Getting to Know Robyn Flores

Meet one of Respark’s talented therapists, Robyn Flores, MS, LMFT-A, LPC-C!

 

1. What made you want to become a Sex Therapist?

I was inspired by a professor, who is also a Sex Therapist when working on my Masters degree. I ended up presenting with him at the Texas Counseling Association conference in 2019, presenting the topic of Couples Sex Therapy 101!

 

2. What was schooling like for you to get to where you are? (i.e., how many years in undergrad and grad school, did you transfer to a school that better fit your academic needs, etc.)

I earned my Bachelors from Texas A&M University about twenty years ago (yikes!) and then received my Masters from Texas A&M University-Commerce later on in life once my kids were old enough to be self-sufficient. I am now working on my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the CACREP-accredited University of the Cumberlands. Along the way, I have enjoyed being a student through the Sexual Health Alliance to support my dream of becoming a Sex Therapist and Sex Educator.

 

3. What was the next step after finishing school? 

Taking the AMFTRB Marriage and Family National Exam and the NCE National Counselor Exam to gain dual licensure as an LMFT-Associate in the state of Texas and an LPC-Candidate in the state of Colorado. Once I finish accruing “residency hours” for full licensure, I’ll be an LPC and supervisor for new therapists in Colorado and an LMFT in Texas.

 

3a. Was it what you expected or was this the pivotal moment where you figured out your real passion in life?

One of many pivotal moments!

 

4. What certifications helped you get to this position? 

The Sexual Health Alliance certification has allowed me to get to where I am now. The final project for the SHA certification has been enlightening as my colleague and I created a survey to gather data and experiences of individuals who find themselves at the intersection of hip challenges and sexual concerns. The results were really interesting and I am so honored to have been a part of our two-person team to create this project! Next is the AASECT supervision process which will be happening soon for me. In addition, I have the Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT) clinician certification which has helped me immensely when working with eating disorder relapse prevention, body image and sexual concerns and how they intertwine as concepts and experiences.

 

5. What does a typical workday in your life look like?

I love my workday! It is a mix of direct client care (my favorite), studying and researching to stay up-to-date on all the new things happening in the therapy world, and consulting with other therapists. I enjoy the documentation piece of the work as well, whether it is writing a session note, creating journal prompts and reflections for clients, or treatment planning.

 

6. What is your favorite and least favorite part about being a sex therapist?

My favorite part of being a Sex Therapist is normalizing and validating client and relational experiences. Much of my doctoral research is centered around cultural countertransference in sex therapy and how to better equip therapists to navigate and manage it. Normalizing sexual practices and expression are crucial to the work we do. I honestly cannot think of a least favorite part of the work that I do other than ending the therapeutic relationship, which can be difficult for the client and the therapist at times.

 

7. What is something you wish you knew before becoming a sex therapist that you would like to share with others embarking on this journey? 

Make sure to do your own therapeutic work, and dive deep into your own sexual history with a Sex Therapist who has a sex-positive lens.