What Is Sex Therapy For Individuals? [PLISSIT Model]

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What Is Sex Therapy For Individuals? [PLISSIT Model]

 

Have you ever wondered about what happens in sex therapy for individuals and in psychotherapy counseling?

 

Those who label themselves as a sex therapist may be AASECT Certified and using the PLISSIT Model. Or they may not be. The PLISSIT model is considered one of the standards though!

 

Have you wondered who talks more – the therapist or the client, if you can go to sex therapy as an individual, if you need to prepare for session. Or if you can go to a sex therapist internationally, this video will answer your questions?

 

If you haven’t heard of AASECT – let me introduce you! AASECT – American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists – is the national (desiring international) standard for sex therapy.

I also suggest you ask your couples counselor in the future how much training they have with married couples or with those in long-term (over 3+ years) partnership.

 

The PLISSIT model is what most will consider the answer to  “what is sex therapy for individuals”

 

I have been on this path since I was 19 years old. Doing sex therapy for individuals and incorporating the PLISSIT model into every treatment plan is important for me and my clients. For example, be sure that whoever you are seeing understands their role as the sex therapist and that clinicians will use the PLISSIT model in helping clients through current relational and sexual presenting issues. Similarly, where are the issues happening? At home or with others?

 

Amanda Pasciucco has been featured multiple times on CNN, Playboy, PornHub, Maxim, Daily Mail, and Men’s Health. Learn the answer to “what is edging,” define factors that affect male masturbation. Amanda is an AASECT certified sex therapist and owner of Life Coaching and Therapy, shares her tips to success!

 

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE EGUIDE “THE PLEASURE PRACTICE”

https://lifecoachingandtherapy.com/​​​ ←HERE

-Learn How to Unleash Your Self Pleasure and Transform Your Sex Life!-

NEW VIDEOS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 9 AM EST

 

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. 

 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Being Understood

The Importance of Being Understood Instead of Right Fighting in Relationships

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The Importance of Being Understood Instead of Right Fighting in Relationships

 

A common issue we hear from our clients is communication, their lack of being understood and “right fighting” for a particular perspective. 

 

Many couples will say in a session “we can’t communicate.” 

 

Clinically, this may signify that the therapist will “translate” each individual perspective within the psychotherapy session.

 

Often, it isn’t about “being right;” rather, it is about not understanding or hearing, and thus, an individual is missing out on their needs of being understood, seen, and heard.

 

Yes, we can teach mirrored reflective listening, empathic and non-violent communication, yet at the core, all human beings have an innate desire to be heard and seen. 

 

As humans, we communicate ALL the time, through verbal and non-verbal ways. 

 

It is often not that we do not know how to communicate; it’s that we are not collaborating or using compassion in the ways we communicate with one another. 

 

Therefore, we are right fighting, instead of collaborating in connection. 

 

Right Fighting

 

Most often, I notice people in relationships who are focusing on “winning” or being “smarter” or “right.” I see this in romantic relationships, parent child relationships, friendships, etc. I often say to the people I am working with “I am wondering why you feel like you have to convince me” or my personal favorite “I am not a judge or jury!’

 

Usually people are surprised when I say those things and try to redirect them in session to have other goals (such as connection, problem solving, or conflict resolution).

 

All too often in our culture we are more focused on being heard than hearing what the other person is saying. This is usually rooted in our own personal traumas or feelings of powerlessness in our life. So instead of focusing on fixing the issue, we get stuck in the “facts” and our own perspective.

 

I call it “right fighting” and others call it “gridlock” or something else. Either way, it is one of the most common dynamics I see between people in my office. We are all guilty of this. I know this is something I have worked extremely hard on, myself. It is not easy work, but it is important work.

 

Inner Aspects Method (IAM) for Being Understood

 

One of the most transformative ways to support is utilizing a trauma-informed approach such as the Inner Aspects Method (IAM). 

 

IAM is an identity-affirming, trauma-focused approach used to increase insight to the various parts of our personality. Mostly, it helps us understand why we act the way we do. It focuses predominantly on bringing consciousness (or presence of mind) or awareness to what we are doing and why we are doing it.

 

At the core of the IAM model is compassion and collaboration, which ultimately enhances people’s connection to themselves and others. 

 

When an individual slows down what is happening to notice the aspect of themselves that is engaged, it provides more clarity. When this happens, individuals are able to notice the need under their emotions and thoughts, and then have a choice. The choice can be to alter and adapt a new strategy.

 

For those specifically engaged in “right fighting,” recognize that “being right” is a strategy you are using because a need is not being met.

 

Compassion Instead of Shame

 

There is nothing wrong with you, it is important to notice you have a choice in finding another strategy though… a strategy that can connect you.

 

When each individual in a disagreement is able to connect to their underlying need not being met, it allows for faster conflict resolution. 

 

When realigning the goal from “being right” to connection and collaboration, there is greater ability for joy, attunement, and respect. 

 

Finding a strategy to effectively and adaptively meet all needs is a healthier model of engaging than most individuals have been taught. 

 

The goal of this is that the “problem is the problem,” rather than the person. 

 

If you want to be right more than you desire to resolve the issue, that may be something to look at in individual counseling. 

