FAQs

Business FAQs

Relationship Therapy FAQs

Sex Therapy FAQs

Business FAQs

What are your fees?

Fees are as follows:
$275 for a 90-minute Couple Therapy Intake Session.
$225 for a 60-minute Couple Therapy Session.
$225 for a 90 minute Individual Therapy Intake Session.
$175 for a 60 minute Individual Therapy Session.

***I offer scholarships on an as-needed basis and prioritize BIPOC and LBGTQIA2S+ folx.

Do you accept insurance?

Ryan Therapy Services works independently of insurance companies. If you would like reimbursement from your insurance company, Ryan Therapy Services can provide an invoice for you to submit directly to your insurance company. Full payment for services is required at each session.

Is therapy really worth the time and cost?

Therapy is certainly a financial investment. Your life and your significant relationships require your emotional, physical, social, and financial investment. Additionally, therapy is an incredible gift to yourself and to your partner(s). Therapy sessions can become an integral, nourishing, and invaluable part of your weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly routine.

How often will we meet?

When therapy is first getting started, it is most effective to meet once per week every week. Once clients make progress and reach some of their goals, sessions can be spread out to once every other week and then gradually decrease in frequency as therapy comes to an end. If you have financial or time constraints, however, we can meet every other week when we are getting started. I am flexible with this and work to adjust the meeting times to the needs of my clients.

Are Sessions in person or teletherapy?

All of my sessions are conducted via teletherapy.

Relationship Therapy FAQs 

Perhaps you feel as though couples therapy can help you and your partner, but you still have questions or concerns…

You mention the words, “marriage” and “couples” a lot, but do you work with nonmonogamous, polyamorous and non-traditional, intimate relationships as well?

Yes.

I work with clients who are currently in or are wanting to explore polyamorous and consensual non-monogamous relationship structures.

I work with couples who are cisgender, straight, trans, nonbinary, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and all identities within the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

I also work with individuals who want to explore their sexuality and/or relational patterns without a partner.

I’m afraid I’ll be blamed and seen as the problem.

Every pattern and process that humans create with each other requires at least two people. When you or your partner(s) experience fear and anxiety, you may cope in ways that keep you stuck in unhealthy habits. Therapy will help you identify the ways in which all partners can make positive changes in themselves in order to strengthen the relationship.

I’m afraid of taking an emotional risk and not receiving my desired results.

Many people are afraid of being vulnerable and misunderstood, and this is certainly a valid fear. However, our sessions together will focus on creating a space for authentic connection and deep intimacy, and this space requires vulnerability. Sometimes it is necessary to take an emotional risk in order to discover a deeper sense of joy, intimacy and peace with your partner(s) and with yourself.

Will I have individual sessions?

The second and third sessions are individual sessions for each partner so that I can learn about your family background and other significant life events. I may meet with one partner occasionally if I feel that some brief solo work will enhance the relationship work we are doing. If a partner or partners have issues that require more comprehensive individual therapy, I can make referrals for you.

Sex Therapy FAQs

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is therapy that focuses on sexual issues and challenges within the context of the client’s life.

It explores the physical and physiological aspects of sexuality and sexual challenges while also exploring the underlying emotional, relational, socio-cultural aspects of sexuality.

It is offered by therapists who are specially trained in the field of sex therapy and human sexuality.

Sex therapy helps clients address sexual concerns, heal past emotional and psychological wounds around sexuality, and create sexual experiences that are liberated from patterns, narratives, and behaviors that do not support the values and best life of the client.

What does AASECT certified mean and why is it important when I look for a sex therapist?

AASECT stands for American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.

This mission description is taken from their website, www.assect.org

“AASECT is devoted to the promotion of sexual health by the development and advancement of the fields of sexual therapy, counseling, and education. AASECT’s mission is the advancement of the highest standards of professional practice for educators, counselors, and therapists.

With its history of impeccable standards for training, experience, and ethical behavior, AASECT is increasingly recognized as the guardian of professional standards in sexual health.”

What can I expect in Sex Therapy?

In a safe compassionate environment, we will talk about your current sexual challenges and explore how these challenges impact you physically, emotionally, relationally, and socially.

We will explore patterns, beliefs, and narratives that no longer serve you.

We will work together to remove the obstacles that prevent you from creating sexual experiences that feel safe, joyful, fun, pleasurable, meaningful, authentic, and free.

Is there sex or touching involved in sex therapy?

No.

As a sex therapist, my job is to help you understand your sexuality and help you create sexual relationships that thrive. I do that through conversations.

We discuss your sexual history, current sexual experiences (what is working and what is not working for you), sexual scripts, beliefs, and narratives.

Through conversation, I help clients explore ways they can create sexual experiences that have meaning for them.

When it fits, I also offer sexual education that is accurate and research/science-based. I teach clients about anatomy, physiology, the pain cycle, and the science of desire and arousal.

I offer practices that clients can practice at home with themselves or with a partner(s).

I also provide resources for clients if they want additional support. i.e. books, articles, classes, online resources, or other businesses or practitioners who can help.

I am afraid my therapist will judge my choices or sexual behaviors.

I offer an unconditionally accepting and compassionate place for humans to explore the fullness of their sexual, erotic selves.

I view the creation, nurturance, and expression of a pleasurable, satisfying and meaningful sexual life as a celebration of one’s authentic nature.

Sex is one of the most important aspects of living one’s best life.

I strive to create a positive and safe context for clients of all sexual, gender, and relationship identities.

As long as there is full, clear consent among those involved in the sexual activities and no one is being harmed, I support all expressions of sexuality.

What can I talk about in sex therapy?

You can talk about anything you feel is getting in the way of creating the sexual experiences or relationships that you desire.

We discuss obstacles and patterns that prevent you from creating the vibrant, authentic sexual experiences you want.

If any issue is beyond the scope of my practice, I will refer you to someone who specializes in the challenge you are experiencing.

Frequently Discussed Questions in Sex Therapy:

Am I normal?

My partner doesn’t want to have sex anymore. What’s wrong?

How do we keep sex vibrant, fun, and interesting?

My partner doesn’t want sex as much as I do? How can we fix this?

Why does it hurt when I have intercourse?

How can my partner and I open our relationship and go from monogamy to consensual nonmonogamy?

How can I come out to my partner, family, and friends?

Is my penis too small?

Why can’t I get an erection?

Why don’t I get wet when I am turned on?

I am no longer attracted to my partner. What can I do about that? Is this a deal-breaker?

I don’t like the way my partner kisses, touches, tastes, or smells. How do I have a conversation about this with them?

Can I learn to orgasm?

I can orgasm with masturbation and with toys, but I can’t with my partner. Can I learn to orgasm with my partner?

How do I give my partner(s) an orgasm?

I struggle with jealousy (Or my partner is jealous). How can I/we address this?

I don’t trust my partner(s) after their affair. (Or, my partner doesn’t trust me after my affair) How can we recover and rebuild trust?

I feel anxious during sex. How can I feel more relaxed and calm?

I don’t like my body. Can I learn to be more accepting and comfortable in my body?

I feel inhibited during sex.

I am distracted during sex.

I am bored with the sex I am having.

I want to explore Kink and BDSM but I am afraid to talk to my partner(s) about this.

How do I heal from the trauma and negative sexual messages I learned from my religion, culture, or family?

Areas I Serve

While I am located in Gig Harbor, I am licensed to practice in the entire state of Washington. Most of my clients are from Pierce, Kitsap, and King County.

Learn about my process.