Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions I am often asked. You are welcome to get in touch if you have any questions or to book your session. Email contact@sagesexology.com or phone/text 61 493 963 269.

Sex therapy is talk-based counselling that focuses on the psychological, emotional, and relational aspects of sexuality. It can support you with specific challenges related to sexual desire, arousal, intimacy, and physical comfort, helping you achieve a more satisfying sexual experience.

Together, we explore the underlying causes of these challenges, which can range from emotional stress and past experiences to communication barriers or physical health issues. We’ll identify goals and strategies that align with your needs, whether that’s building confidence, improving communication with your partner, or finding new ways to experience connection and intimacy.

I work with people from all backgrounds and stages of life, including young adults navigating sexual identity and new relationships, long-term partners rekindling intimacy, and individuals rediscovering their sexuality after significant life changes. Some clients come to me with specific sexual health challenges, such as difficulties with erections or painful sex, fear around rejection or using online websites more than they would like. These can create barriers to intimacy and connection. Others seek guidance for low or mismatched libidos, where partners have differing levels of sexual desire, leading to feelings of frustration or rejection on one or both sides.

For some people, arousal challenges might stem from physical or hormonal changes, stress, or mental health factors like anxiety or depression. I support clients through these issues by helping them develop awareness and strategies to cultivate comfort and arousal. Health conditions, such as chronic illness or post-surgical recovery, also impact intimacy, and I help clients find ways to reconnect and adapt their intimacy within the context of these changes.

Additionally, I see people navigating complex relationship dynamics, such as changes in their relationship structure, like transitioning to or from monogamy. Many of my clients come to see me to explore, or find ways to accept their sexuality or interests in kink and fetishes.

Sometimes people are adjusting to new life phases, such as post-childbirth, menopause, or ageing. Whether clients are here to reconnect, explore their own sexuality, or resolve barriers to intimacy, I create a safe, inclusive space to explore these aspects of their lives with compassion and professional guidance.

The first session is an opportunity to discuss your goals, concerns, and any background information relevant to your situation. During this initial conversation, I’ll ask questions to understand your sexual and relationship history, any past therapy experiences, and specific challenges you’re facing. This session is also a time for us to establish a comfortable, open environment where you feel safe sharing personal topics.

Together, we can discuss a plan and I can answer any questions you may have, so you know what to expect from future sessions and how you can achieve success.

The session fees are detailed below, and there are no additional charges for evenings and Saturdays or in-person sessions.

Individual Sex Therapy
60 minutes: $190
90 minutes: $240

Relationship Sex Therapy (2-3 people)
60 minutes: $240
90 minutes: $300

Contact me for relationship rates for more than 3 people.

Counsellors, Sex Therapists, Relationship Therapists and Rehabilitation Counsellors are not eligible for Medicare rebates; however, I am approved with private health insurers listed below. Sessions are priced with this in mind.

I am approved by the private health funds:
AHM, Medibank, Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG): Police Health Fund, Emergency Services Health, Phoenix Health, St Luke’s Health, GMHBA, see-u by HBF (telehealth only), HCF, Teachers Union Health, AIA, Doctors Health Fund and Westfund.

I provide a digital receipt for you to present to your insurer for a refund after you have paid for your session. Please advise me of your insurer before or during your session, if you require a receipt, as each insurer has different provider numbers. You will need to confirm with your private health insurer that you have the appropriate policy coverage and are able to claim some of the cost of counselling. You may still be subject to waiting periods and annual limits.

Yes, online therapy is extremely popular and I offer online therapy sessions to make this work accessible to clients no matter where you live. Online therapy is often more convenient and can feel more comfortable for people who prefer to be in their own space while discussing intimate topics.

No, sex therapy is strictly talk-based, with no physical contact between the therapist and client. My role is to guide you through conversations, reflections, and exercises that support emotional and relational growth. I may suggest activities for you and your partner/s to try at home, but our sessions will focus solely on discussion, ensuring a safe and professional environment.

If you require physical touch as part of your therapeutic session, you may wish to search online and make contact with a qualified sexological bodyworker.

Relationship counselling and sex therapy often overlap, but they serve distinct purposes. Relationship counselling focuses on building emotional connection, enhancing communication, and resolving conflicts in your relationship. This can include working through trust issues, managing differences in lifestyle or values, and learning effective ways to communicate needs and boundaries.

Sex therapy, on the other hand, addresses specific issues related to sexuality and intimacy, such as arousal challenges, desire differences, or sexual dysfunction. In our work together, we may draw on both approaches, helping you build a strong emotional foundation that supports a fulfilling sexual understanding of your own pleasure, and connection with partners.

Feeling hesitant about sharing personal details is completely normal. Many clients start out feeling nervous but become more comfortable as we build trust and understanding. I’m here to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can speak openly and ask questions without fear of judgment. Also, I have decades of experience talking about sexual and bodily topics, with clients noting how comfortable they feel speaking with me.

If you have a particular need, like avoiding certain topics until you feel comfortable, or keeping your camera off, you are very welcome to let me know so I can support you to feel relaxed.

I am a passionate advocate and offer an inclusive environment for clients of all sexual orientations and identities, whether you’re confident in your sexuality or exploring it for the first time. Therapy can help address challenges that may arise, such as navigating relationships, building self-acceptance, managing family or social expectations, and handling the impact of societal stigma.