 

Recognizing the line of what is your responsibility and what is others is important in addressing issues about communication. So, use these tips to make long-lasting relationships work. 

 

Strategies to Improve Being Understood:

 

Here are some quick tips on how to address this issue of right fighting in relationships right now!

  • PAUSE what you are doing and SLOW down!
  • Take a deep breath! There is a body of research describing the importance of taking a deep breath to help calm your physiological reaction 
  • Take a break if you need to. 
    • During this break, find an alternative strategy to calm your body. 
    • Consider a stretch, a calming app, meditate, listen to music, write, drink some water, do something active.
    • Note: this break should not be TOO long – no more than 30 minutes ideally
  • Reflect on what need is not being met.
  • Find a way to communicate that to others and ask yourself “which part of me am I responding from?”
  • Refocus your goal in the conversation to connection, collaboration, or conflict resolution
  • Slow the conversation down
  • Reflect back what the other person is saying – this is validation. VALIDATION IS NOT AGREEING it is just showing someone you are listening
  • APPRECIATE, LISTEN, REFLECT, BREATH, RESPOND
  • Rinse and Repeat as needed

STOPP Skill

If you cannot self regulate within the 30 minute break, please reach out to a mental health professional to help.

 

If you are interested in learning more about engaging in the IAM, we are happy to help you.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. 

 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

real sex

Real Sex Begins with a “Yes”

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Real Sex Begins with a “Yes”

 

When it comes to real sex, it begins with enthusiastic consent in the form of a “yes.” 

 

If you are waiting for a no, this isn’t the type of real sex we are talking about. 

 

Actually, unless there is a deep “yes” from others, most people are not interested in the sexual situation. 

 

There is a caveat for those who are partnered for over 3 years though… sometimes, these partners are used to hearing “no”. Therefore, when it comes to sex, they will take any sign as a yes. 

 

If you think about it though… seducing ANYONE requires the receiving partner’s WILLINGNESS to receive initiation. If they aren’t a yes, they aren’t interested.  

 

When You Check In With Your Partner, You Have To Be Sure That They Are WILLING!

 

If they are acting numb, avoiding you, or even making up excuses, there is no consent to be engaging with them. If you aren’t getting the real sex you need, it may be time to have a discussion about sex therapy or a change in the relationship. 

real sex

In AASECT supervision to become a certified sex therapist, it took me two years to learn that “without willingness, there is no way.” 

 

Not even the best of lovers can begin with approaching real sex and pleasure with someone who has a resistance to trying. 

 

If your partner(s) is/are not willing, remain curious. Remain appreciative of your partner and curious instead of expecting something and then being critical. 

 

They may come around. Sometimes clients report the more curious they are, the more willing their partner has become. 

 

Therefore, check in mind, heart, and genitals. 

 

See if there is a YES or a NO to real partner sex.

 

If you want MORE than a YES or a NO. Then please use the YES spectrum below, a scale of 0-10, to see how each part of you feels when it comes to giving a “yes.” 

real sex

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. 

 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

How to Deal With Loneliness

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How to Deal With Loneliness

 

Many people ask how to deal with loneliness, especially during times of extreme stress and pandemics. 

Even though the number of people who experience loneliness is more than usual, we can all understand the feeling of being alone. 

Loneliness can cause emotional pain and affect people in many other ways by:

  • Affecting your physical health
  • Causing anxiety and depression
  • Leading to physical pain

 

How To Deal With Symptoms of Loneliness

Several studies support that loneliness does affect your general well-being. 

When loneliness and depression affect your emotional health, it is time to seek services. Studies show that the part of the brain that processes social exclusion is also responsible for processing physical pain. So, if you’re lonely, that part of the brain will react by causing physical pain.

Similarly, one study has shown that lonely people tend to suffer more from depression than others. They also tend to be less social and fear social interactions.

 

Signs of Loneliness

When a person is lonely, they may experience the following:

  • Mental health problems
  • Believing that no one cares about them
  • Withdrawing from those they care about
  • Reporting suicidal thoughts

Loneliness is a common issue right now, and many lonely people are looking for ways to connect to you and others online. 

 

How to Deal with Loneliness

1. Radical Acceptance that loneliness is a part of a pandemic

Accepting that loneliness is normal, and many people experience it. It doesn’t make it easier to deal with loneliness, yet it makes you normalize the experience instead of thinking you’re odd. 

About 40% of people admit to experiencing loneliness at some point in their lives. Similarly, anyone can experience loneliness, regardless of their social class, marital status, financial situation, or social cycle. You may even know a person with lots of friends and family, yet they still say they’re lonely. Honestly, loneliness is subjective so it’s important to remember you’re not the only lonely person in the world.

 

2. Join a Group

Joining any class or online group will help you meet people. Instead of avoiding, it’s important to lean into conversations with those whom you share common interests. 

It actually may help you develop a sense of belonging, thus improving your creativity and ability to innovate. 

 

3. Volunteer

You can also volunteer to be part of a cause you believe in. There are animal shelters and soup kitchens in Connecticut that are looking. That means other states and countries may have this opportunity too! By doing this, you can get satisfaction to live a healthy lifestyle.

