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Psychotherapy"It is my deep belief that in talking about the past, in understanding the things that have happened to us we can heal and go forward. Some people believe that it is best to put the past behind you, to never speak about the events that have happened that have hurt or wounded us, and this is their way of coping--but coping is not healing. By confronting the past without shame we are free of its hold on us." --bell hooks
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What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is truly a biospychosocial approach to wellness. You will experience what you traditionally think of when you hear "therapy"; talk therapy, processing thoughts and feelings, and learning new skills. However, sex therapists must also take many courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other medical areas. Many sexual issues are due to physical health concerns, and we must know to assess for these complex nuances, and know when to refer you to a medical care partner in the community. Sex therapy can take a wrap-around care team approach, working to address all of your needs. When you are interviewing potential sex therapists, ask about their referral network. If they do not have a solid list of providers in urology, OBGYN, endocrinology, and physical therapy, they will not be able to holistically address your concerns. Not all of my clients need another provider on board, but it is crucial that your sex therapist can help in this way if it is necessary.
Sex therapy does not involve the therapist having any kind of sexual contact with the client. This practice is referred to sexual surrogacy, or somatic sexuality work, and is not an approach offered by seek&summon. Therapists operate under a very strict code of ethics that prohibits sexual relationships between client and provider.
Some reasons people seek sex therapy that Mary-Margaret treats:
Sex therapy does not involve the therapist having any kind of sexual contact with the client. This practice is referred to sexual surrogacy, or somatic sexuality work, and is not an approach offered by seek&summon. Therapists operate under a very strict code of ethics that prohibits sexual relationships between client and provider.
Some reasons people seek sex therapy that Mary-Margaret treats:
- mismatched levels of desire for sex with partner
- physical pain during sexual activity
- sexual functioning concerns such as inability to orgasm, erectile dysfunction (ED), vaginismus, and loss of desire
- major life and role shifts that impact our sexuality such as becoming a parent, change in spiritual identity, acquired disability
- sero-discordant couples, and the impact of all STIs on sexual functioning and relationship agreements
- questioning sexual orientation or gender identity, and navigating these changes individually or as a couple
- history of sexual trauma
- mixed orientation relationships (asexual/allosexual; queer/straight; monogamous/non-monogamous)
- having a partner with a history of sexual trauma
- navigating sexual desires such as kink and fetish with a partner
How do I know if I'm ready for therapy?
The decision to engage in psychotherapy is very personal. You have to decide for yourself that you are ready for commit to deep inner work, trying on new ways of thinking, and making space to integrate therapy into the rest of your daily living. Depending on the study you read, it is estimated that about 10% of change comes from the therapy hour--the other 90% is by putting the work into action the rest of the week. I tell my clients to expect to spend about an hour a week outside of session on therapy work.
What does that work look like? I start all of my clients with an exploration of their core values, and an assessment of how well they feel they are honoring those values by the way they are living their lives. We will set goals based on your values, to ensure they are meaningful and resonant for your life. You can expect to be asked challenging questions, given some behavior and thought pattern change exercises to complete between sessions, bibliotherapy, and be provided with a non-judgmental space to process the events of your past, challenges of your present, and to make a healthy plan for the future.
Due to licensing laws, I am only able to provide therapy, even via Teleahealth, to clients who are in the state of Indiana at the time services are rendered. This is true regardless of payment method; it is not dictated by insurance companies, but by state licensing boards.
What does that work look like? I start all of my clients with an exploration of their core values, and an assessment of how well they feel they are honoring those values by the way they are living their lives. We will set goals based on your values, to ensure they are meaningful and resonant for your life. You can expect to be asked challenging questions, given some behavior and thought pattern change exercises to complete between sessions, bibliotherapy, and be provided with a non-judgmental space to process the events of your past, challenges of your present, and to make a healthy plan for the future.
Due to licensing laws, I am only able to provide therapy, even via Teleahealth, to clients who are in the state of Indiana at the time services are rendered. This is true regardless of payment method; it is not dictated by insurance companies, but by state licensing boards.
Fees and Insurance
seek&summon is in network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Your coverage will vary depending on the details of your plan. Please call the Anthem BCBS customer service number to learn about your unique coverage.
Things you may want to ask:
Is there a limit to how many therapy sessions will be covered?
Do I need to meet a deductible before coverage begins?
What will my co-pay be?
If you have another insurance company, you may be able to receive some reimbursement under your out-of-network benefits. We are happy to assist in facilitating this reimbursement, if available to you, with the necessary paperwork. Please call your carrier to ask about your out-of-network coverage.
seek&summon's Self-Pay Psychotherapy Rates
Intake session (first session), 60 minutes: $140
Individual therapy session, 55 minutes: $120
Couple therapy session, 55 minutes: $130
Things you may want to ask:
Is there a limit to how many therapy sessions will be covered?
Do I need to meet a deductible before coverage begins?
What will my co-pay be?
If you have another insurance company, you may be able to receive some reimbursement under your out-of-network benefits. We are happy to assist in facilitating this reimbursement, if available to you, with the necessary paperwork. Please call your carrier to ask about your out-of-network coverage.
seek&summon's Self-Pay Psychotherapy Rates
Intake session (first session), 60 minutes: $140
Individual therapy session, 55 minutes: $120
Couple therapy session, 55 minutes: $130
Relevant Training
I am required by the state to receive continuing education for my licensure renewal every two years. I believe life-long learning is the most important part of my work as a therapist. Some of my training listed below may also give you an idea of my areas of specialty and interest.
Formal education:
University of Michigan School of Social Work Sexual Health Certificate Program
Formal education:
University of Michigan School of Social Work Sexual Health Certificate Program
- Certificate in Sex Therapy
- Certificate in Sex Education
- Master of Social Work, with specialization in healthcare
- Bachelor of Arts, Social Justice Studies (minor: Women's and Gender Studies)
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Proficiency Course: Master the Core Components & Skills of ACT Across Diagnoses with Dr. Michael C. May, MA, LCPC
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy with Eric Comstock, M.A., LMFT, LCAC
- Teletherapy: Start It Up! with University of Michigan School of Social Work
- Gottman Method Level 1 with Dr. Adam Smithey (couple therapy)
- Abortion Companion/Doula training with Chicago Women's Health Center
