Talk therapy — focused on identity, intimacy, & desire.
What is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy. It's confidential, talk-based, and held to the same ethical standards as any other clinical work. There is no physical examination, no nudity, and no touch.
In session, we may talk about anatomy, desire, sexual practices, identity, relationships, or anything else that's part of your story, using whatever language is most comfortable for you, plain or clinical. Sex therapy isn't about diagnosing you, fixing you, or judging what you bring in. It's about creating a space where you can be honest about the parts of your life that usually feel hard to talk about, and where those parts can be met with curiosity instead of shame.
People come to sex therapy for all kinds of reasons. Some are in distress; others are curious, or just want to grow. You don't need to have a "problem" to come in, and you don't need to know exactly what you want to work on. Whether you're a couple navigating a difference in desire, an individual healing from sexual trauma, someone questioning their identity, or simply wanting a deeper connection to your own body- this work can meet you where you are.
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I ask direct questions, name what I'm noticing in the room, and I'm not going to flinch at anything you bring in (which is kind of the whole point). I will meet you with honesty rather than therapy-speak. You're the expert on your own life; my job is to help you find clarity, language, and movement around the parts that feel stuck. Also: my dog Piper is usually in the office. She's a quiet, comforting presence and happy to be ignored if that's your preference.
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No- I'm a licensed clinical social worker, so I work with the full range of what people bring to therapy: anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, relationship dynamics, the aftermath of trauma. Sexuality is woven into my approach because I believe it's part of how we understand a person, or a couple, as a whole. But you don't need a "sex therapy issue" to work with me. Plenty of clients come in for general therapy, and we touch on intimacy and sexuality only as much (or as little) as feels relevant.
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Older adolescents and adults of all ages, genders, relationship structures, and sexual orientations, individuals and couples, single or partnered, monogamous or non-monogamous, LGBTQ+, questioning, certain, somewhere in between. You don't need to have it all figured out before you walk in.
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My 13lbs. labradoodle dog! She comes to work with me, naps mostly, and offers zero clinical opinions. Once she says hi to you, she's a quiet, calming presence in the office - but if you'd rather not have her in session (allergies, preference, etc.), just let me know and we'll arrange accordingly.
Hi, I’m Rachel
A licensed clinical social worker and sex therapist based in Whitefish, MT with a practice rooted in warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for the courage it takes to talk about this stuff.
I’ve spent the past 10 years working in mental health and the nonprofit sector, most recently at Spot to Talk and the Abbie Shelter in Kalispell, as well as the Nate Chute Foundation for suicide prevention in Whitefish, where I discovered a passion for helping people claim a deeper sense of belonging to themselves. That path led me to specialize in sex therapy, where I’m currently completing advanced training as a certified sex therapist through the Sexual Health Alliance.
I work with adults of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations - including couples, LGBTQ+ individuals, trauma survivors, and anyone navigating questions about desire, identity, intimacy, or sexual health.
My approach is trauma-informed and sex-positive, grounded in warmth, honesty, and the belief that even the most vulnerable conversations can be approached with care and sometimes a little humor.
When I’m not in session, you'll find me swimming in lakes, skiing on the Big, or hanging out with my dog Piper.