For those who have never done it, offering a hand to those who need it does provide a sense of gratitude within you for contributing. 

 

4. Be Mindful Of Your Thoughts

Remember, loneliness can be a state of mind. Spending time alone is not a problem, yet if you drift into loneliness, it may become one. 

Be mindful of your thoughts when you’re alone and remind yourself that you’re more clever than what your inner critic may say. 

 

5. Practice self-kindness

When you’re feeling lonely and depressed due to challenges, practice self-love. Take care of yourself by taking a walk, having fun, dancing, moving your body in a way that feels joyous, or something else! 

 

6. Pay attention to what makes you lonely

If you do not pay attention, you may not discover the reason for your loneliness. Identify times of day that are more lonely and notice what leads to those moments. 

So, how you deal with loneliness is the opposite action! Find connection, support, and friendship from those online, and share any information in a journal so you feel like you can go through some of your thoughts. 

 

7. Strengthen Existing Relationships

Try to strengthen your relationship by calling or texting others more often and asking if you could send each other voice or video messages. 

 

If none of these work in dealing with loneliness, see a therapist

If you don’t get fulfillment from engaging in activities like your hobbies, you may decide to seek psychotherapy. Sometimes, overcoming loneliness doesn’t just happen; you need to put in the effort to make it work. 

If you find it challenging to overcome loneliness and depression after trying out the tips above, you may want to consider seeking advice from a psychotherapist. 

You can also seek the help of an online therapist, and they’ll be more than happy to help you out. 

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Answering: Do Therapists Touch You [TRUTH REVEALED]

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Answering: Do Therapists Touch You [TRUTH REVEALED]

 

Have you ever asked yourself: Do therapist touch you during session?

 

What about those who label themselves as a sex therapist? Or a psychotherapist?

 

What about an LADC, LMFT, LCSW, LPC, PhD, or PsyD.

 

Have you wondered who is able to touch their patients?

 

Do a sex therapists or a psychotherapist touch you is a common question.

I’m so glad that you are interested in joining us for this topic to learn more about who touches or puts their hands on you.

 

Amanda Pasciucco has been featured multiple times on CNN, Playboy, PornHub, Maxim, Daily Mail, and Men’s Health. Learn the answer to “what is edging,” define factors that affect male masturbation. Amanda is an AASECT certified sex therapist and owner of Life Coaching and Therapy, shares her tips to success!

 

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE EGUIDE “THE PLEASURE PRACTICE”

https://lifecoachingandtherapy.com/​ ←HERE

-Learn How to Unleash Your Self Pleasure and Transform Your Sex Life!-

 

NEW VIDEOS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 9 AM EST

 

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. 

 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

What is Gender Dysphoria? 

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What is Gender Dysphoria? 

 

Gender dysphoria is the term used when someone experiences distress from their body based on their gender identity or expression. 

 

In other words, someone who was born biologically one sex and assigned a specific gender. If this person feels distressed surrounding their body, genitals, and / or other aspects of their body. Anything that may amplify their biological sex or gender assigned at birth may cause more gender dysphoria. 

 

The Basics: 

 

Biological sex is determined based on genital presentation at birth (usually male or female) and then there is a “labeled” or assigned a gender based on that (for example: girl or boy). 

 

For some individuals, as they age throughout their life (and even as early as childhood), they do not identify with their assigned gender. 

 

Someone’s gender identity is what someone experiences as their gender. Whereas someone’s gender expression is how someone shows their gender through dress, hair, make up, etc.

 

When someone’s assigned gender does not feel congruent with their gender identity, it often results in gender dysphoria. 

 

This distress is common in folks who are gender non-conforming. Therefore, the result may lead to individuals engaging in gender affirmation treatments (such as surgeries, using hormones, or binding, etc.) 

 

What are the symptoms of Gender Dysphoria?

 

Here is what gender dysphoria may look like: 

 

  • Feelings that your biological sex does not match your gender identity
  • Feeling comfort with another gendered experience than what was assigned at birth
  • Strong desire to hide and / or get rid of physical signs of your sex
  • Discomfort around genitals or chest
  • Insistence of being a different gender
  • Distress while physical changes are happening during puberty (not typical experiences of hormones changing or mood swings, etc)

 

Although these may be the most common or obvious ways that dysphoria can be seen. This brief list does not cover the whole scope of what could be experienced by others’ experience of gender dysphoria.

 

How to Get or Give Support

 

Gender dysphoria is a complicated concept for many to understand and requires a level of competence and / or education to be able to support. 

 

Individuals who are experiencing gender dysphoria often get discrimination for this. It is important to consider medical providers who have experience in this area. 

 

Similarly, you can encourage someone that may be experiencing gender dysphoria to find new support systems and places where they are able to be themselves. 

 

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

 

 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. 

 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

PTSD test

What To Do With Your Results After Taking a PTSD Test

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What To Do With Your Results After Taking a PTSD Test

 

Have you taken a PTSD test and been surprised by the results? 

 

Unfortunately, many things could lead to symptoms of PTSD, and you will come up as mild to severe scoring on a PTSD test. 

