Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the list of frequently asked questions below or contact Dr. Melissa Risso today for more personalized answers to your questions.
Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on sexual issues. Sex therapy is beneficial to anyone who wants to improve their relationship with intimacy and pleasure. It can be especially helpful for those who are exploring their sexual identities or individuals having difficulty with a lack of arousal, painful intercourse, an inability to reach orgasm, or other sexual challenges.
Additionally, it can address some of the more general issues that a person may be experiencing, such as anxiety, self-esteem, depression, and relationship issues - sometimes treated with couple’s therapy.
Individuals of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and ethnic backgrounds, as well as those who have a partner and those who are single, can benefit from sex therapy.
For some, the decision to seek out help for sexual issues can be difficult and, often, a little anxiety-provoking. However, addressing sexual issues can lead to a more complete and balanced life, and may assist with other difficulties that, in whole or in part, are related to one’s sexual health.
People seek relationship and couples therapy when they are tired and angry after years of struggle or neglect, when they are betrayed and broken in the aftermath of infidelity, when they realize that they are living life without its most joyous offerings - love and romance.
Couples typically seek counseling when they realize that they love each other but can’t seem to say it with any sense of emotional stirring. They come when they wake up one day and see a stranger who's been sharing their bed for years.
Learn more about the benefits of relationship therapy here.
Therapy requires a commitment. We have observed that our clients reach their goals most efficiently and effectively when meeting weekly.
When clients attend sessions infrequently, each session can feel like playing "catch up" and gaps might lead to relapse into old patterns.
We don't want that for you! We strive to get you to your therapy goals, and in doing so, this requires frequent meetings in order to move consistently towards your most joyful and empowered life.
For therapy to be most effective, you must be an active participant in the process, both during and between sessions. People seeking counseling are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change, and create greater awareness in their lives.
As a result of being an active participant in therapy, people quite often start to feel better by session 2 or session 3. If things are not improving by session 6 or 7, we are going to change up the approach to make sure that you're reaching your goals. And if we decide together that we’re not making progress at the rate we want, we’ll look at referring you out to another therapist, coach, or another resource.
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy, so if you need to cancel, make sure you give your therapist 48-hours notice to avoid paying the late cancellation fee, which is the full session rate.
We charge the full session rate if you do not show up to your scheduled appointment, so call or email your therapist immediately to avoid the fee.
Additionally, we ask that if a client is sick or something prevents you from coming at the last minute, we can offer a phone or Zoom video session.
Ready to begin therapy?
Set up your free 15-minute phone consultation to hear more about our practice, approach, and recommendations.