My Story
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT-S) specializing in Seattle, WA, offering sex therapy, couples therapy, and serving as a sex coach. With over 17 years of experience in group and private practice settings, I am dedicated to providing exceptional care in the field of sex therapy and couples therapy in Seattle. As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor (CST-S), my expertise extends to addressing sexual concerns in individuals, couples, and various relational structures. In addition, I am a LMFT supervisor that believes in giving back by providing training and mentorship for newer therapists on more foundational aspects of psychotherapy.
My background includes valuable research experience in forensic, evolutionary, social, and clinical psychology laboratories. I have worked as a research assistant, intervention facilitator, and research interviewer for longitudinal studies, including the Relationship Research Institute for Dr.'s John and Julie Gottman. This research foundation has equipped me to offer a higher quality of service through scientific literacy and an evidence-based perspective in my clinical work.
In my private practice, I focus on empowering individuals and couples seeking relationship therapy in Seattle to navigate their sexual concerns, find their voice, and communicate their desires with confidence. As a sex therapist in Seattle, I believe that pleasure and enjoyment are integral to a fulfilling life, and I strive to help clients achieve a sense of empowerment and strength. My approach combines evidence-based techniques with a pragmatic application that aligns with the unique goals and lifestyles of those I work with.
Contributing to my community, I frequently guest lecture at Seattle University and Antioch University on topics such as sexuality, atypical sexual practices, and relational dynamics. By sharing my knowledge as a sex therapist and supervisor, I aim to educate and foster a deeper understanding of these important subjects to new therapist and my community as a whole.
On a personal note, I was born in White Rock, British Columbia, and come from a multi-generational military family with strong Ukrainian roots. These experiences have shaped my values, emphasizing the importance of hard work, facing challenges, and cherishing interconnectedness. By integrating these values into my therapy practice, I strive to help my clients create more meaningful lives that feel authentic to them.
Outside of my work in sex therapy and as an individual and relationship therapist, I find solace in nature, indulging in activities such as hiking, backpacking, and traveling. Exploring different landscapes, such hiking through Patagonia, fuels my desire for personal growth and self-discovery. I am truly grateful for the opportunities this life offers, and I look forward to partnering with you on your journey towards a more skilled and vibrant existence!
“Your Vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes”.
What you need to know!
(Common questions from potential patients)
What’s AASECT Certification?
AASECT stands for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. This is the primary credentialing body in the United States that regulates the training and practice of sex therapists. Not all states require certification for therapists to use the title of “Sex Therapist” and so those that are certified under AASECT have gone through extensive multiyear training program. This program requires over 160 hours of research based curriculum, 50 hours of supervision, and hundreds of hours of clinical experience in order to grant certification. AASECT is important because it provides you, the consumer, with assurance that your therapist is highly trained, is sophisticated when it comes to sex research, and is less likely to counsel based on their own personal biases.
Who works well with you?
Those who work well with me are those who have decided they are ready for change and are willing to explore the unknown to see where it takes them. People who enjoy working with me tend to be people that like their feedback to be direct yet warm, who want to be called on their bullshit, and those who are looking for a therapist that likes to laugh and be engaged in the process rather than a therapist that just reflects what they hear. Most of all people who enjoy working with me are those who want a therapist that isn’t going to get squeamish or uncomfortable with their disclosures.
How long does therapy take?
The duration of therapy is generally dependent on the presenting concerns, your history, as well as your motivation. I frequently check in with my patients about our goals, progress, and future directions. If we aren’t able to measure progress within a few months of working together we would reevaluate our goals, how to get there, or if I am the right fit for you as my patient. The goal is not just a therapeutic relationship that feels safe…ideally we’d like it to be productive as well and I like working myself out of a job!
Is sex therapy your only specialty?
Although I specialize in sex therapy I am well versed and highly trained in treating most other mental health concerns. I have worked extensively with, but not limited too, anxiety, depression, PTSD, military issues, OCD, infidelity, codependency, family of origin issues, parenting, infant mental health, trauma of all kinds, the foster care system, relational conflict, anger, intimate partner violence, and survivor guilt.
What type of people do you see?
The simple answer is everyone and anyone over the age of 17. My practice tends to be heavily weighted to those who identify as LGBTQIA+ but is not limited to this population. I like seeing people, period. I enjoy helping people lead healthier, happier, more empowered and sexually fulfilled lives. To that end, everyone is welcomed in my office as long as I am able to offer the services they require.
Would our work be confidential?
Absolutely! Other than a few certain circumstances where I would be forced to break confidentiality (i.e., an order from a judge or someone who is a significant threat to self/other) everything we speak about is confidential. I practice with your discretion in mind. Many of my patients have a public profile and thus are quite sensitive to the handling of their personal information. If desired you are also able to complete a form that insures limited session notes are taken in order to further protect your privacy if desired.