 

You may have said YES on a PTSD Test to having:

  • Flashbacks
  • Night terrors
  • Hot flashes
  • Intrusive thoughts

 

It is important to note that a PTSD test online is just the beginning of a PTSD diagnosis though. PTSD testing has to be done by a psychotherapist and someone who specializes in trauma. 

 

A diagnosis of PTSD can help you access more of what you need. In the end, though, these PTSD test results are not therapeutic themselves. The healing begins now!

 

Seek a PTSD Therapist

 

Part of what therapists do is help clients process through various events that may have occurred in their life. Trauma focused therapies do not simply just ask you to “talk” about your trauma.

 

There are a variety of PTSD treatments proven to help individuals heal from their symptoms. 

 

Ensuring you have a licensed professional who understands the complexity of the mind, the family you grew up in, and someone who is culturally competent is important for healing. 

 

Many don’t realize that trauma informed care does not mean just talking; rather, it means feeling it to heal it! 

 

There are a variety of PTSD treatments that have helped people heal from trauma. Many clinicians at our practice have specific training in working with trauma. Although it may feel overwhelming or hopeless, you don’t want to feel this way anymore.

 

PTSD Test Results Unusual? 

 

Many of us think that we are “ok,” when things like loss have a huge impact. Think about times where you had to let go of a friend, family member, a lover and you didn’t want to… yet knew you had to. 

 

When these moments happen, our body has an emotional embodiment hangover. Many clients will tell us about experiences such as breakups or infidelity, being given up for adoption, moving out of their caretakers home before they were 18, being made fun of at school, etc. 

 

At various times, most individuals have an experience of feeling left out and not chosen. If you feel a sense of hurt on the inside, it may be echoes of past trauma. 

 

Similarly, all of us would probably get positive results on a PTSD test after the entire globe is currently undergoing collective trauma with COVID-19.

 

Remind yourselves that EVERY relationship and relationship style has the potential to be super stressful, and right now, no matter who is living with you, the trauma responses are likely to be more intense than usual. 

 

Similarly, as individuals are stressed, it is a time to be mindful of what we expose ourselves to. 

 

Too many negative posts or blogs without positive outcomes could bring more feelings of trauma. 

 

The entire world is much more stressed out than normal, so try to give yourself compassion and patience. 

 

Give yourselves and your partner(s) some grace and extra acceptance right now. Even healthy happy relationships are struggling right now.  

 

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. 
Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.
food to sex drive

Food to Increase Sex Drive! [APHRODISIAC FOODS]

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Food to Increase Sex Drive! [APHRODISIAC FOODS]

 

Food for sex drive is a common question to ask a sex therapist. Have you ever thought that aphrodisiac foods could help? It is important to know why the foods do what they do to your sex drive.

 

In this video, we will teach you about 7 items that increase sex drive when it comes to food. Not only will you be more satisfied, your partner(s) may be too!

I’m glad that you are interested in joining us for this topic on food to increase your sex drive, as it’s important while we are considering our sexual functioning.

 

Amanda Pasciucco, an AASECT certified sex therapist and owner of Life Coaching and Therapy, shares her tips to success!

Get the “2021 Communication Guide”

https://bkib2xu0.pages.infusionsoft.net←HERE

 

Watch now:

 

NEW VIDEOS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 9 AM EST

 

For those clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists!

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Evolve Fest

Evolve Fest – International Online Tantra Event

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Evolve Fest – International Online Tantra Event

 

EVOLVE FEST is a 5-day online festival internationally brought to increase connection.

 

“A journey of love, transformation and togetherness ONLINE!” now is the time to experience online tantra if you have been curious about it. 

 

For those that are interested in discovering what is possible with an open mind. 

 

If you feel a heavy weight on your chest, like it’s almost difficult to get through your days, consider an online community. Why? Because you will learn to connect more with yourself and enjoy the time you spend with YOU through tantric practices. 

 

So… may we tantalize, allure, and transform you?

 

Would you like to join us March 17-21, 2021, and specifically on 3/21/21 for a Sensuous Spring Equinox?

 

It may be that it’s time for you to take a break! If so, come rejuvenate and relax with us, while learning!

 

A special sneak peak of the Sunday finale of the 5 Day EVOLVE FEST ! 

 

What is EVOLVE FEST ONLINE TANTRA EVENT? 

 

More than 85 of the world’s top Relationship guides, coaches, teachers and facilitators share over 150 + hours of live workshops,  inspiring new ways of thinking and rejuvenated relational upgrades, because pandemic life has been tough globally. 

 

What this means is that for one ticket price you will receive:

  • A 5 day 24/7 journey fitting to all time zones. 
  • Full Access to the entire live program of 100+ workshops and lectures
  • Teachings from top facilitators internationally
  • Full Access to the Festival community group to meet, connect and share with others
  • 30 days of access to the workshops which will be recorded!

 

If you aren’t able to attend, you will have access to this evolve fest programming for up to 30 days after, consider the importance of doing something new to connect during a lonely time.

 

However, consider the wealth of knowledge from close to 100 leaders all over the world. There will be unique perspectives that maybe you haven’t considered for your life. 

 

So do you want to purchase a ticket? Find the Information here and then use the code “SEXHEALER” for 25% off! 

