Services

WOMEN

It's important to recognize that seeking therapy is not exclusive to any gender; people of all genders seek therapy for various reasons. However, women may be more likely to seek therapy for several reasons:

Societal Expectations: Women may face unique societal pressures and expectations related to gender roles, which can contribute to stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore and address these challenges.

Trauma and Abuse: Women are disproportionately affected by experiences such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. Therapy can be instrumental in helping them heal from these traumatic experiences and develop coping mechanisms.

Mental Health Stigma: Despite progress in reducing mental health stigma, it persists, particularly for certain demographics. Women may feel more comfortable seeking therapy due to increased societal acceptance and encouragement to prioritize mental health.

Relationship Issues: Women may be more inclined to seek therapy for relationship difficulties, whether it's with romantic partners, infidelity, rejection, family member issues, or friends. Therapy can offer tools for improving communication, setting boundaries, and navigating conflicts.

Parenting and Caregiving: Women often shoulder most caregiving responsibilities for children, elderly relatives, or family members with disabilities. Balancing these responsibilities with personal and professional demands can be challenging and may lead women to seek support through therapy.

Self-Esteem and Body Image: Societal pressures around appearance and beauty standards can impact women's self-esteem and body image. Therapy can provide a space to challenge unrealistic expectations and develop a healthier relationship with oneself.

Hormonal Changes: Women's mental health can be influenced by hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Therapy can help women cope with mood swings, depression, and anxiety associated with these hormonal fluctuations.

Women’s sex therapy concerns may also include –

  • *Low sex drive
  • *Orgasm concerns.
  • *Performance anxiety
  • *Pain during intercourse
  • *Sexual identity concerns 
  • *STDs
  • *Lack of confidence, feeling connected and truly intimatcy.


MEN 

Men seek therapy for various reasons,  just like women and of other genders. Here are some common reasons why men may seek therapy:

Mental Health Issues: Men may experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. Seeking therapy can provide them with the tools and support needed to address these challenges and improve their overall well-being.

Relationship Problems: Men may seek therapy to work through relationship difficulties with partners, family members, or friends. Therapy can help men improve communication skills, manage conflicts, and develop healthier relationships.

Work-Related Stress: Men may experience high levels of stress and pressure in the workplace, leading to burnout, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Therapy can help men navigate work-related challenges, set boundaries, and explore career goals.

*Grief and Loss: Men may seek therapy to cope with the loss of a loved one, whether it's through death, divorce, or the end of a significant relationship. Therapy can provide a supportive environment for men to process their emotions and grief.

Self-Improvement: Men may pursue therapy as part of their journey toward personal growth and self-improvement. Therapy can help men explore their values, goals, and aspirations, and develop strategies for achieving them.

Anger Management: Men may struggle with controlling their anger and expressing emotions in healthy ways. Therapy can provide men with tools and techniques to manage anger, improve emotional regulation, and enhance interpersonal relationships.

Trauma and Abuse: Men may have experienced trauma or abuse in their past, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Therapy can help men heal from these experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and rebuild a sense of safety and trust.

Parenting and Family Issues: Men may seek therapy to navigate challenges related to parenting, co-parenting, or family dynamics. Therapy can provide support and guidance as men strive to be effective parents and partners.

Identity and Masculinity: Men may grapple with questions of identity, masculinity, infidelity, rejection of love and /or intimacy and societal expectations. Therapy can provide a space for men to explore these complex issues, challenge harmful stereotypes, and develop a more authentic sense of self.

Men’s additional sexual concerns may be-

  • Difficulty getting an erection.
  • Problems sustaining an erection.
  • Low libido 
  • Difficulty with sexual arousal
  • Prostate health
  • Coping with partners health issues
  • Uneven desire in bedroom
  • Sexual boredom
  • Compulsive masturbation or sexual behaviors including pornography and sex workers.
  • Shame around sexuality

There are many courses of sexual health concerns for men. Some are physical and require a medical doctor to assess hormones and other physiological aspects that may be related to the problem. Others are related to stress, anxiety, or mental health concern that leads to problems in sexual functioning. No matter what the issue, it could be addressed with the proper assessment and treatment.

It's essential to recognize that seeking therapy is a sign of strength and courage, regardless of gender. Therapy can be a valuable resource for men seeking support, guidance, and healing in various aspects of their lives.


TEENS / ADOLESCENTS


Navigating the challenges of adolescence often involves the complex journey of self-expression. Engaging in both virtual conversations and face-to-face interactions can prove to be invaluable in overcoming the hurdles associated with seeking support. Therapy emerges as a vital resource for teenagers facing specific circumstances, particularly those yearning for a sense of belonging and community.

