San Francisco Sex Therapist Kristina Scott
Takeaway:
Sex goes beyond the physical body. In sex therapy, we’ll explore how your mind, body, spirit, and the systems you’re part of all come together to influence your ability to connect to your sexual self.
When it comes to working with a sex therapist, San Francisco--with its legacy of activism on behalf of sexual and gender diversity and relationship freedom--is incomparable, and I’m so delighted to be part of the community of trained sex therapists and couples counselors that gets to support YOU on your own path towards true sexual liberation.
Whether it's addressing issues related to adult sexual trauma or childhood sexual abuse, navigating perinatal and postpartum sexuality, genital or pelvic pain, painful sex, or simply wanting to find ways to experience a more fulfilling sexual relationship, deeper sexual connection and a greater sense of sexual embodiment, pleasure and joy, change is possible.
Using embodied awareness and mindfulness practices, we'll explore how the layers of who you are shape your sexuality, what prevents you from achieving the of sexual satisfaction you desire, and what you can do about it. Let's go.
My approach to sex therapy
Therapy is a liberatory process, where you can shed feelings of shame, guilt and fear, and return to your truest, most alive and embodied self. The Garden of Yes is commited to consent, accountability, non-violence, and decommodification, and is unapologetically sex positive and celebratory of kink, non-monogamy, LGBTQIAA2S+, and sex-worker communities. I believe our ability to truly thrive as sexual beings is most possible when we’re able to choose the kinds of sex and relationships we have, freely.My approach to the practice of sex therapy is grounded in the integration of three levels of being: Body, Earth & Spirit. Together we explore how each of these areas shapes your experience of yourself and your relationships, and how they can support you in creating the life of abundant, embodied sexual joy and emotional intimacy you desire.Body
Being caught in the reactive responses of flight/fight/freeze/fawn that trauma encodes into the nervous system can create patterns of physical, mental and emotional stress. Learning how to loosen the grip they have on you creates more space to explore the nature of your own sexual pleasure and desire. Using a combination of Somatic Experiencing, and mindful awareness, we turn towards the body, so that you can orient towards a more grounded and embodied sense of safety.
EARTH
None of us walks this path alone. Our sexual desire and our ability to tap into the unlimited sense of pleasure and aliveness that is our birthright is tied to our connection to other people and the whole of the living Earth we call home. Our sexual pleasure and relationship dynamics are embedded within the systems of which we all are a part. Through the regeneration of our lost relationship with the earth and our human and more-than-human kin, we deepen intimacy with one another, reclaim our place in community and restore our sense of wholeness and connection, to create a more compassionate and resilient world.
Spirit
No exploration of embodiment or sexuality is complete without the enlivening presence of the spirit. For far too many of us, our bodies and those of our ancestors and loved ones have been subject to harm no one should ever have to endure. Turning towards our spirit—that endless, abiding, transcendent center of our hearts—with deep compassion and gratitude for its inherent wisdom, serves as a homecoming, healing the heartbreak of that harm, and breathing life into the hollow places, making room for all the pleasure, magic and joy we can possibly hold.
Why choose Garden of Yes for sex therapy in San Francisco
When you’re experiencing challenges with your sex life or relationship, finding someone who feels like a good fit and who has the training and experience to support you can be really tough, even in the Bay Area. While Marriage and Family Therapists undergo years of rigorous and extensive training, they’re actually not required to receive any training in working with sexual issues. Working with me means that you’ll have the care and support of someone who has over 75 hours of post-graduate training in human sexuality in addition to ongoing professional supervision, continuing education and collaboration in the field.Working with me goes beyond traditional talk therapy to go deeper—encompassing all aspects of who you are to return you to a place of integration and wholeness. Let me highlight a few more things that set The Garden of Yes apart:Social-justice and systems-oriented: Our sexuality and relationships are shaped by the systems we live in. Holding the therapy with a critical awareness of the ways in which systems of power and oppression impact how you experience your body, and who and how you love is key to creating meaningful, lasting change.
Somatically-based and trauma-informed: Following the body’s own innate wisdom and pacing is the best way to working through the harmful experiences that so often block our ability to maximize sexual pleasure and create and sustain intimate relationships. This means tuning into the body’s signals, and moving at a pace that encourages growth, not overwhelm.
Teaching & Learning: For so many of us, our education in human sexuality was minimal, inadequate, or incorrect—if we had any at all. My background in education, and supporting students and clients in their learning experience gives me the tools to create a safe and supportive space for you to dive deep into understanding what healthy sexual expression and intimate relationships looks like for you.
