Posts by Michelle

Talking about consent is an essential part of any relationship or sexual interaction. It’s the first step one should take in a sexual encounter. When you’re with a new partner it’s important to know what consent does and doesn’t look like. Consent is not accepting a free drink at the bar or a ride home…

Relationships are complicated, to begin with, and things often only continue to complicate when people try to incorporate intimacy into their daily lives. Intimacy is vital in relationships, but there is no exact formula on how important sex is to a relationship. Ultimately, “Everyone’s different, and what’s important for some may not be at all…

Sex games may sound like a taboo way to spice up your sex life, but in reality, they are a lot of fun and have the power to re-spark your sex life! Personally, I believe that sex games add an element of playfulness to the bedroom,.But, in, which allows me and my partner(s) to really…

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by intense highs and lows, often referred to as manic and depressive episodes. In a manic episode, an individual may experience intense euphoria, a persistent irritable mood, or an unusually energetic mood. In a depressive bipolar episode, individuals may experience feelings of “sadness, loss, or anger that interfere”…

Most people in marriages spend their relationships searching for the secrets to a happy and healthy marriage. As a progressive sex therapy practice, we at Respark know that one of the secrets to a healthy marriage is a strong intimacy bond. It’s important to remember that intimacy does not mean sex! Intimacy looks different in…

The terms kink and BDSM are often used to describe sex that is not vanilla or quote-on-quote traditional. When it comes to the actual definitions of the terms, there are differences between the two! Kink is defined as “anything outside of intercourse-based sex between two monogamous partners, particularly when it includes non-traditional desires and fantasies.”…

The United States has historically had an issue with sex, and everything related to it. Whether it is through legislation related to gender or sexuality, or normed practices of targeting individuals because of their sexual behaviors such as kink or BDSM, the message is clear: everyone must conform to the heteronormative, monogamous, dual-parent, “vanilla” sex…

Shopping has become second nature. It’s not only an activity, it’s a lifestyle. It can be a physical way to process emotions, both good and bad. Just got a promotion? Well, you need a few new pieces in your wardrobe! Just got fired? The mall has pretzels and your favorite stores, you’ll find peace there.…

Sex therapy usually manifests in our heads as an amalgamation of couple’s counseling and traditional, regimented therapy, but sex therapy for individuals is more popular than ever. To many of us, sex therapy is a space where two (or more) people can meet, sort through some of their collective issues, and attempt to repair (or…

As a therapist, my primary goal is to hold a space for my clients that is safe, encouraging, and judgment-free. I believe that to create this space I need to bring compassion and empathy, kindness and honesty. I use an integrative and holistic approach to therapy that meets the client where they are. I believe…