Our platform is especially relevant for teens encountering a spectrum of challenges, including:

  • Adolescents grappling with gender and sexual identity concerns.
  • Individuals Struggling to cope with societal expectations placed upon them.
  • Teens who are victims of bullying or mistreatment, feeling hesitant to discuss their experiences with familiar individuals.
  • Kids enduring an unstable home environment.
  • Young people grappling with social apprehension, limited skills, and interaction with peers.
  • Adolescents experience anxiety, shyness, and a lack of emotional management skills, compounded by the physical changes occurring in their bodies.
  • Those apprehensive about the prospect of college, uncertain about choosing a major, appeasing parental expectations, and grappling with self-doubt regarding their capabilities.
  • Teens embarking on or currently undergoing the transition process, managing aspects such as starting hormones, puberty blockers, top surgery, and other related changes.

In essence, therapy, whether conducted face-to-face or online, provides a supportive space for teens seeking not only assistance but also a genuine sense of belonging and community. It serves as a beacon of support for the multifaceted challenges that adolescents encounter during this transformative phase of their lives.

FAMILIES

Family therapy encompasses a myriad of dynamics present within a family unit, including issues such as divorce, boundaries, trust, infidelity, substance abuse, parenting styles, and the reactions and behaviors exhibited by family members. Frequently, there emerges an "identified patient" (IP), but my approach ensures that every individual's needs within the family are addressed.

In contemporary practice, I often encounter families grappling with understanding and supporting transgender individuals, as well as navigating questions of sexuality. These sessions typically involve all family members, who may be experiencing a sense of loss or confusion regarding their loved one's identity journey. Employing a holistic and inclusive approach, I prioritize the well-being of the entire family. The therapeutic process typically begins with an initial assessment to grasp the family dynamics, individual concerns, and specific issues related to gender identity or sexuality. This may entail individual sessions with each family member and/or joint sessions with the entire family. Psychoeducation follows, where I provide information about transgender issues, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other relevant topics to foster understanding and reduce stigma.

Next, we delve into the exploration of family dynamics, examining how the family system functions and its impact on individual experiences of gender identity or sexuality. This involves scrutinizing communication patterns, familial roles, and the influence of beliefs and values on attitudes toward gender and sexuality.

In supporting transgender individuals and addressing questions of sexuality, therapy focuses on validating their identity and experiences, coping with dysphoria, navigating social pressures, and developing strategies for transition or coming out. Addressing family conflict and stress is paramount, as therapy aids in resolving tensions that may arise due to these issues, fostering open communication and acceptance among family members.

Moreover, therapy aims to build support networks within the family, fostering acceptance, support, and affirmation for the individual exploring their gender or sexuality. This involves understanding the needs of family members, setting boundaries, and developing coping strategies. Furthermore, therapy equips family members with coping strategies to navigate individual and collective challenges, emphasizing effective communication, empathy, and accessing external support networks, advocacy, and community resources specialized in transgender issues and questions of sexuality.

Ultimately, family therapy serves as a safe and supportive environment for families to address transgender and sexuality-related issues, fostering understanding, acceptance, and healthy relationships within the family unit.


COUPLES  

Whether you are trying to cope with heartbreak, infidelity and anything else to repair your relationship and restore your sex life, Dr. Carrie can help.  A lot of clients seek help after sex addiction, the truth is you may be dealing with may different components and looking into this can be very useful and cathartic. 

There can be physical problems in the bedroom, or you are simply looking to expand your horizons or typical regime and experience better sex with your partner, Dr. Jacobs has training and experience as a psychologist, life coach, and sexologist. She works with couples in a unique way. She creates a safe space where all three participants are part of the dialogue and the advocates for change. All three explore what is needed and come up with a plan together. Dr. Carrie is a part of the process to assist the couple to meet their goals. She helps with the tools and the couple does the work. She is approachable and kind and clients find a true sense of comfort. All thoughts or worries that are thought to be taboo are explored and the inner desires are accepted if each party is consensual and feel it is a benefit to the relationship.   This allows for true intimacy and a higher level of acceptance and care for one another.

ONLINE SERVICES

Telehealth

Therapy can always happen in the comfort of your own home using online services. Dr. Carrie uses a secure video platform for online therapy sessions by zoom or other options secure through her website. She is accessible through your computer or phone with a Wi-Fi connection and camera.

Video or Phone Coaching

For clients located outside southern California/Encino or who have the not so typical schedules or an inconvenient distance, Dr. Carrie offers web-based coaching. Sessions can be done using a secure video platform or over the phone. Dr. Carrie has a wide range of hours available depending on her current client load. She also has associates who she feels confident who are also qualified to be of service.

Email THERAPY

Prefer email therapy? Dr. Carrie still includes her traditional email therapy. Dr.Carrie works with you in a range of questions and develops a plan with you from there. All based on written word with back-and-forth communication.

I Am Here for You

Please contact me with questions.