 

If you have questions, learn about new insights on a range of topics such as: 

  • Monogamy/Non-Monogamy
  • Communication Skills
  • Sexuality: From BDSM/Kink to Tantra & Embodiment
  • Trauma and Shadow work
  • Conscious Community and Parenting in the New Century 
  • Conflict Resolution for Triggers – including Attachment theory & Breakups
  • Conscious Dating in the Pandemic
  • Passion/Attraction/Desire Throughout A Marriage
  • Non-Binary, Gender fluid and LBGTQ relating
  • The Science of Relating (neurobiology in the brain)
  • And more…

 

If you are interested, visit the presenters page to see the entire list. 

 

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

The Inner Aspects Method

The Inner Aspects Method (IAM):  A Methodology to Improve Communication and Satisfaction in Couples

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The Inner Aspects Method (IAM): A Methodology to Improve Communication and Satisfaction in Couples

No one can make you do anything as an adult, unless there is physical force. Don’t believe it? Think about it…

Now is an intense time; locally, domestic violence is up 20%.

It’s time to learn a new way to teach others how to communicate.
Using the Inner Aspects Method changed my life and revolutionized how I practice with my clients. 
See a brief demo here: https://youtu.be/oxAOkI0clyI

If you are desiring to dive deep into therapeutic practices with your online or in person clients clients,  using the inner aspects model, created by Francesca Gentille, will help! 

The Inner Aspects Method

There are many couples counseling techniques: 

  • Imago Therapy
  • Gottman Method
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Couple-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Couples

The problem with these models is that it misses the pervasive cultural trauma that most of us have. So, if you aren’t looking at  childhood traumas and cultural conditioning of romantic relationships within the media, you are missing out on how to help couples. 

Actually, the problem is in the interaction with others, and specifically the systemic dynamic within the romantic partnership.  

We compare ourselves to what we see online, hear in music, or watch. We believe that other romantic relationships are going better and that they are having a more passionate intimate life, so then we begin to justify our learned behaviors (yelling, shaming, avoiding, and criticizing). 

Even if the best intentions in romantic relationships are acted out of fear, resentment, judgment, scarcity, or rage, these strategies for connection do not result in long-term positive outcomes for individual success or relationship sustainability. 

However, empowered strength with compassion, learning boundaries, and working on building new skill sets is what the Inner Aspects Method can help you model. 

For Counselors and Therapists

When you counsel your clients, do you wonder how clients justify the shaming, blaming, and yelling? Or, do you question that they criticize their partner or relatives in front of you? 

When in a “child” part of us, we believe that our only option is verbal violence, or even physical aggression. 

Even though our clients often assume that they know why someone said or did a certain thing, that is not true and is often a sign of black and white thinking patterns – the thinking of a young internal wounded part of ourselves, and even an inner rebellious streak we have. 

Refresher! 

No one can know for certain what is in the heart and mind of another. 

Most of us were not trained in how to listen with care and compassion to the variety of our own Inner Voices and diverse feelings and intentions. Even in graduate programs, sometimes, the nuances of working with the inner psyche is not addressed. 

This model helps clinicians uncover for themselves, and their clients, new skill sets! 

  • Collaborate for wins
  • Make requests that get responses
  • Express a boundary with compassion and firmness
  • Find the solutions to problems that trauma in childhood may leave behind

Conclusion

In this model, we can teach our clients to give empathy and compassion while holding compassion for their partner. Therefore, we can look for the win-win.

The most inspiring couples in therapy collaborate in uncovering, discovering, and recovering the many INNER ASPECTS that they have on the inside. Learning to bring love, understanding and compassion to themselves as a foundation for how they interact with their beloved.

If you want to learn more about these techniques to apply to your own life and your practice working with individuals and couples, please click this link to learn more.

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Crippling Anxiety

Solutions for Dealing with Crippling Anxiety

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Solutions for Dealing with Crippling Anxiety

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with heart palpitations, as if you were dying due to crippling anxiety?

If you’ve ever experienced nervousness with a shortness of breath, those may be signs of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is tricky, so if you know anyone who has it or think you are experiencing anxiety, look out for the following symptoms:

  • Aggressiveness
  • Isolation or social withdrawal
  • Agitation or irritability 
  • Insomnia
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Substance abuse

The most common signs of anxiety are often seen by the one experiencing the anxiety.

So when someone tells you that they are struggling with anxiety, be compassionate. They aren’t asking for you to argue with them about it. Instead, they are wanting empathetic connection.

What Causes Anxiety?

As humans, we respond to everyday stressors through a somewhat automatic stimulus and response. This is from our evolutionary “monkey brain,” but our excessive worry leads to anxiety disorders.

So, anxiety is a mental health disorder ranging from nervousness to fear, and an anxiety disorder is used by a therapist to submit a bill to the insurance company. Unfortunately, if there is not a diagnosis, your insurance will not cover your therapy sessions.

If you didn’t know, anxiety comes in many forms of fear and worry within our daily lives. A quick overview for those of you who want to understand the “diagnosis” part. There are a few types of anxiety that are most common.

