What hours are available for appointments?

We offer psychotherapy sessions Monday through Friday. Depending on the particular therapist, you may be able to arrange morning, afternoon, or evening appointments. Appointments are usually scheduled on the hour and are about 50 minutes long.

Should I come alone or with my partner for the first psychotherapy meeting? (answered by Jeff Levy)

You could do either. If you are struggling with sexul addiction and have a partner, or if you are the partner of someone you think is a sex addict, the couple may choose to attend the first meeting together. In that meeting, I try to understand the life situation of the couple, and usual offer some psychoeducation about sexual addiction - the impact on the individual and couple level, as well as treatment protocols. My potential role as a therapist is also discussed. I can be either an individual therapist to one of the partners - commonly the person struggling with sexual addiction behaviors; or a couples therapist. Because an effective treatment approach usually includes individual work for the person addicted to sex, I often provide individual therapy for that person. In that case, I then clarify other available resources for the partner or the couple as part of an overall treatment plan.  Dr. Toni Rabinowitz specializes in working with partners and couples where sexual addiction or infidelity is an issue. If the couple attends the first meeting, I also see that as an opportunity to help stabilize things on the couple level, as people are often reeling emotionally in the midst of a crisis.

Do I have to attend a 12 step program as part of your treatment approach for sexual addiction?

No. Although sexual addiction 12 step programs are available in our area and are helpful to many people, we simply ask clients to consider them as potential resources.

Are my sexual addiction behaviors and pattens a symptom of underlying issues from childhood that need to be addressed before I can begin to change?

Sexual addiction patterns are both a symptom and a cause. In and of themselves they reek havoc on an individual and family level. Therapists have learned in treating addictions that the first steps towards recovery involve defining and containing the current addictive behaviors, using Cognitive Behavioral strategies and other resources. Then underlying issues and "triggers" can be effectively explored, so as to deepen the change process and offer healthy and effective responses to those triggers, as an alternative to "acting out." These are elements of the overall therapy approach that can be discussed and understood as part of a collaborative effort to develop an effective treatment plan.

Do you give feedback and direction?

Yes. We consider ourselves on the active end of the spectrum in terms of participation in sessions. We see ourselves as facilitators of change and as educators. However, our approach is always respectful and collaborative, as we strive to engage in a dialogue with our clients to help them clarify and enact therapy goals.

Can I meet the therapist to see how it feels and decide if I am comfortable with that particular therapist?

Yes, of course.  If you decide for any reason that you want to seek other resources, it is part of the therapist's job to help you find them.

We understand there are many possible questions, and a sense of emotional pain and confusion is typical when first seeking help. Please feel free to email or call if you have additional questions.