My Approach 

I use a strengths-based framework, which means that I like to help my clients look at what is working and what has already worked, and use these pieces of evidence as the basis for what might work next. I also take a holistic stance, which means that I like to look at the big picture, and also focus on what is going on in different aspects of a person’s life. I especially take notice of larger systems that are involved in a person’s life, such as culture, religion (if any), heritage, geography, traditions, and expectations.

 I view all aspects of human sexuality as normal. I believe there is no wrong way to have a body. I view gender as a spectrum. I believe that neurodiversity makes the world a richer place. I view pleasure as a human right. I stand for Black liberation, Indigenous liberation, immigrant equality, and working against Islamophobia and Antisemitism. I view this work from a stance of cultural humility: I may not know everything about other people’s cultures, and I attend with respect and curiosity. I value our differences as well as our similarities.

My clients come in with all sorts of different experiences in their pasts and hopes for their futures. Here are some of the issues that we have worked on:

• sexuality, sexual orientation, gender questions

• LGBTQQAI issues, both in self, in families, and in relationships

• racism, sexism, oppression (and internalized racism, internalized sexism, internalized homophobia, internalized transphobia)

• feeling disconnected from the body and pleasure

• mismatch of desire in relationships

• childhood sexual trauma

• anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors

• erection challenges

• infidelity

• sexual pain

• sex addiction, porn addiction, or feeling out of control

• navigating open relationships, polyamory, and non-monogamy

• orgasm challenges

• fetishes

• grief and loss

• disability and illness

• kink and bdsm navigation and relationships

• working together when divorce or separation is on the table

• aging sexuality

• post traumatic disorders

• couples with one partner who has ASD/Aspergers and one partner who is neurotypical

• substance/alcohol abuse and recovery

• body issues and dysmorphia

I am trained in EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This is a highly structured series of therapy sessions designed to decrease the emotional intensity of memories. Please contact me for more information.

I also offer Intensives.

Intensives are are concentrated sessions where we try to get right to the heart of the challenges. They are thorough, condensed, and highly focused. These sessions are great if there are one or two specific challenges that the client or couple is trying to navigate. These are only held on Saturdays, and they can either be 3 hours or 6 hours long.

If you would like to learn more about Intensives, please email info@brookenorton.com or call (413) 259-4232.