Therapy Services
-
I work with individuals age 18 and up using a combination of experiential therapy models, such as parts work, somatic therapy and art therapy. I use a trauma-informed compassionate lens to view the issues you are coming in with, and create a map of your psyche and nervous system. Alongside the tools you already use to self-regulate, therapy is extremely helpful as a safe space to process life’s difficulties, transitions and confusions. Together, we assess, understand, accept and work through issues of:
sex and sexuality
compulsive behaviors
emotion regulation
anxiety
identity
inner child/core wounds
attachment injuries
relationship issues
My rate for individuals is $295 for each 55 minute session. I accept clients on a sliding scale basis ($90-$250) for 8 sessions at a time. I do not accept insurance, but I can write you a superbill. Currently I am only seeing clients virtually.
-
Couples work is challenging, whether in or out of therapy. I bring knowledge, expertise and compassion into the room to help you through the sticky parts. You deserve to have the relationship you want, and this is a huge step in that direction. Couples who begin therapy before a major attachment injury, conflict or life transition are more likely to have a healthy and loving relationship. Couples at all stages of relationship are welcome in my room. I work with couples on issues of:
communication
sex & intimacy
attachment injuries
jealousy
resentment
co-regulation
navigating non-monogamy
discernment counseling
My rate for couple therapy is $325 per 55 minute session, or $400 for an 80 minute session (I recommend longer sessions for couples). I also see polycules and constellations of 3+ partners. I do not accept insurance, and most insurances do not provide compensation for couples therapy. Currently I am only seeing clients virtually.
-
Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP) is currently being studied for the treatment of all sorts of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and relational distress. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that increases neuroplasticity, allowing clients to form new relationships with their thoughts, beliefs and memories. It is a powerful new treatment that is available to use in both individual and couple therapy. I work with Enamory to ensure that my KAP clients have thorough support in the process. We work with several different prescribers, who will talk you through the dosing process. KAP includes:
Assessment sessions (similar to other therapies)
Prep sessions and intention-setting
Dosing sessions in-person and remote
Integration sessions
Ongoing support
Ketamine is simply a tool to enhance the therapeutic process, and it can help significantly when other therapy tools are not. The treatment is still focused on individual and couple therapy, which is why I do not offer dosing sessions on their own. KAP sessions are $300/hr - prep and integration sessions are 1 hour and dosing sessions are 3 hours. You must meet with the prescriber on your own which usually costs around $250-$300.
-
Similar to therapy, in a coaching container we will explore sexual, relational and other issues you may be facing. Coaching is a good option for:
Clients who live outside of California
Clients who want a shorter container (1-4 sessions) to address a very specific issue, such as:
Break-up or separation
Life transition
Questions around career, purpose or life goals
Sexual questions or assessment
ENM questions
Couples who would rather do a weekend intensive than a 12-week container
Clients interested in meeting in-person for dance/movement work
Consultation for other therapists
Coaching rates are the same as therapy rates ($295 for individuals, $325 for couples, for a 55 minute session). If there are financial concerns, please reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Therapy is most effective when the client feels that their therapist is the best match for them. I encourage prospective clients to start with a consultation call to feel out my personality, therapeutic style and presence.
I am the best match for clients who are ready for change in their lives, especially pertaining to their relationships and their sexuality. Clients who enjoy being challenged with love and compassion, who are interested in integrating all of their parts into a whole self, who want to work with body, mind and spirit, and who need someone very comfortable supporting all sexual and relational issues find our therapeutic relationship to be a good fit.
-
I have my M.A. in Marriage and Family therapy, and am working towards my Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology, so I am very interested and educated in sexual and relational issues. I find that I am very effective working with:
Desire differences in couples
Increasing sexual connection in couples
ENM/polyamory/open relationships (including couples/individuals) new or curious to the process
Psychosexual issues (sexual trauma, compulsive sexual behaviors, intimacy avoidance)
Integrating kink into your life and relationships in healthy ways
Processing sexual shame
Sexual-somatic issues (performance anxiety, dissociation during sex, painful sex)
Communication issues with couples
Attachment and betrayal trauma in couples
Intentional uncoupling
Exploring sexuality
I work with clients of all genders over 14 who can consent to their own therapy.
-
I am an attachment-based relational therapist, meaning that we will focus on building and maintaining secure attachment with self and others. I do this through interventions rooted in:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Somatic therapy
Parts work
Gestalt therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT)
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Psychoeducation
Sex education
Mindfulness practices
I often blend several of these modalities, and is catered to the client’s goals and desire. We collaborate on the therapeutic plan, and I am always open to feedback.