Some anxiety disorders include: 

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Social Anxiety
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Have you ever heard of these? They are common and there are many videos on YouTube and TikTok made on the concept on how to solve these symptoms. In case you are curious about what these anxiety disorders are, here is a quick overview:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A more common type of anxiety that LCAT sees often is GAD. Generalized anxiety disorder includes an irrational fear and excessive worry. Please take note if your anxiety results in sweating, shortness of breath, short-term memory loss, or dizziness.

Additionally, if you are having concentration and sleep problems., you may notice that anxiety is affecting your work life balance. Furthermore, those who report having GAD state issues within their interpersonal relationships, which may then lead to folks with social anxiety disorder.

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is when a person has an intense fear of what others may say. This then leads to a negative effect on the person, as they will start to avoid social events. Think about those who had social anxiety, and then covid19 happened. With no more social events to attend, they could go right into their disordered behavior. Sometimes, in place of social events, a person with social anxiety will use habits and rituals to replace social connection.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

As noted, OCD is a type of anxiety that features irrational thoughts or fear that need managing. Instead of understanding the cause, a person with OCD may exhibit compulsive and repetitive behaviors that help them manage their fears. For those with OCD, nervousness is alleviated, yet they are not getting better yet. 

 

How to Treat and Recover from Crippling Anxiety

Listed above were just a few types of anxiety disorders, yet how you solve anxiety and recover is most important! The use of an anxiety treatment plan helps you have better control over your life. If you use a treatment plan with your therapist, it alleviates the crippling anxiety symptoms, instead of having more complications in the future.

So how do you get better from these anxiety symptoms and find your ability to cope? If what you have been doing isn’t appearing to work, create a new plan. Therefore, begin the search, as you may need new skills sets and quality care by a psychiatrist and/or a licensed therapist.

At our practice, Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT), treating and recovering from anxiety is possible with evidence-based therapies.

Your treatment will be customized and based on previous treatment history and an assessment of you as a client. We will take special care of your needs when deciding which type of approach may work for you. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a highly effective treatment method for many anxiety disorders. It involves the use of several strategies that work together to determine the possible causes and triggers you may have. Skills involved in getting CBT for anxiety include:

  • Recognizing and changing the related actions and thoughts that may lead to nervousness
  • Learning coping skills for deciphering various levels of anxiety 
  • Restructuring to assist clients in cognitive thinking errors to increase new behavioral choices

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged exposure therapy is one of the best treatment for trauma-related anxiety. Why? Because it allows an individual to discuss how their anxiety started and then slowly helps them work through it somatically. 

Additional Techniques

Additional techniques that are used with therapy can improve your results. Some of our favorite include, yet aren’t limited to: 

  • Hypnotherapy
  • Art therapy
  • Medication management
  • Yoga or massage therapy
  • Guided meditation
  • Deep breathing techniques
  • Mindfulness training

If you’ve been experiencing the signs of crippling anxiety and it’s affecting your daily life, speaking with a mental health professional becomes imperative. 

If you have any questions, learn more about our Text Therapy Program to help. Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a practice focusing on anxiety for teenagers and adults, and we transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach.

 

 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

what is sex therapy for couples

What Is Sex Therapy For Couples? [PLISSIT Model]

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What Is Sex Therapy For Couples? [PLISSIT Model]

 

Have you ever wondered about what happens in sex therapy for couples counseling and marriage therapy?

Those who label themselves as a sex therapist maybe AASECT Certified and using the PLISSIT Model, or they may not be. The PLISSIT model is considered the standard though!

 

Have you wondered who talks more. Which one will talk first. If you can go to sex therapy for couples if you are practicing non-monogamy or if you can go to a sex therapist for couples internationally?

 

If you haven’t heard of AASECT – let me introduce you! AASECT – American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists – is the national (desiring international) standard for sex therapy.

 

I also suggest you ask your couples counselor in the future how much training they have with married couples or with those in long-term (over 3+ years) partnership.

 

The PLISSIT model is what most will consider the answer to “what is sex therapy for couples” or “what is sex therapy for individuals”

 

I have been on this path since I was 19 years old. Doing sex therapy for couples and incorporating the PLISSIT model into every treatment plan is important for me and my clients. For example, be sure that whoever you are seeing understands their role as the sex therapist. And that clinicians will use the PLISSIT model in helping clients through current relational and sexual presenting issues.

 

Amanda Pasciucco, an AASECT certified sex therapist and owner of Life Coaching and Therapy, shares her tips to success! Watch now! Amanda has been featured multiple times on CNN, PornHub, Men’s Health, Hartford Courant, Playboy, Maxim, Daily Mail, HeadSpace, and more!

 

Husbands be more romantic, today! Learn tips to for husbands to be even more romantic!

 

WATCH THE VIDEO “HOW TO SEDUCE YOUR SPOUSE”

https://lifecoachingandtherapy.com/​ ←HERE

-Learn How to Unleash Your Self Pleasure and Transform Your Sex Life!-

 

Watch now:

NEW VIDEOS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 9 AM EST

 

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists!

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

 

Therapy Cat

Is it Time to Get a Therapy Cat? Emotional Support and Fur!

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Is it Time to Get a Therapy Cat? Emotional Support and Fur!

