Sex Therapy in Hyde Park, Cincinnati, OH

Emma Schmidt & Associates, Sex + Relationship Therapy restores relationships for individuals and couples who are facing a big challenge-maybe they're even at the end of their rope, struggling with their sex life. We understand that sex and relationship issues can be embarrassing and awkward, but we remove the shame and stigma from the situation and create an environment of openness and positivity. Our clients are seeking a stronger bond with their partners; we invite them to share their struggles and worries-and to come as they are.

Building up the courage to delve into the counseling space as a client is a massive accomplishment in itself. On top of that, actively creating a therapeutic relationship based on some of the most intimate and vulnerable parts of your life is another goal entirely.

As someone with life experiences, training, and clinical work in the caring professions for over two decades, I have shared space with many individuals and groups of varying ages, and backgrounds. This allows me to say with certainty that people have an amazing healing capacity inside of them that CAN be accessed! There are so many ways to cope with life’s challenges, and together we can find the ways that work for you! Sex and intimacy are some of our most basic needs in life, and I specialize in finding options to allow more joyfully connected living.

I believe that everyone deserves to feel happy and safe in their sexuality and romantic relationships, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship structure (e.g., monogamous, ethically non-monogamous). In achieving this, I believe in an open, non-judgmental mindset and a holistic approach. My blend of previous work experience has a hand in shaping my therapeutic approach—empathetic, direct, and goal-oriented. Whether it is your first time talking to someone about sex-related topics, or you’re a pro at it, I hope that in sharing this journey with me you feel seen, heard, and welcomed.

I am passionate about working with both couples and individuals. I recognize that individual and relational wellbeing are inextricably intertwined, and even “individual” problems such as depression or trauma will impact our relationships. I am passionate about supporting clients through a range of concerns, including but not limited to body image distress, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, sexual/gender identity development, sexual shame related to religious background, jealousy, infidelity, and communication difficulties.

As a sex therapist and marriage and family therapist I recognize the struggles clients bring in with them. Whether they’re struggling to talk about sex, challenges with desire, problems about being on the same page sexually, erectile dysfunction, sexual pain, infidelity, LGBTQIA concerns and even alcohol and drug addiction. My goal is to help make our sessions feel comfortable and safe to be able to explore what is needed.

Being judgment-free and empathetic is inherent to my role as a clinician. I have worked with an extremely wide range of individuals. I specifically have experience working with individuals who are formerly incarcerated, individuals with sex offenses and/or sexually deviant behaviors, and adults struggling with daily stressors (including depression, anxiety, relationship and/or boundary concerns, mitigating shame, and grief). I additionally have experience working in a human rights organization focused on LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities.

I'm passionate about working with clients who want to improve their relationships and sex. Most often, I work with clients who want to overcome sexual challenges such as erectile dysfunction, low/mismatched libido, and sexual pain. Aside from sex therapy, I treat other general concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions. I also help clients work through trauma using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

You probably don't know exactly when or how it happened, but the person next to you feels like a stranger. Maybe it started when the children came along, or maybe you're just now understanding that you weren't quite as compatible as you thought. You fight over the tiniest things, & it can get ugly so quickly; or you live in frozen silence, with invisible walls between you that sometimes seem impossible to get past. It feels like you barely touch or kiss, much less make love. Maybe one of you is thinking of, or actually having, an affair. How did it come to this? And where do you go now? It can all feel so hopeless and overwhelming.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S), licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky, specializing in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, sexual pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, and mood disorders. I have a particular interest in the intersection of sexual dysfunction and trauma, and the impacts that has on a person’s well-being and relationships. Additionally, I provide couples counseling to couples struggling with desire discrepancy, communication issues, and the impacts of sexual dysfunction on the relationship.

In a time of uncertainty, I would love to provide you with a Sure Space in order to help navigate the growing mental health struggles that you are facing today. Finding a therapist can be an overwhelming experience and I pride myself in making the process seamless for each individual. I have extensive experience in working with those who face a variety of issues including Sports performance, sex therapy related problems, life transitions, financial illiteracy, and attachment related concerns.

As someone who is both non-binary and gay, I understand the unique pressures fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals endure in social, emotional, and occupational domains of functioning.With a lack of adequate social support, navigating sex, relationships, and intimacy as a queer individual can be much more challenging, especially while considering past traumas, internalized homophobia, and other impediments. Whether it is coming to terms with your newfound gender and/or sexual identity, coming out to your family, friends, or the workplace, or coping with dysphoria.

You’re insightful, high-achieving, and place value on your health, relationships, & personal growth. Things are good, but you know they can be better. You've been in therapy before & come as far as you can "just talking about it." You’re ready to dig deeper & experience profound change. I work with clients to treat underlying causes of anxiety, low self esteem, trauma and PTSD, sexual dysfunction, & relationship concerns. I love facilitating this process with Intensive EMDR therapy. My clients are ready for change & don't want to spend years in therapy to get it. Most of my clients reach their goals in just 3-12 Intensive sessions.

It is a great privilege to walk alongside my clients on their personal journeys. My counseling style is warm, empathetic, and direct. You can expect counseling to be goal-oriented, safe, and productive. It is my goal to meet each individual where they are, and provide an environment of unconditional acceptance, regardless of their situation in life.

As an advocate and crisis intervention specialist with over eight years of experience, I am dedicated to helping individuals recover from sexual trauma and build strong, healthy relationships. As a provider, I am committed to providing an empathetic and compassionate space to share your story. Together, we can collaboratively explore your concerns and create intentional change to fit your individual needs. My passion comes from witnessing the suffering many face from unhealed sexual trauma and unhealthy relationships.

With a background working in community mental health, I have experience with an exceptionally diverse population of clientele. My passion is working with individuals, but I am adaptable to any therapeutic situation.

Anxiety and depression are often messengers that tell us where we might need to look at our current direction, relationships, make tweeks on how we treat ourselves. I'll help you find solid solutions to your anxiety and/or depression-that affect you, feelings of being stuck, toxic rels, people-pleasing and how to feel good again. Do you often feel others take advantage of you? Have you been called sensitive? Have you lost your confidence? I can help you to understand your personally unique gifts and set goals so you can begin to really love your life! I am not judgmental. I've been through it too. l will come along side you!

I have many years of experience working with early childhood trauma and severe, persistent mental illness, varying from ages of 5 years to 70+. My goal is to empower and advocate for positive change within you, as the individual, and the system as a whole. The place that we will create together is a safe and judgement free space. I work through an Existential foundation, to help those I work with seek meaning and purpose, with skills built from experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, all within the context of a trauma-informed approach.

So often we experience stressors and losses in our lives. Often these are due to changes and transitions in life and sometimes it’s after the loss of a loved one. Adjusting to those shifts can often be challenging. I hope we can work together to find the healthiest journey for you. Each person's life path is unlike anyone else's. This might be the first step in your unique journey to reach out for support and guidance.