-
Sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. It creates space to talk openly about things many people struggle to discuss—such as desires, sexual communication, shame, or changes in intimacy over time.
Compared to general therapy, sex therapy is simply more direct about sexuality. We can talk explicitly about sexual concerns and patterns, and I may also provide education about desire, arousal, sexual anatomy, and safe sex practices. I will never judge or be shocked by your questions, concerns and topics related to sex and sexuality.
Sex therapy is still talk therapy. There is never any sexual touch or sexual activity in sessions. In couples sex therapy, you may be assigned “homework” which involves touch practices.
-
This is very common. Partnerships involve two individuals with different histories, traumas, beliefs and desires. It is not necessary for you be equally excited for couple therapy, but it is most effective if you are both open to the process and motivated to work on your own stuff.
Couple therapy can bring up a lot of emotions and new conversations, as you face topics you have been avoiding, and embrace new levels of intimacy. I do my best to provide a safe, trusting and facilitative environment for you to process in. If your partner expresses not being ready or interested in therapy, it may be best to start with individual therapy.
In our consultation call, we can discuss any fear or anxieties, and answer any questions either of you have. It is normal to be apprehensive about couple therapy, especially if you have never done it. Usually, it becomes more comfortable as clients go along in the process.
-
This varies depending on what you are coming to therapy for, but generally I like to practice brief and deep therapy. This means putting significant effort into therapy for 12-20 weeks, and then pausing, stepping back or reducing the frequency of sessions.
Therapy is most effective when you can commit to weekly sessions, especially in the beginning. I understand that therapy can be considerable financial and energetic undertaking, and I want you to get the most out of it, and feel whole as soon as possible. I believe that we do not need to be continuously working on ourselves, and that part of the growth process is stepping away from therapy.
I make particular effort through continuous research, consultation and self-inquiry to ensure that my clients receive effective therapy. If we ever determine that our work together is no longer effective for you, I will offer you several referrals to ensure you get the support you need.
-
My standard rates are $295 for 55 minute individual psychotherapy sessions, and $325 for 55 minute couple therapy sessions.
You may request longer sessions, and can often be useful for couples at the beginning of their therapy journey. My rates for 85 minute sessions are $450 for couples and $415 for individuals. My rates for 110 minute sessions are $600 for couples and $525 for individuals.
I do not work directly with insurance companies. This allows therapy to remain private, flexible, and focused entirely on your needs.
Insurance requires therapists to assign a mental health diagnosis and share certain clinical information with the insurance company in order for sessions to be covered. Many of my clients come to therapy for relationship, intimacy, or sexuality concerns that do not fit neatly into a medical diagnosis, and I prefer not to place a diagnosis in your record unless it is truly clinically necessary.
Working outside of insurance also allows us greater flexibility in how we structure therapy. We can focus on the depth and pace of the work that feels most helpful rather than what an insurance plan will approve.
If you would like to use out-of-network benefits, I’m happy to provide a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
-
Yes I work with a sliding scale model for clients who cannot afford my full fee and whose goals align with my work. I offer individuals and couples seeking sliding scale rates 8 sessions at a rate of their choosing $150-$275. After 8 sessions, we will check in and determine if more sessions are needed and if a sliding scale rate is still needed.
I have a limited number of sliding scale spots, and I strive to provide lower-cost services to as many people as I can. The sliding scale model may be best for you if you have clear goals and intentions for therapy, you feel comfortable with brief therapy, and you have a set budget for your therapy.
If the sliding scale rate feels like a financial stressor at any time, I will work to find you referrals for providers who have lower rates or who accept your insurance.
-
The first session is mostly about building a relationship with one another, laying down a strong foundation for our work together. I get a sense of who you are by asking about your life, relationships, values and history. For some sex therapy concerns, I will also ask questions pertaining to medical history.
We begin our work together by inquiring about presenting concerns, and how it affects your physical, mental, social and spiritual experiences. We conclude the first session with clarifying your goals and desires for therapy.
At any point in the first session, and any session after that, you are welcome to ask me questions about the process, as well as to offer feedback.
-
You can schedule an initial 15-20 minute consultation here. During this consultation, which can happen by phone or Zoom, you may share with me what led you to consider therapy as well as any goals you have for therapy.
This is also a time to ask any questions you may have, and I will do my best to answer all of them during our call. Together, we will assess if I can offer you the support you are looking for.
You may also reach out via my contact page or email me at contact@amandasachs.com. I look forward to meeting you!
“You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.”
— Wild Geese by Mary Oliver