1:1 In-Person Session Rates

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Sex therapy and sex coaching are similar in many ways and also very different. Both modalities are therapeutic in nature and focus on the growth of a particular client or clients, but the main difference is that psychotherapy focuses primarily on the mind, while somatic coaching focuses on the listening and atonement of the body. In my work as a sex coach I often partner will sex therapists to create a stronger support team for my clients, and depending on the client’s needs, I may suggest they work with a traditional sex therapist, or talk therapist prior to coming to work with me, so that they have a stronger foundation and a shared lexicon to support the more embodied work that I facilitate.

Psychotherapy is a degree that is obtained by a college or university and is governed and licensed by each state in the US. In order to become a practicing therapist one must complete specific required studies, pass the required exams to be licensed, as well as complete any additional studies to practice specific types of psychology. In this case, sex therapists have to undergo additional training and studies to be able to label themselves with this moniker. All therapists must also adhere to a strict code of ethics and confidentiality. If for whatever reason these codes of ethics and confidentiality are broken, a client may hold a therapist accountable through the licensing board, and the therapist may run the risk of losing their license to practice psychotherapy, as well as other ramifications .

On the other hand, many sex coaches  in Los Angeles CA do not have official or traditional training, while others, like myself do. My studies include certification programs which all have their own governing boards, and they include: Somatic Sex Education Association (SSEA), Association of Sexological Bodyworkers (ACSB), International Professional Surrogate Association (IPSA), World Association of Sex Coaches (WASC), and Urban Tantra. In addition to these studies and certifications, I am an ongoing student of rope bondage, practices in BDSM and kink, as well as breath work and movement practices, and studies in modern hypnotherapy and meditation. As you can imagine, although I hold my undergrad degree from UCLA, they do not offer studies in many of the things I have expertise in. The work of a somatic coach is still very much on the fringes of societal norms, and therefore, when looking for a somatic sex and intimacy coach its important to do your research, and even someone who is very experienced and learned, still might not be the right fit for you. Trust your intuition when choosing a therapist of coach. This listening will serve you well in your process.

Psychotherapy tends to garner more respect and admiration in the general field, mostly because it is accepted by mainstream culture and society as a valid form of healing and growth. And while it is a valid form of healing and growth, for many it has its limitations, to which people seek out sex and intimacy coaches. Many of my clients have done extensive work with talk therapists and even sex therapists, and they have gotten to a point where talking about their “stuff” just isn’t moving the needle anymore, and a more practical, embodied approach is desired. That’s where the work of a somatic sex coach can be a valuable and important next step.

The biggest difference between a traditional sex therapist and a somatic sex coach, is that a sex therapist cannot and will not touch their clients. As a somatic practitioner adhering to the guidelines of sexological bodywork,  based in Los Angeles CA,  my somatic practice is legal in various states including California and New York. As a somatic sex coach, curriculum can be taught through talk, touch, breath, movement, sound, choice and voice, and body based exercises. There is a bit more freedom in what is possible, and what types of learning can take place.

For some people talk therapy is the right approach, while others who learn more by doing or experiencing might benefit from working with a somatic sex coach. What’s true is that when you commit to growth, change, and self expansion, there is no wrong journey or choice, it is all about collecting data from the experiences themselves and then continue in the direction that feels most nourishing. Being in action around your own process is better than being stagnant.

If you have been searching for a sex therapist in Los Angeles and have stumbled upon my work, you may find that the way I teach and the way I work with clients is more suited to your learning style. If that is the case, and you want to learn more about my work and better understand if it is right for you, reach out to met at court@thebodyvox.com to set an exploratory call. And if a sex therapist in Los Angeles is still what you desire, I have a list of folks I refer - just ask.