I provide support tailored to your unique experiences, so you can develop a positive sense of self and gain clarity on your identity, relationships, and desires. Whether you’re exploring questions, coming out, or looking to find or enhance your relationships, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental part of my practice. I adhere to strict privacy guidelines, ensuring that everything shared in therapy stays between us. Confidentiality and privacy are of utmost importance, and I adhere to strict professional and legal standards to protect your privacy, in accordance with the Australian Counselling Association, of which I am a practising member.

Legally and professionally, there are times when counsellors and therapists are obligated to provide information to third parties, including the police. These include:
 
  • Legal Requirement: Therapists may be obligated to disclose client information if legally compelled to do so by a court order or subpoena.
  • Risk of Harm: If a therapist believes that a client poses a serious risk of harm to themselves or others, they may need to breach confidentiality to ensure the safety of the individual or others. This includes situations where there is a threat of self-harm, harm to others, or harm to children.
  • Abuse or Neglect: Therapists are required to report instances of abuse, ongoing domestic violence, or neglect of vulnerable individuals, such as children, people with disabilities, or the elderly, to the appropriate authorities.
  • Preventing Crime or Serious Injury: If a therapist becomes aware of information that suggests a serious crime is being planned or has been committed, they may have a duty to report it to the relevant authorities.
  • Client Consent: In some situations, clients may provide informed consent to disclose certain information to specific individuals or agencies, such as when requesting to be referred.
  • Supervision and Consultation: Therapists may discuss client cases with supervisors or colleagues for professional development, but without identifying features, names, etc.
In the unlikely event that we cross paths outside of our scheduled sessions, I will respect your privacy by engaging with you as though we have not previously met.
 

The length of therapy depends on your goals and the complexity of the issues you’re addressing. Some clients find that a few sessions are enough to address specific concerns or gain clarity on an issue, while others benefit from ongoing sessions to work through deeper challenges. We’ll discuss your expectations in the first session and develop a plan that fits your timeline and objectives, adjusting as needed.

You can choose a 60 minute or 90 minute session. Most people prefer a 90 minute session for their first appointment as this enables us to cover a deeper level of background history. Also, people who meet with me fortnightly or monthly tend to book 90 minute appointment to discuss what has occurred over this longer period between sessions.

No, sex therapy can be incredibly beneficial for both individuals and people in relationships. If you’re navigating personal challenges individual therapy can provide a focused environment for self-exploration and growth. Some issues people come to see me about for individual therapy include worrying about erections, not being or feeling sexually experienced, low self-esteem, viewing sexual phone content more than they would like, or past traumas.

People in relationships, including couples and poly, may seek therapy together to address relationship-specific issues such as communication around intimacy, overcoming sexual roadblocks, or rediscovering connection. Whether you attend individually or with a partner, our sessions will be tailored to your unique goals and needs.

Differing libidos and desire are a common concern for couples, and therapy can offer valuable tools to address this issue. This can be due to many reasons, can fluctuate when differences appear, or may be an ongoing concern.

Together, we’ll explore underlying factors like emotional needs, lifestyle differences including work and personal preferences, stress and frustration, and individual expectations around intimacy. I’ll support you and your partner in finding ways to communicate your needs openly, fostering empathy and understanding. The goal is to create a shared approach to connection and intimacy that feels satisfying for you all.

Coming to see me for therapy can be beneficial even if only one partner attends. If your partner isn’t ready for therapy or prefers not to participate, I can still help you work on relationship dynamics, communication, and self-awareness. Many clients find that individual sessions provide new insights and skills they can apply within their relationship.

Yes, sex therapy can be an essential part of healing from past trauma. Many people who have experienced trauma—whether sexual, emotional, or physical—find that it impacts their relationships and intimacy. I use trauma-informed approaches, which prioritise safety, gradual progress, and respect for your boundaries. In therapy, you can explore your experiences at a pace that feels comfortable, gaining new tools to build healthy, fulfilling relationships and a positive view of sexuality.

Yes, many physical concerns around arousal can be addressed in therapy. We’ll explore any psychological factors, lifestyle habits, and relationship dynamics that may be adding to these challenges. Therapy can also help you learn practices to support physical responses and increase comfort, allowing you to fully enjoy pleasure and intimate moments.

It’s important to work with a licensed therapist who has specialised training in sex therapy and sexual health. I hold credentials in these areas (detailed on the about page) and stay up-to-date on research and best practices in the field. Also, as a member of the Australian Counselling Association and the Society of Australian Sexologists, it is a requirement all therapists undertake regular professional supervision and hold insurance.

Yes, therapy can be a supportive space to process feelings, understand past patterns, or future fears, and prepare for relationships or sexual/romantic experiences. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, grief, guilt, self-esteem challenges, or uncertainty about what’s next, I’ll help you find clarity and foster resilience, so you’re ready to live your best life.

Everyone’s sexual story is unique, shaped by personal experiences, desires, challenges, and hopes for the future. No two journeys are the same, and that individuality deserves to be honoured and respected.

For some, this might mean discovering intimacy in relationships that isn’t centred solely on intercourse, understanding each other’s needs more deeply, or exploring new ways of experiencing closeness that feel fresh and fulfilling.

Many people also find greater self-acceptance in different areas of their sexual and romantic lives, whether that involves their sexuality, identity, kinks, desires, fantasies, relationships, or past experiences.

I offer a safe, non-judgemental space to explore what matters most to you. You’re welcome to get in touch to book a session — I’d be glad to meet you where you are and work alongside you in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.

sage sexology

Sage Sexology acknowledges and pays respect to the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We are committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural, creative and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and Country.