Therapists in Kentucky

I work with couples and individuals who need a systemic perspective on how problems interact in relationships. Then, with my specialized lens, I am able to help clients get “unstuck” after years of no or low quality sex, desire discrepancies, medical issues that create disconnection, and pent up frustrations between partners. I am skilled, humorous, direct, honest, and loving with my clients. And I’m a welcoming, justice oriented, creative thinker who does not judge and is willing to walk alongside you through it all: fear, trauma, doubt, shame, guilt, sadness, and dark nights of the soul.

Congratulations! You have just taken the first step towards positive change in your life and you deserve it. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families with a variety of needs and believe that we can achieve the goals you are trying to reach. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist. If you are experiencing problems in your relationships that are impacted by: low or high sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, orgasm difficulty, painful intercourse, premature or delayed ejaculation, or desire discrepancy with your partner, I may be the therapist for you.

Now accepting new clients! Sex therapist focused on increasing intimacy and connection for clients. I support individuals struggling with many intimacy challenges including: performance worries, partner desire discrepancy, low/no desire, sexual shame, relational stress, exploration of sexual and/or gender identities, kink, sexual trauma histories, and interpersonal communication difficulties. Specializing in LGBTQIA+ and Non Monogamy Communities, including polyamory, open, and more. I also support those whose lives have been negatively impacted by anxiety, low self-esteem, body image issues, and loss.

Being a Solution-Focused therapist, I can help you set goals and find direction. Whether you need clarity with individual issues or are dealing with marital or family concerns, together we can develop a path to recovery.

As a sex and relationship therapist, I am passionate about guiding people in the journey of exploring their true self. As a person learns to love and accept themselves, they are able to experience a deeper level of intimacy and connection with others. The most gratifying relationship is one that involves two people who are able to connect emotionally, intellectually, sexually and spiritually. I look forward to working with individuals and couples who desire to reach a healthier view of themselves, their relationships and their sexuality. As vulnerable as it can feel to engage in therapy, it can also be a rewarding journey.

I believe that we can get stuck in the mire of hopelessness when we feel overwhelmed, or when our circumstances are more than we can handle. If you struggle with navigating your emotions, finding meaning/purpose, overcoming difficult or painful circumstances of the past (flashbacks, avoidance, fear, triggers) or even the present (arguments, emotional angst, numbness, irritation, anxiety, worry, hypervigilance), I want to support you. I specialize in anxiety; depression; eating disorders; relational issues; sex therapy and education, as well as helping folks work through general/sexual trauma using somatic or body-centered methods.

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.

Working on yourself is the most important work you will ever do. I believe we are all in this life together, and we all need a little help sometimes. I want to be the person who helps you. We will discover, together, what goals are most important to you, then we will then work on building the tools to help you change your life. It may not be easy at times, but that is why I'm here to guide you. I've got your back. We will do this by working on possible traumas, anxieties, or other road blocks that need to be examined and broken through. I'm here to help adults of all ages and gender, as well as couples to make the most of their life

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.

Sometimes we can feel stress and lost with relationships, our families, and ourselves. We all need help. Someone to listen to up. You might wish you could improve your sex life in your romantic relationships, or change your family and relationships interactions. Maybe you want to live a calm and peaceful life and overcome past traumas that don't let you move on. Replaying your history over and over, wishing things were different. It might be the way you think and treat yourself that brought you here. Maybe you want to discover more about yourself and never knew how.

Do you and your partner have different ideas of how often you should have sex or about the quality of it? Are you experiencing shame or pain when trying to engage with a partner sexually? Are you interested in pursuing a non-traditional relationship or in a consensual non-monogamous relationship but having trouble navigating those waters? Do you worry that you might be addicted to porn or sex? Are you and your partner struggling to communicate and feel like all you do anymore is argue? I'm here to help you address those issues and more in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

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).

I enjoy helping people overcome the sexual and emotional hurdles that hold them back -- sex addiction, porn/fantasy addiction, infidelity/betrayal, body image issues, sexual abuse, spiritual guilt, low self-esteem, lack of sexual confidence, family of origin issues, trust issues, etc. I believe EVERYONE deserves to be a sexually connected, sexually satisfied partner. Healthy sexual relationships can heal a multitude of wounds and bond a couple together in an incredibly synergistic way if they are both willing to do the work to overcome their own fears, anxieties, hurts, and hang-ups.

My goal as a mental health provider is to create an inclusive, non-judgmental space for all clients I work with. I believe in meeting the client where they are at and collectively developing a plan that allows the client to achieve their personal goals. I focus on issues related to self-esteem, relationships, sexuality, sexual health, anxiety, and many other challenges that life brings our way.

My clinical skills are vast after over 30 years in private practice and 40 years as a social worker. I have worked with the military in Europe as a family therapist and participate in the Give an Hour Program here in Kentucky. I serve on several boards including the Kent School Social Work Board, and the National Association of Social Work Ethics Committee.

As a clinical therapist licensed in both Michigan and Kentucky. I have undergone extensive training and education to develop a deep understanding of human behavior, mental health, and social systems. This Knowledge allows me to approach therapy from a holistic perspective, considering the various factors that may be impacting your well-being.

My counseling focus is Marriage and Relationship counseling as well as depression and anxiety. I believe our core problems tend to stem from our desire to be validated and loved by others. When we do not feel worthy, "good enough" or loved we engage in self-protective behaviors (fight or flee), pain comes to the surface and we experience hurt, anger, anxiety and other destructive emotions.

I believe each day we are blessed with life, we should live it with joy and peace. I also believe whatever happens in life, whether good or bad, we must keep it moving. If you are needing someone to talk to because you have arrived at a point in life where you can no longer move, tired of hiding or keeping your feelings within. My clients are looking forward to moving from a stale place to becoming victorious in their marriage, winning over their addictions, fear, racing thoughts, trauma, depression, and anxiety to reach their life’s dreams and goals. I help teens, individuals and couples with finding their inner joy & peace.

I am non-binary transwoman and my pronouns are she/they. I've been practicing for 14 years. I've worked with clients across the life span and from many varied backgrounds. My areas of expertise are gender and sexuality, particularly LGBTQ issues, and trauma. I have been an advocate and educator as well as a member of the LGBTQ community for over 30 years.