Every once in awhile I like to write a bit about my experience of being a sex therapist in Orange County.  The end of the year seems like a good time to reflect on my experience.

My practice is definitely a microcosm of the macrocosm.  As the economy slowed down, so did my practice.  Whereas I used to have lots of people in the real estate industry, they now rarely cross my threshold.  And where I used to see some people that were fishing around for answers, I now see mostly clients that are in more dire straits–and that’s the way, frankly, I like it, because then I’m not so much just an actor in someone else’s drama, but working with people paying for a real service.  (I apologize if that sounds a bit callous, but I’m just writing it as I experience it.)

Having my practice slow down has been a good thing.  I have had time to work on a book that’s already been purchased by a publisher.  The book has required a great deal of reading and reflecting, which has in turn informed my practice, making me a stronger therapist in various areas of my work.

Orange County is such a diverse place, and is becoming more so all the time.  This past year I have, once again, seen people who have moved here from all over the globe or who are visiting here from another country or state.  It isn’t easy to find a sex therapist in many places, and Orange County is a cultural and business center, and people do seek help here.  Since I worked as a teacher in Los Angeles for a decade, I thrive when I get an opportunity to learn about different cultures and religions.  The LGBT population also seems to be growing, and I have worked with more gay people that are sorting out various issues.

What will happen in 2010?  First, I am already seeing signs that my practice is picking up, so I think the economy as a whole must be improving, albeit slowly.  Second, I think I will see more people that are looking for non-medical interventions for their sexual problems.  No one really likes to think they are so bad off that their only recourse is a pill!  (Of course, sometimes medication is an important part of treatment, but at least the person will know that they have made an informed choice.)

Third, I will be attending at least two conferences, one on how to better help men that have been sexually abused, and one for AASECT, an organization for which I serve as the Western Regional Representative.  That, too, has been a positive part of 2009, because I have met and networked with plenty of other AASECT member, people that I think of as not just colleagues but friends.

Fourth, I am some plans for providing continuing education, but I’m keeping that under wraps until they’re ready for debut.

As for the blog:  It will still be here.  And, if you are reading this and haven’t yet done so, you can also sign up to receive my newsletter.  You’ll get a free ebook, “Sexual Discoveries: 25 Secrets for Incredible Sex,” plus a monthly article from me.  I also include “Really Weird Sex Stories,” for which I scan the Internet.

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