 

Therapy Cat

Many people require multiple types of strategies to soothe their soul, and a therapy cat or therapy animals are no different. 

Think of it as assistance for a basic need to help the owner feel connected in a way that helps them in their life, such as with completing daily tasks 

Some people cannot live independently without the services of people and specially service pets. 

Others can simply benefit from a visit with an animal that provides them with a sense of calm and relaxation. Therapy animals provide a special service to people that humans cannot quite understand.

Not to be confused with a service dog or an emotional support pet, a therapy cat or therapy animals are socialized and trained to provide comfort and affection to people in various stressful environments. 

Therapy animals, and specifically a therapy cat, are most commonly seen in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas.

When I worked at the Sandy Hook shooting, there were many therapy animals there – classified as one of three types:

  • therapeutic visitation animals
  • animal assisted therapy animals
  • facility therapy animals
The most common type is a therapeutic visitation animal.

These are the pets that get brought to a facility to spend time with a person who might be missing their own pet. Bringing a therapy cat or dog to a Nursing home can spread cheer to all get a visit from the lovely therapy cat or pet. 

Although most pets who visit these facilities end up going back home with their owners each night.

I know people, even some of those on our staff, who have had family go through cancer and major surgery to remove a tumor that could have killed them. During the recovery time, two therapy cats took to snuggling a staff member’s family more during those recovery weeks. 

Similarly, their family therapy dog may also have their fair share of keeping them comfortable and in good spirits. Therapy animals and family pets help manage throughout difficult processes. 

When someone is going through chemotherapy, therapy cats and therapy dogs seem to know. And they all find a spot near the one who needs them. 

I genuinely believe that therapy animals, can help keep adults positive, boost their moods, and provide loving pressure when closeby. 

Sometimes, it is easy to grow into depression during times like coronavirus and the winter. 

Instead of diving into a further depression, it is nice to reframe the typical doom and gloom of the short days.

If you are healthy enough to caretake another, it is an amazing surprise to have a pet that is smart, healthy, and trained so that they emotionally attend to their owners.

Visit https://dollfacepersiankittens.com/
Therapy Cat

Romeo

Therapy Cat

Snowbelle

Let me share a story about a recent time… it was coronavirus and depression has set in. Being kept away from those that we care about for this long can take a toll on anyone. I realized it was time to propose a therapy cat or two of my own.

When my purebred babies were finally able to come home, 1/31/2021, it was like a light lit up in my heart again. A part I forgot was in there. 

Although the process of having cats, and to train them as therapy cats, is not easy, it is encouraging to know that in all the highs and lows I will go through. That the therapy cats will be there for me.

Once they are trained and we are out of quarantine, I will have the option of having them in the therapeutic room.

Through the lonely nights and days, therapy cats will be there. So will a therapy dog, or small hore. Even if you do not have a trained therapy animal, simply having a pet who loves you day in and day out, and is ALWAYS happy to see you, is the most magical thing in life. 

Also, no matter how bad my day was or is, my therapy cat is there to help cheer me up. Even though winter depression, they can curl up next to me, purr, and everything seems to be better.

To have an animal who is trained and able to help is a blessing. 

If you cannot take your therapy cat or pet out with you in public, because they are not a service animal. Do not worry. 

There are certain benefits to having an emotional support pet and a therapy cat or animal. That is not the same as having a trained service animal. For those who have trained service animals, that animal is just for them. It is not for those around them to be comforted by. 

So please know if you see a therapy dog or “service animal” sign, leave that animal alone. They are not a pet, and they are working. 

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Conversation Starters For Couples

Conversation Starters For Couples

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Conversation Starters For Couples

 

It can get pretty awkward in a dynamic, so we created conversation starters for couples as a way to keep the intimacy alive. 

 

In the beginning of being a couple, conversation starters are more about getting to understand what you both are looking for out of a partner. Then, as you bond, conversation starters are continuously important to increase a sense of spark between you. 

 

No matter where you are in relating, a purposeful conversation starter can help you get closer and increase your level of intimacy. 

 

How Long Have You Identified as a Couple? 

 

The days, weeks, months or years of being in a couple sometimes determines what you share with them. However, some couples go deep quickly!

Conversation Starters For Couples

If you just met a few days or weeks ago, consider asking questions about how much time they have in a week. Consider asking what they believe a romantic relationship is. 

 

At this point, you’re still getting to know one another and you can’t really tell if they are someone that is worth trusting yet. 

 

It even becomes more difficult when you’re meeting someone for the first time because you are worried what they may say.

 

Conversations at this point may range from general questions about your partner, such as:

  • What are your hobbies and how long have you done them?
  • Did you get nominated for a superlative in high school? 
  • What is your view about a long-term relationship without intimacy?
  • What are your goals for the next 6 months, and then 5 years? 
  • How long have you had a best friend?

 

If your relationship has gotten to a point where you can trust your partner, asking them some more intimate questions is important. 

 

Do you trust them to tell you the truth when asked certain questions?

 

Before starting a conversation with your partner, be sure that they trust you enough to share information. Especially when you’ve been together for months. 

