What is a Clinical Sexologist?
The field of sexology draws upon many disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, medicine, and the arts to understand human sexuality. For example, a sexologist will have knowledge of how sexual behavior and attitudes differ from one culture to the next. They will have also studied the how hormones affect sexuality and the various physiological mechanisms involved in sexual arousal. A clinical sexologist is someone who applies their knowledge of sexology through counseling and education.
Why should I see a Clinical Sexologist and not a regular therapist?
Think of a clinical sexologist as a specialist. Just like you might go to a dermatologist for a skin rash, when you have sexual questions or concerns you want to consult someone who has the greatest knowledge of your particular problem. While many therapists may be able to address basic sexual concerns, if you find that you are in need of in-depth information and understanding you may want to see a clinical sexologist.
Is sex counseling right for you?
Sex counseling can be beneficial for many people. Most people will benefit from the accurate, non-judgmental sex information given during a sex counseling session and the specific suggestions they receive that address their sexual concerns.My ideal client appreciates the opportunity to talk openly about sexuality, values sexual expression as a form of intimacy and is committed to achieving their full sexual potential. In order to get the most out of your counseling experience you must be willing to honestly evaluate your sexual attitudes. Clients who are capable of the most change are those who are on time for sessions, complete homework assignments and endeavor to be honest with themselves. The amount of change you see in your sex life is directly related to the amount of effort you put into the counseling experience. If you can trust the process and allow me to be your guide, you will grow, learn and become a more sexually empowered person.
What outcomes can I expect from sex counseling?
Depending on your primary sexual concern, we will work together to enhance your sexual health in a variety of areas. Through sex counseling you may: Improve your sexual communication skills, learn how to negotiate with a partner to get the sex you want, improve erection quality and ejaculation control, experience satisfying orgasms, create a sustainable open relationship, discover what turns you on, embrace your sexual orientation, learn how to play safely, increase sexual pleasure, master the art of self loving, focus on fertility, prevent sexually transmitted infections, learn how to talk comfortably with your kids about sex, balance differences of sexual appetites in your relationship, and overcome obstacles to sexual intimacy.
What should I expect from my session?
Our work together will include a unique combination of the following components:- Personalized sexuality information and education
- Specific behavioral suggestions
- Sexual attitude reframing
- Resources and referrals
We will be focusing on various aspects of your sexuality:
- Body - Your sexual response cycle, sexual anatomy, medical issues, body image issues, your erogenous zones, and the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch sensations of your sexual experience.
- Emotions - Feelings that can amplify or detract from sexual pleasure. Feelings about being sexually intimate with a partner. Feelings and emotions from other aspects of your relationship that seep into your sexual relationship.
- Mind - What you think about leading up to and during sex. Thoughts of performance pressures and/or body image concerns. What you tell yourself about participating in different sexual activities or having particular sexual desires or fantasies.
- Lifestyle - Family and work obligations that impact your energy and enthusiasm for sex. Your cultural heritage, religious beliefs and social customs and what they tell you about sexual expression.
Be prepared to talk openly and honestly about all aspects of your sexuality. I understand that this can be difficult and uncomfortable at times, but the success of each session is dependent upon your willingness to examine your sexual attitudes and practices. If you can trust the process and allow me to be your guide, you will grow, learn and become a more sexually empowered person. Rest assured that everything you say in a session will be kept strictly confidential and that you will be treated with respect. I strive to create a safe, sex-positive environment where I can assist clients as they address their sexual concerns and create real, sustainable change.
The first session will be an assessment session and will last ninety minutes. During that time we will talk about your primary sexual concern and the changes that you want to make in your sex life.
We will then go over your sex history, focusing on the following topics:- Early sexual experiences
- Previous sources of sexual information
- Current sexual experiences and fantasies
- Past sexual experiences and fantasies
- Basic demographic information as it relates to religious, socio-economic and cultural influences on sexuality
- Pertinent medical history
- Other sex history topics as appropriate
Many people find the experience of going over their sex history to be enlightening and thought provoking. At the end of the first session we will create a strategy for addressing your sexual concerns and design a scheduling package that will most effectively address your stated goals while fitting within your schedule and budget. Counseling and educational sessions can be of varying lengths (30 min., 50 min. or 90 min.) and scheduled on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. Sessions can be held in-person or over the phone.
Will I be asked to remove my clothes or perform sexual acts?
No. You will never be asked to remove your clothing, nor will there be any sexual touching during any counseling or educational session (sexual touching includes kissing, sexual intercourse and/or the touching of breasts or genitals). We will talk about sexual concerns during your session, you may be given homework assignments that ask you to be naked or perform consensual sexual acts, however you will neither be naked nor perform a sexual act during a session.Contact: (415) 573-7395 • Email
"As an educator, Sueann's guidance is both gentle and practical. Though issues related to sexual health can trigger deep fears, Sueann never fails to give the kind of specific advice that increases confidence and alleviates anxiety."
- Kat Wentworth • Director • Project Prepare