Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dr. Zilney's qualifications?
What type of clients does Dr. Zilney typically see?
What is a sex therapy treatment plan?
Sexology is the study of what people do sexually and how they feel about it. Sexologists provide permission and information in a non-judgmental environment. Sexologists are certified by the American College of Sexologists. They receive thousands of hours of training in all aspects of sexuality such as anatomy, physiology, medicine, sociology, anthropology, and criminology.
Sex therapy is a specific form of counselling that deals with sexuality issues. Clients explore their sexuality and boundaries with the help of a trained professional. Sex therapy often involves "play" assignments done at home such as reviewing media, reading, and other tasks that are completed between sessions. The client and therapist work as a team to bring about change in the individual or couple's life so that you are happier about yourself sexually and your sexual relationships.
A sex therapist is someone who treats people with sexual concerns. You should note that "therapist" is not a legally protected term - so anyone can call themselves a sex therapist. In fact, most individuals who offer sex therapy lack comprehensive knowledge of human sexuality. When making a decision about who to see, be sure to ask them about their educational background in human sexuality and what type of treatment model they use.
What are Dr. Sex's qualifications?
Dr. Sex is a highly qualified sexuality professional. She is certified by the American College of Sexologists. For more information on Dr. Zilney, please refer to the "Credentials & Publications" page.
What type of clients does Dr. Sex typically see?
In the past six months, Dr. Sex has dealt with individuals experiencing the following issues: performance issues (55% of clients), relationship issues (30%), body image (15%).
The first step is the initial phone conversation with Dr. Sex. This call will last approximately 10 minutes. You'll inform Dr. Sex about your concern to ensure that she is capable of assisting you, and you'll learn about the intake process and fee structure.
The first face-to-face meeting lasts 50-minutes and is a time for you to discuss your concerns and expectations. The second session lasts 90 minutes. Dr. Sex will take a comprehensive sex history, gather medical and other information from you, and have you set out expectations of what you want from therapy. Next, you'll more fully address the issue that brought you to Dr. Sex so she has a basic understanding of how she can create a treatment plan for you.
Subsequent sessions last 50-minutes in length.
Rarely. Surrogates are professionally trained to assist individuals with learning how to be sexual. Surrogates use touch and nudity to assist people in overcoming their sexual concerns. Currently, there is only one institution in North America that received government approval to license surrogates - the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. Dr. Sex will use surrogates as part of a treatment plan in only very rare circumstances, and then under close supervision. Surrogates are used to deal with clients who have had life-altering experiences, such as the emergence of an unexpected and severe disability, and who are not able to move on without the assistance of a surrogate.
What is a sex therapy treatment plan?
A treatment plan includes many things to help you achieve your goals:
Your confidence is strictly maintained within the bounds of the law. All professionals have a legal obligation to report to authorities if they fear that a child is currently being harmed, or the client may do harm to themselves or others.
Also, if you wish to have Dr. Sex collaborate with your family doctor or other medical practitioner, information will then be shared. The sharing of information in this circumstance is completely your decision. You will be required to sign a release form before any information can be shared.
No. Only a medical doctor can prescribe medication. Dr. Sex is aware of the various medical treatments available for sexual problems, and she works in conjunction with medical practitioners to ensure you receive the best possible treatment available. Dr. Sex may recommend that you have a complete physical exam prior to commencing therapy. She has a wide network of sex positive practitioners that she will refer you to for medication and/or medical evaluation if necessary.
The length of therapy varies from situation to situation. However, no therapy should be ongoing forever. The goal of sex therapy is to correct your sexual concerns and help you move on with your life.
How long is a session and what does it cost?
Sessions are 50 minutes in length and cost $125. If you only have a question and do not require counseling, you can speak with Dr. Sex for 25-minutes for $65. Information sheet about specific concerns are available for purchase for $25. GST is extra. Dr. Sex gladly accepts all major credit cards and cash.