Jessica VerBout (she/her)

Problematic sexual behaviors (also known as "sex addiction" in our culture) is identified by Doug Bruan-Harvey, and which is the mindset I come from in my work, to be “a sexual health problem in which an individual’s consensual sexual urges, thoughts, and behaviors FEEL out of control [to them]” (p. 10), as opposed to as a mental illness (as in the Sex Addiction, SAA or 12-step models). I help my clients define, and work toward, their own version of sexual health.

As a sex-positive therapist, I treat problematic sexual behavior with compassion and without judgment, aiming to understand the underlying factors driving these behaviors. I create a safe environment for clients to explore their actions, feelings, and reasons underlying the problematic behavior(s). My goal is to empower clients to make positive changes, foster self-acceptance, promote healthier coping mechanisms, and rebuild sexual health that brings more pleasure than problems.

Attachment theory is a psychological, evolutionary and ethological theory concerning relationships between humans. The most important tenet is that young children need to develop a relationship with at least one primary caregiver for normal social and emotional development. (Wikipedia) Those that do not develop this strong attachment may find various psychological, psycho-sexual and/or interpersonal difficulties in their lives. Understanding their attachment can help resolve issues.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psycho-social intervention that aims to improve mental health. CBT focuses on challenging and changing cognitive distortions (e.g. thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes) and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems. (Wikipedia)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psycho-social intervention that aims to improve mental health. CBT focuses on challenging and changing cognitive distortions (e.g. thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes) and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems. (Wikipedia) Changing how one thinks/views something can change behavior.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy focuses on addressing what clients want to achieve without severely exploring the history and provenance of problem(s). Solution Focused therapy sessions typically focus on the present and future, focusing on the past only to the degree necessary for communicating empathy and accurate understanding of the client's concerns. (Wikipedia)

Those interested in kink, or those with other "atypical" (whatever "typical" means!) attractions, can struggle with certain aspects of shame, guilt, or other uncomfortable emotions when realizing their attractions. Our therapy can help you understand your attractions more, integrate it unabashedly into your life, and create more acceptance and pleasure from it. Your attractions do not solely define who you are, but are definitely a part of the possibilities of pleasure for yourself!

As a sex-positive therapist, I approach the treatment of sexual abuse and assault with empathy, and respect, and create a safe, supportive space where survivors can process their experiences at their own pace. Through the trauma-informed technique of Brainspotting, I help clients rebuild trust, regain a sense of control, and explore healthy, consensual sexual relationships. I prioritize empowering clients to reclaim their bodies and sexuality, fostering healing while honoring their journeys.

I treat relationship struggles by fostering open, honest communication and mutual respect between partners. I create a safe, non-judgmental space where concerns can be expressed and explored. By addressing issues such as desire discrepancies, sexual satisfaction, and intimacy barriers, I help build understanding for each other's perspectives. Together, we work on building stronger emotional and sexual connections, promoting healthy boundaries, and enhancing overall relationship satisfaction.

Brainspotting (BSP) is a powerful psychotherapy technique that helps people process trauma and emotional pain. By focusing on specific points in a person's visual field, we trigger emotional responses, and through maintaining this focus, clients can access and release deep-seated emotions and memories stored in the mid-brain. Through tapping into the brain's ability to heal itself, BSP reduces symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues, promoting healing and emotional well-being.