Working across difference: Navigating the world carrying the identities that I hold has given me skills needed to connect with people from all walks of life and to relate to those who may be wildly different from me with a sense of curiosity, open-mindedness and humility, and I find incredible joy in the generative potential found in the places where those differences meet. Whatever identities you carry, and however we may differ, all of you is welcome here.
Meet Kristina Scott | sex therapist in San Francisco
When looking to connect with a sex therapist, the relationship you have is key. But knowing their professional background is important too! So without further ado, here's a brief rundown of my education, training and credentials:Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Lic. #125384 (Supervised by Gieve Patel, LMFT, Lic. #47196)
Certificate in Sex Therapy, California Institute for Integral Studies, 2020
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Intermediate Level III
MA, Integral Counseling Psychology, California Institute for Integral Studies
MA, Education, Stanford University
BA, Community Studies, UC Santa Cruz
Offering in-person session in San Francisco, or via telehealth throughout the state of California
Providing sex therapy since 2020
Modalities & Theoretical Orientation: Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness, Buddhist Psychology, Liberation Psychology, Ecopsychology, Systems Theory, Social Justice
I was born and raised in Northern California, and Hawaii, and am a child of the sun and the sea. The arc of my life has taken me many places, always eager to learn and connect and build community with others. Like all of us, I claim many identities, that have shift and change over time. Here are a few important ones that I hold, lightly: Mixed race (Afro-Latin & White), second-generation immigrant and Adult Third Culture Kid, cis-gendered, straight, middle-aged, divorced, childfree-by-choice, Relationship Anarchist, gardener and wannabe surfer.
Still curious? Head on over to my bio to learn more!
FAQs about working with a sex therapist in the Bay Area
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Most people consider sex therapy when the difficulties they face in their sex life and relationships become apparent or have been persistently affecting their well-being, negatively impacting their daily life, self-esteem and connection with their partner(s) for some time. But you don’t have to wait until things hit the proverbial skids before seeking help. Sex therapy can also be a fantastic addition to a pro-active and comprehensive health and wellness practice. Whether you need individual or couples therapy, if you're facing issues related to dating, navigating non-monogamy, sex and ageing, desire discrepancies, sexual dysfunction or simply to enhance communication skills and improve your sexual relationship overall, wherever you’re at, and whatever is up for you, it’s always a good time to take the steps you need to build a more sex gratifying sex life.
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Sex therapists and sex coaches differ in their practice's depth, scope, and regulatory framework, an important point for clients to understand when seeking the right professional for their needs. Sex coaches focus on the 'what' or ‘how,’ offering guidance on enhancing sexual knowledge and skills, however the work is unregulated and there is no requirement for them to receive any training before working with clients. In contrast, sex therapists undergo extensive graduate-level education and ongoing training, are governed by the state and are legally and ethically bound to adhere to standards protecting client safety and confidentiality, as highlighted in this 2015 article from The Therapist magazine. Sex therapy delves into the ‘what’ the ‘how’ and the 'why' of sexual issues. As a sex therapist, my role extends beyond teaching techniques; it involves a holistic exploration of clients' complex histories and emotional landscapes, to create deeper, more meaningful change.
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Absolutely … Sexual health is health! The quality of our sex lives and our ability to navigate our relationship issues in a direct but loving and engaged way directly contributes to our overall health and well-being. While living in a a sexually isolating society and having an unsatisfying sex life contributes negatively to health outcomes, sexual satisfaction and pleasure are a net benefit to our overall health and wellbeing across our lifespans.
And whether it’s individual sex therapy, couples counseling (or moresome counseling!) this practice gives you a place to discuss sex and relationships, and works to assist folks heal erotic disconnect, so you can deepen your sexual connection, improve emotional and sexual intimacy and experience a more satisfying sex life.
Sex therapy can help you build a deeper connection with yourself, your partner(s), and the world around you.
My sex therapy practice is rooted in a profound commitment to supporting you on your path to healing, discovery, and empowerment in your sexual and emotional life. Deeply rooted in the practice's core values, and with a deep respect for your individuality, my approach embraces and celebrates your unique experiences and identities. Whether you're navigating complexities in sexual intimacy, seeking to heal from past traumas, or aspiring to enrich your sexual and emotional connections, my practice offers a compassionate and inclusive space for exploration and growth.
Recognizing the diverse spectrum of human sexuality, I am dedicated to guiding you through a transformative process that addresses your specific challenges and enhances your overall well-being. Our work together is more than just a path to sexual healing; it's an invitation to walk the path of rediscovering and embracing the fullest, most authentic version of your own true self.
If you're looking to embark on this journey towards a more fulfilling and satisfying sexual and emotional life, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Let's work together to uncover the possibilities that lie within you and build a path towards a deeper, more enriching connection with yourself and others.