Question 1

How Do I Know If I Need Sex Therapy?

Accepted Answer

If you want to address any concerns about your sexuality or sexual relationship, sex therapy is a good place to start. Your sexual relationship is analogous to every other aspect of your life. At Metro Center for Sex Therapy, we are sex positive, which means we will not shame you and will only recommend sex therapy if you have identified that something related to sex in your life is no longer working for you. A Certified Sex Therapist can assist you if you want to address:

A history of sexual trauma
Sexual dysfunction or sexual problems
The quality of your sex life, if you are sexually active
Your sexuality, sexual orientation, or gender identity
Any type of sexual behavior that has negative consequences in your life
Mismatched libidos between you and your partner
Concerns about sexual functioning
Different sexual fantasies and desires within your relationship
Pain during sex, Dyspareunia, Vaginismus, etc.
Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation (early ejaculation), delayed ejaculation
An inability to orgasm, alone or with a partner
Shame about sex or your sexuality
Oppression related to sex or your sexuality
A desire to try an open relationship, polyamory, BDSM or other kink,
Compulsivity related to sex (sex addiction), love (love addiction), or porn (porn addiction), or hypersexuality that has caused a problem in your life
Infidelity and betrayal trauma
Sexual anorexia or avoidance
Performance anxiety

Question 2

Does Sex Therapy Allow You To Gain A Better Understanding Of Yourself And Your Body?

Accepted Answer

Like most of us, you may have developed negative associations with your body and sexuality throughout your adulthood. Yet sex therapy can normalize your experience and give you the necessary tools for overcoming obstacles to your passion, intimacy, and sexual fulfillment. And if you struggle with medical issues, including vaginismus or erectile dysfunction, counseling can help you to better understand what you need in order to feel satisfied on your sexual journey.

Beginning with a brief consultation, we will work to determine the presenting issues in your sex life; as we go through the intake process (spanning over a few sessions), we will be able to develop a treatment plan geared toward your needs as an individual or couple.
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Throughout your time in sex therapy, you will be invited to delve into your history as a sexual being. This includes examining the possible trauma and grief that have impacted your relationship with yourself and your body. And whether you’re participating as an individual or a couple, counseling provides a great opportunity to learn more about how your and your partner’s desires were shaped and the kinds of challenges that you both may face when it comes to issues of sexual intimacy. 
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Moreover, we will work with you to help you unlearn the negative or counterproductive education you’ve received when it comes to understanding your body. In doing so, therapy can help you develop a critical awareness of the emotional aspects of intimacy, as well as the tools for processing the relational, psychosexual, and mental elements of your sexuality. 
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​With the right support, it’s possible to have a satisfying and pleasurable sex life. No matter if your intimacy issues stem from physical discomfort, emotional distress, or cultural limitations, with therapy at The Essentials you can achieve a more satisfying and intimate sex life.

Question 3

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

You can book a free consultation, or reach out via the contact form to schedule your first session.

Question 4

What is concierge therapy?

Accepted Answer

Concierge therapy is a personalized, high-access approach to mental health care that goes beyond traditional weekly sessions. It often includes flexible scheduling, direct messaging access between sessions, extended session times, and a more customized experience tailored to your lifestyle and needs.

Question 5

How is concierge therapy different from traditional therapy?

Accepted Answer

In traditional therapy, care is typically limited to scheduled sessions. With concierge therapy, clients may receive:

Priority or same-week appointments
Direct therapist access via secure messaging or phone
Longer or more frequent sessions
Coordination with other care providers (e.g., doctors, coaches)
Custom plans or intensives tailored to your goals

Question 6

Do You Offer Sex Counseling For Couples?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In fact, if you are partnered, we would prefer that you attend sex therapy as a couple or group (for those in polyamorous relationships). That way, everyone can benefit from the perspective of a sex therapist as you learn more about your sexual needs both as individuals and as a couple/group.

Question 7

What are your rates?

Accepted Answer

My standard session fee is $150. I also offer package rates and special intensives, and sliding scales. Please visit the Services page for full details.

Question 8

Insurance & Payment Information

Accepted Answer

At this time, we are an out-of-network provider with all insurance companies, except Cigna. We do not bill insurance directly. However, we are happy to provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement!

Question 9

What is a superbill?

Accepted Answer

A superbill is a detailed receipt of services that includes all necessary codes and provider information for your insurance to consider reimbursement.

Question 10

How long are sessions?

Accepted Answer

Standard individual sessions are [45–60 minutes], though extended or couples sessions may be longer depending on your needs.

Question 11

What kind of clients do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with individuals, couples, and relationship systems. My specialties include [e.g., sex therapy, family, intimacy, trauma, queer relationships, etc.].

Question 12

Do you offer virtual or in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we only offer virtual sessions. However, this fall will provide in office on the south side of Chicago. You can choose what works best for your schedule and comfort.

Question 13

Have You Come Up Against Obstacles To A Fulfilling Sex Life?

Accepted Answer

Do you have questions about your sexual identity? Are you looking to explore new erotic or intimate territory with your significant other? Or do you struggle with challenges related to your sexual health?
 
You may be experiencing doubts, questions, or limitations when it comes to your sexual identity. Perhaps you and your partner have differing wants and needs in the bedroom. Or maybe you’re curious about opening your relationship up and becoming polyamorous.

Have You Come Up Against Obstacles To A Fulfilling Sex Life?
Do you have questions about your sexual identity? Are you looking to explore new erotic or intimate territory with your significant other? Or do you struggle with challenges related to your sexual health?
 
You may be experiencing doubts, questions, or limitations when it comes to your sexual identity. Perhaps you and your partner have differing wants and needs in the bedroom. Or maybe you’re curious about opening your relationship up and becoming polyamorous.

It’s possible that your sexual functioning has changed over time, and you are now struggling with aspects of anxiety and grief when it comes to performing. Maybe a medical issue has caused a decrease in your desire, or perhaps you struggle with vaginismus (vaginal pain during sexual intercourse) or erectile dysfunction. If this is the case, you may become stressed or worried about the idea of being intimate, disappointed that sex is no longer as enjoyable or comfortable as it once was. 
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When drive and desire between partners differ, it can create tension in the relationship. It’s entirely possible that you and your partner no longer experience the same passion and satisfaction as you once did. And as a result, you may be looking for support in navigating a path forward.

At the Metro Center for Sex Therapy, we will honor your unique needs and desires within relationship. And whether you identify as gay or straight, monogamous or poly, trans or cis, white or Person of Color (POC), therapy can help you identify and reach your goals for your sex life.

Question 14

Is Sex Therapy A Good Place To Explore BDSM Or Other Kinks?

Accepted Answer

If you are curious about introducing something new and exciting into your sex life, therapy is a great chance to explore that possibility. All of our therapists are professional and sex-positive clinicians who can help you better understand your desires, including desires within the context of a kink or BDSM. We welcome all sexual appetites and varieties!

Question 15

Is There Any Nudity Or Any Form Of Obscenity In Sex Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Sex therapy is meant to be a profound mental and emotional exploration of your sexuality. As such, counseling is not a workshop or instruction in the physical act of sex, but rather an opportunity to overcome the various obstacles that have caused you to feel unsatisfied in the bedroom. We will certainly make space to discuss specific organs, acts, and physical sensations, but there is no nudity—nor is sex therapy intended to be obscene, uncomfortable, or profane.

Question 16

What’s your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or no-shows will be charged the full session fee.

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