Our sexuality is central to our idetity and our wellbeing.  It is more than just sex and encomapsses different aspects of our being. 

Sexuality is defined by the World Health Organisation as “…a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.” (WHO, 2006a)

Sexual health is not just about sexually transmitted infections or sexual function.  Sexual health is a combination of four different aspects:  sexual ehalth, sexual pleasure, sexual wellbeing, and sexual justice (rights) (Mitchel at al 2021).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.” (WHO, 2006a)

Sex therapy, psychosexual therapy and sex counselling are terms that really mean the same thing. Sex therapy is a specialised form of counselling for people which focuses on sexual issues, most often for individuals in relationships (although you do not need to be in a relationship to seek sex therapy). A sex therapist will try to help you develop a clearly defined issue and the goal of therapy will be to work on that issue and resolve it, or find a way to make whatever problems it causes have less of an impact on your life and sex life. Commonly sex therapy will focus on a sexual dysfunction or major sexual communication problems between partners. Sex therapy is usually directive. Sex therapists will be active, asking questions and often giving direct suggestions, homework exercises, and information in an effort to support your goals for the therapy. As a sex therapist I am able to assist you to understand the issue and help you achieve your goals.

• Individuals wanting to deal with sexual identity issues.
• Couples wanting to increase sexual intimacy
• People who want to deal with sexual inhibitions
• People who are dissatisfied with their sexual functioning
• Couples wanting to increase their communication about sexuality

There is no one “type” of person who goes to sex therapy and there are many more reasons to see a sex therapist than those mentioned above.

• Sexual trauma
• Lack of orgasm
• Difficulties with erections or ejaculation
• Problems with differing levels of desire in a couple
• Difficulties resulting from infidelities
• Sexual concerns as a result of illness or surgery

This list is not exhaustive, and if you think you are interested in talking with a sex therapist, most will spend at least a short time on the phone with you to determine whether or not they are the appropriate person to be meeting with.

We don’t share information from or about you, unless we think that someone is at risk of serious harm. In this instance, we would seek to discuss it with you first. All therapist work with a supervisor.  A supervisor is a senior counselling professional who provides a quality control of a therapists  work. They make sure a therapist is working ethically and effectively, in your best interests. They never know your name, or any details that would allow them to identify you. All reputable counsellors and therapists work with a supervisor, and this will be enshrined in the code of ethics and practice published by their accrediting body.

Each therapists abides by codes of ethics.  This may be different for each practitioner depending on their profession.  If you would like to know which codes of ethics your therapist abides, please ask them.

You do not need a referral to see me. If you have a referral from your GP bring it along with you. 

If you are seeing a practitioner who provides Medicare rebates under the Better Access scheme please ensure you have a copy of your Mental Heatlh Care Plan.

DO YOU OFFER MEDICARE REBATES?

Medicare rebates under the Better Access scheme are only available to people who see a registered psychologist, mental health social worker or occupational therapist.  We do not bulk-bill.  Clients who see a therapist eligible for Medicare rebate will have an out-of-pcoket expense to cover.

All clients who attend Sex Life Therapy/Carringbush Counselling & Psychotherapy will be out-of-pocket by $145.00*. 

* If you see Stephanie Hulsmann you will be out-of-pocket $150.00. If you see Dr Christopher Fox you will be out-of-pcoket $200.00

DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE HEALTH FUND REBATES?

You will need to check with your private health fund whether they provide rebates for counselling and psychotherapy.

Sessions prices vary between therapists.  Please check the therapist profile page.  All clients are out-of-pocket by $145.00.*

* If you see Stephanie Hulsmann you will be out-of-pcoket $150.00. If you see Dr Christopher Fox you will be out-of-pocket $200.00

Yes we do. We are trained counselling professionals (cousnsellors, social workers or psychologists).  We can assist with general psychological well-being as well as relationship therapy or sex therapy.

WHEN DO YOU HAVE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE?

Appointments are available during business hours, after hours and on Saturdays. Please contact the office on (03) 9005 5213 to book an appointment.