Sexuality + intimacy
Sex therapy without the shame bill.
Evidence-based, comprehensive sexology for individuals and couples working on desire, pleasure, pain, performance, or disconnect. Kink-affirming, LGBTQ+ affirming, non-monogamy-aware. Online across California.
Good fit if
- Desire has flattened or is mismatched between you and a partner
- Sex has started to hurt, or it's always hurt, and you want to change that
- Performance concerns — erectile, orgasmic, pain, anxiety — are affecting your life
- You want to understand your own sexuality better — orientation, kink, fantasy, fluidity
- Sex feels disconnected from the rest of your relationship and you want it to feel like you again
- You're in a non-monogamous or polyamorous structure and want practical tools
Not a fit if
- You're seeking sex therapy as a replacement for medical evaluation — some concerns need a urologist, gynecologist, or pelvic floor physical therapist first (we'll refer)
- You're looking for someone to 'fix' a partner who isn't engaged in the process
Not sure which column you're in? Book a free consult. If we're not the right fit, we'll help you find someone who is.
What the work looks like
How we actually work together.
Sex therapy is talk therapy — nothing physical ever happens in session. We start with history: your sexual development, current concerns, what's worked and what hasn't, any medical factors worth coordinating with a physician. Bringing a partner is optional; individual sex therapy is just as valid.
Christina holds a Comprehensive Sexology Program certification from the Buehler Institute, which means the work isn't limited to one tool or framework. We draw from behavioral techniques, mindfulness-based interventions, attachment work, and education about sexual physiology — whatever fits the concern. When appropriate, we coordinate with your physician or pelvic floor PT.
Most clients feel a real shift in how they relate to sex within the first few sessions — often before any physical changes. The goal isn't to engineer specific outcomes; it's to help you feel more at home in your own body and relationships.
Modalities we draw from
Who on our team does this work
Your match on this work.
FAQ
Common questions about sex therapy.
Is sex therapy physical or hands-on?
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No. Sex therapy is always talk therapy. No physical contact, no nudity, no demonstration. If a concern needs physical evaluation or pelvic floor work, we'll refer to a medical specialist and coordinate alongside.
Can I come alone, or do I need a partner?
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Individual sex therapy is common and effective. Many clients do substantial work on their own sexuality, desire, or sexual history without a partner in the room. If you're partnered, we can add couple sessions later if it makes sense.
Do you work with kink, BDSM, or non-monogamy?
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Yes — kink-affirming and non-monogamy-aware practice. We don't pathologize; we work with the structure you're practicing, including ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, and relationship anarchy.
What if my issue feels medical — pain, erectile concerns, etc.?
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We'll ask early on. For concerns that may have a medical component, we coordinate with your physician or specialist (urology, gynecology, pelvic floor PT) so you're not stuck choosing between approaches.
Is sex therapy covered by insurance?
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Sometimes. Sex therapy is typically billed under mental health benefits. We're in-network with Lyra; for other insurance, Mentaya helps you use out-of-network benefits. We'll confirm coverage on your consult.
References & further reading
- AASECT — American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists — AASECT
- Come As You Are — Emily Nagoski, PhD (book + science summary) — Emily Nagoski, PhD
- Buehler Institute — Sex Therapy Certification — Buehler Institute
Last clinically reviewed: April 18, 2026 by Christina Mathieson, LMFT #115093.
From the blog
Understanding Love and Desire: Insights from Emily Nagoski and Gottman
Emily Nagoski's accelerators and brakes. Gottman's Four Horsemen. Two bodies of research that reshape how we think about desire, connection, and lasting love.
Mindfulness Techniques & Sex Therapy
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in sex therapy — helping individuals and couples become more present, reduce performance anxiety, and experience greater pleasure and intimacy.
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Learn moreReady to talk it through?
Free 15-minute call. We'll figure out if sex therapy is the right work for where you are, and match you with the right person on our team.
Book a Free Consult