 

The truth is, some people may be too reserved to start a conversation because they aren’t sure of what their partner would think of them or if there was any sense in what they’re saying.

 

Starting an intimate conversation is often a great way to tell if you’ve gained their trust. Pay attention to how they react when you ask specific questions. 

 

Do a reflection of your conversation and write down more questions to ask them.

 

You don’t need to put down the questions in your journal. Yet, you may want to put it in your notes on your phone to remind yourself of the important information. 

 

Naturally, lots of information will be exchanged during the answer and question sessions, and your personalities, or multiple inner aspects, will be exposed.

 

The situations, environment you are in, and which inner aspect you are in or “what mood you are in” could be some of the factors that will determine the kind of questions you’ll ask. 

 

Do They Like To Laugh?

 

You might have experienced a situation when a person took a humorous expression, question or conversation too personal. This is totally normal because we view things differently as humans. 

 

Now, before asking a controversial question, ensure that your partner will not find it embarrassing or take it too personally. 

 

If your partner takes some discussions or questions personally due to past experience, you shouldn’t judge them. It may be a reminder of a bad experience, and it’s better to know what their triggers are so you can discuss them when the time is appropriate. 

 

As you progress in your relationship, they may have grown enough to share some things with you without feeling triggered by it. 

 

Conversation Starters for Long-Term Couples

 

As stated earlier, some conversation starters for couples are for the beginning of your relationship, while some are for long-term relationships that are in the decades. 

Conversation Starters For Couples

You can write down a few of our conversation starters for couples in your cell phone to discuss later! 

 

Below are some typical conversation starters in a romantic relationship, where you’ve both bonded and shared some intimacy over the years or decades. 

 

These are the type of questions you ask at a romantic date or when spending a great time together:

  • Do you remember what I wore when we met? 
  • What is the wildest adventure you’ve ever had?
  • What attracted you to me?
  • When does foreplay begin for you? 
  • What have I done to make you feel loved since we met?
  • Do you remember the best thing about our first date?

What to do During the Conversation

 

Doing the following will help you understand a lot about your partner and who they are:

 

Keep to the aim of the conversation.

 

  • Now that you know when to ask some questions and what to ask, the next thing you should do is keep to the aim of the conversation. Do not make the mistake of going overboard or losing focus, because then neither of you may feel heard. 
  • The aim of your conversation with your partner is to bond and build intimacy. If you’re not sure about your partner’s acceptance of who you are, you may find it hard to give out some information about yourself. 
  • So, you need to be incredibly sure that you’re ready to do this and not withhold any vital information that may hurt later.
  • It’s better to let them know who you are, even when you think they won’t accept you. 
  • If someone can not accept you for who you are, then, let them take a walk.

Watch Their Reaction after the Questions

 

Now that you have both shared some information to help you bond, is your partner’s behavior the same with what they told you? Or is their lifestyle a total opposite of what they said? 

 

When you watch their actions closely, you will find out if your partner is omitting truths or unable to follow through on their word. 

 

The truth is, some people may find it hard to tell you everything about themselves until you are decades into the relationship.

 

You will discover some new things about your partner as you get through various life stages together. 

 

Don’t Forget Context!

Remember that you are both two different people coming from different backgrounds and upbringings. 

 

So, you need to do a lot of talking to know about your partner. Ask about what growing up was like and their belief system. What about considering how well they get along with their friends and / or siblings?

 

Don’t be left thinking “this isn’t the person I married.” Instead, use conversation starters for couples no matter what stage of relating you are in. Helen Fisher researched this and her findings are fascinating. To summarize, we need conversations starters during dating, falling in love, and attachment. 

 

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists! 

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems. 

 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs. 

 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

How To Become a Sex Therapist

How To Become a Sex Therapist in USA [AASECT APPROVED!]

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How To Become a Sex Therapist in USA [AASECT APPROVED!]

 

Have you ever wondered about those who label themselves as a sex therapist?

 

Have you wondered who is able to talk about sex in the USA and how to become a sex therapist in the USA.

 

AASECT – American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists – is the national (desiring international) standard. AASECT is an amazing organization.

 

Learning how to become a sex therapist in the USA is tricky, yet a worthwhile path. I’m so glad that you are interested in joining us for this topic that is so near and dear to my heart.

 

 

I have been on this path since I was 19 years old. Becoming a sex therapist in the USA was amazing for me. And I recommend it if you want to restart a career and believe this is right for you.

 

Amanda Pasciucco, an AASECT certified sex therapist and owner of Life Coaching and Therapy, shares her tips to success! Amanda has been featured multiple times on CNN, Playboy, PornHub, Maxim, Daily Mail, Men’s Health. Hartford Courant, HeadSpace, VICE, and more!

 

Get the “2021 Communication Guide”

https://bkib2xu0.pages.infusionsoft.net​ ←HERE

 

Watch now:

​​​

If you have any questions, or for clients hoping to take their intimate lives to the next level through personalized sessions on YOUR terms, learn more about our Text Therapy Program.

 

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a relationship coaching and sex therapy practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible, multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systemically-trained and licensed therapists!

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help Millennials and Baby Boomers alike who visit us for a variety of relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

 

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

 

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.