person, virtual sessions allow me to serve clients across the state of Michigan and Maryland.
I would like 48 hours to cancel an appointment.
I am not licensed to prescribe medication. I work collaboratively with other mental health professionals who may be part of your treatment team.