Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Clinical Sexologist?
• Why should I see a Clinical Sexologist and not a regular therapist?
• Is sex counseling right for me?
• What outcomes can I expect?
• What happens during the first session?
• What is sex counseling like?
• Will I be asked to remove my clothes or perform sexual acts?

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.

^ Back to Top

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.

^ Back to Top

Is sex counseling right for me?

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.

Clients who get the most out of working with Dr. Mark appreciate the opportunity to talk openly about sexuality, value sexual expression as a form of intimacy and are 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. 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.

^ Back to Top

What outcomes can I expect?

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: Learn how to talk comfortably about sex, discover what turns you on, master the art of self loving, increase sexual pleasure, experience satisfying orgasms, improve your sexual communication skills, learn how to negotiate with a partner to get the sex you want, improve erection quality and ejaculation control, balance differences of sexual appetites in your relationship, and overcome obstacles to sexual intimacy.

^ Back to Top

What happens during the first session?

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 package that will most effectively address your stated goals while fitting within your schedule and budget.

^ Back to Top

What is sex counseling like?

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. While this can be difficult and uncomfortable at times, the success of each session is dependent upon your willingness to honestly examine your sexual attitudes and practices. 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.

^ Back to Top

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 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.

^ Back to Top