Sexual Topics
Sexual issues vary widely in type, from sexual dysfunction in men and women, abuse survival, prevention of criminal offenses and/or re-offending, quality of life enhancement for bonded partners; many issues related to sex work professionals (both legal and unregulated); LGBTQ+ issues and many other hot topics. For sexual dysfunction, the normal plan is to identify known physical health affecting factors, and address them as possible while also addressing the psychosocial considerations. Coordination with your PCP will be helpful in certain cases. Quality of sexual experience enhancement therapy involves identifying effective homework assignments, with modifications as needed. LGBTQ+ issues vary greatly and are approached on a personalized basis.
In collaboration with Susan Cauley, MD, plus newly hired administrative staff and Surrogate Partners, we are developing a Surrogate Partner clinic. Our estimated launch date for services is March 1st, 2024. At that time we will offer Surrogate Partner services, integrating trained, professional partners to assist in the development of healthy sexual health through direct guidance and sexual contact with clients. All clients and Surrogate Partners will work under the guidance of the licensed mental health professional (Matthew Brittain, LCSW), and physician (Susan Cauley, MD). Please feel free to research Surrogate Partner therapy for more information, and contact us to get on our waiting list.
We also offer Professional Consultation services to institutions, corporations and other organizations for the creation of Policy and Procedure statements. This service is commensurate with the “Me Too” movement, such that organizations may improve the work environment, enhancing worker morale, productivity, and overall culture as well as mitigating liability. Good Policy and Procedure statements, combined with ongoing and adequate in-service training programs, can be very effective at mitigating lawsuits and also provide protection for Human Resources. In the case of any ongoing lawsuit our Professional Consultation may provide a workable Correction Plan that could be used at the level of Mediation, and hence possibly prevent actual litigation.
My specialization in human sexuality began when I was assigned to Kulani Prison Sex Offender Unit as my MSW program Practicum class. I spent 3 semesters helping Dr. Barry Coyne set up the Sex Offender Treatment lab, and then helped him with administering the program to convicted male sex offenders who chose to complete that program and, if successful, obtain early parole. During this time I became very familiar with the criminal mind related to sexual deviance and the correction system. I then integrated standard questions to capture whether or not new patients have sexual issues, as part of my diagnostic evaluation protocol. This simple change from how most therapists have historically (and still, many, to this day) do not ask about sexual status, has led to me identifying that a large percentage of my overall client caseload has some form of sexual issue. As such, a good deal of my overall clinical practice has been directed towards sexual topics. Though the situation of gender identity is not specifically related to sexuality, I include this topic here, as it seems the best place to list gender identity dysphoria. I help people making physical transition by providing the required psychotherapy that medical providers need in order to justify any medical treatments to attain the change. My initial focus, in outpatient practice, was oriented towards sex abuse victim care, and that focus rapidly began to encompass sexual enhancement therapy for couples. Also, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have taken a special interest in assisting fellow community members navigate through many of the troublesome situations that arise for individuals, couples, and groups active in the LGBTQ+ community.