To start, all new patients are seen by one of our incredible pelvic health therapists. You can decide between scheduling a 90-minute evaluation or a 30-minute consultation online or in-person.

The Pelvic Health Evaluation comprises a comprehensive review of your health history, an examination, and the development of a detailed care plan designed to address your pelvic and sexual health concerns.

During a 90 minute evaluation, your pelvic therapist will:

— Take ample time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and address any questions or apprehensions you may have.

— Conduct a thorough pelvic health exam which could include checking the external genitalia, assessing the pelvic floor muscles, and possibly performing an internal rectal or vaginal exam.

— Discuss the assessment of any findings.

— Work collaboratively with you to set personalized goals and develop a comprehensive plan of care that addresses your specific needs.

We understand that your pelvic health may be sensitive and personal, and want to ensure that you feel comfortable and heard throughout the entire process. Our priority is to support your emotional and physical well-being, and we are dedicated to providing trauma-informed care that is sensitive to your unique experiences and needs.

The Pelvic Health Consultation is a conversation that helps you decide if our clinic or pelvic health therapy is right for you.

During a consultation, you’ll:

— Share a brief summary of your concerns.

— Ask questions about your pelvic or sexual health and potential treatment options.

— Learn about pelvic health therapy and how our clinic uniquely brings together pelvic therapy, sexuality counseling, mental health therapy, and nutrition therapy.

— Receive advice based on your unique situation.

Please note that a consultation doesn't establish a patient relationship and our pelvic therapists will not be able to diagnose or create a comprehensive treatment plan during a consultation.

If you’d like longer than 30 minutes to discuss you concerns, you can schedule an extended consultation by emailing us at support@drsusieg.com or calling the office at (828) 545-2996.

During your first sexuality counseling visit, we’ll discuss your current sexual health concerns, review your sexual and medical health history, identify the physical, psychological, and/or emotional factors related to your sexual health concerns, and establish goals to help you feel more confident to re-engage in sexual and intimate activities.

Sexuality counseling does not involve touching or getting naked as part of the counseling process. However, in cases of specific concerns like sexual pain or urinary incontinence, a pelvic floor examination and treatment by one of our pelvic health specialists may be recommended based on the complexity of your health concerns.

Sexuality counseling aims to deepen your understanding of your sexual health challenges and the multifaceted causes behind these issues. This client-centered approach is short-term, approximately 4-6 sessions, focusing on the immediate concern or problem. It involves a thorough sexual health intake, sexual health education, collaborative problem-solving, and personalized strategies and exercises. Sexuality counseling does not take the place of sex therapy as this can only be provided by a licensed mental health provider and is focused on addressing the psychological and emotional factors that are driving your sexual challenges.

Sexuality counseling does not involve touching or getting naked as part of the counseling process. However, in cases of specific concerns like sexual pain or urinary incontinence, a pelvic floor examination and treatment by one of our pelvic health specialists may be recommended based on the complexity of your health concerns.

Somatic-based sexuality practitioners that focus on touch or provide sexual surrogacy, sexological bodywork, or sexual healing touch can be an important healing modality for some individuals. Our practice does not provide sexual surrogacy, sexological bodywork, or sexual healing touch but can offer recommendations.

You can opt for sexuality counseling alone, no pelvic therapy required. It's open for individuals and couples seeking insights into their unique sexual challenges.

Schedule a 30-minute consultation to discuss whether sexuality counseling, pelvic health therapy, or a combination of both is a good fit for you.

According to the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), sexuality counselors “represent a variety of professions, ranging from medicine to the clergy. Counselors assist the client to realistically resolve concerns through the introduction of problem solving techniques of communication as well as providing accurate information and relevant suggestions of specific exercises and techniques in sexual expression. Sexuality counseling is generally short term and client centered, focusing on the immediate concern or problem.”

In addition to their licensed credentials, sexuality counselors complete extensive training to become certified to offer counseling for sexuality support. Sexuality counselors are trained to recognize when a referral for intensive psychotherapy is needed.

Sex therapists are “licensed mental health professionals (or the equivalent in approved countries), trained to assess, diagnose, and provide in-depth psychotherapy, who have specialized in treating clients with sexual issues and concerns. Sex therapists work with sexual concerns, including, but not limited to: sexual function and dysfunction; sexual pleasure; sexual variation; sexuality and disability; sexuality and chronic illness; sexual development across the lifespan; sexual abuse, assault, and coercion; sexual orientation; gender identity. In addition, where appropriate, are prepared to provide comprehensive and intensive psychotherapy over an extended period of time in more complex cases.”

Sexuality counseling is a client-centered approach that is short-term, approximately 4-6 sessions, focusing on the immediate sexual health concern or problem.

For more complex sexual issues and concerns, comprehensive and intensive psychotherapy over an extended period of time with a licensed sex therapist is recommended.

Your sexuality counselor is trained to recognize when a referral to a sex therapist is necessary.

Our clinic does not provide surrogate partner therapy, sexological bodywork, or erotic and sexual healing touch.

Somatic-based sexuality practitioners that focus on touch or provide surrogate partner therapy, sexological bodywork, or sexual healing touch can be an important healing modality for some individuals.

For more information about surrogate partner therapy visit the International Professional Surrogates Association and Surrogate Partner Collective.

For more information about sexological bodywork visit the Association of Certified Sexological Bodyworkers.