GTK (Getting to Know) Katherine Van Noy

By Respark | August 19, 2020

Respark Therapist, Katherine Van Noy is a sex therapist in Denver, Colorado. Katherine is a board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She has experience seeing Sex Therapy clients throughout the state of Colorado in online therapy. Originally from Austin, Texas, Katherine now enjoys the best of both states. Here is an interview with her about some of her influential media resources that has helped her become one of the best sex therapists in Denver.

Beginnings

I began my career in psychiatry and mental health serving my local community in the public health realm participating on teams such as the mobile crisis outreach team and psychiatric emergency services. These were rewarding experiences but typically involved short term interventions to alleviate emergencies. I transitioned to private practice years later and enjoyed the ability to work with clients towards their goals of self-reflection, growth and change.

I became interested in sex therapy following my transition to private practice having more time and longevity in rapport, I discovered that sex and sexuality affect aspects of who we are, our relationships, our confidence, self-esteem, body image, and lives. I worked with individuals suffering from desire discrepancy in their long-term relationships as well as recovering from affairs. I became more aware of consensual non-monogamy and polyamory and realized I didn’t have formal training in working through some of these complex and beautiful transitions. (Katherine now is in the progress of becoming CNM Certified, which is a certification in Consensual Non-Monogamy from the Sexual Health Alliance.)

AASECT Certification

I was surprised to discover how much shame and embarrassment revolved around discussing sexual issues, and how few people find they have anyone to discuss their thoughts with. Therapy is a safe place to explore and all of the sexual issues discussed in my office were all totally and completely normal. Yet due to the taboo nature of sex, perceived shame of self-exploration and fear of rejection, many people have difficulty exploring their sexuality and expressing their individuality. Working with my patients amazed me at how powerful, confident and contented they became when they let go of shame and embraced self-acceptance. Expressing individuality is a powerful and freeing force. I decided to pursue a formal AASECT sex therapy certification of which I am currently in the process of completing and am thrilled to be joining the sex-positive experienced psychotherapists at Respark.

What is one of your favorite theories to work from?

In approaching individual therapy, I prefer the Cognitive Behavioral Approach and also like to draw on Gottman theories when addressing relationships and couples’ issues.

What are two most important things that you hope to accomplish within the first session with a new client(s)?

The two most important things to me during our first session are to establish rapport and learn about a client’s history. Its important clients feel comfortable, trust and empathy in order to share their thoughts and lives. Learning about a client’s history, life, upbringing, relationships, and experiences allows us to get to know one an another and paints a picture of a history which demonstrates a context of how we might approach the here and now.

Why should a client see you at Respark?

Some psychiatric illnesses require medication management or the prescription of certain medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or various other medications. If medication is something a client would like to trial, or they have agreed with their psychotherapist would benefit their wellness and recovery, then this is something which I can help with. That’s sort of the nuts, but the bolts are also important. Psychotherapy is also an important part of treatment plans especially when we’re discussing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, body image or sexual issues. Patients will find a warm, empathetic, sex-positive provider willing to work with them towards their goals. I like to use humor in sessions, and sometimes I cuss, but I won’t do either unless I’m invited to by my client.

What are 2 ways clients can Re-Spark their love life or their sex life?

I think the two best things one can do to respark their love or sex life are self-reflection and communication. First, we must know ourselves, what we like, what we don’t like, how we like to receive love, and how we like to give love, etc. Once we have a picture of what we’d like to communicate, then we need to practice how to communicate this information with the person or persons whom we want to share this information with. Most people have neither had the chance or encouragement to explore their own sexuality or were raised in environments where shame was used to suppress the topic. When we’re growing up, we often internalize this shut down as shame, which prevents us from exploring ourselves and sharing with others. We fear embarrassment, rejection, and we fear there is something abnormal about our thoughts. It can be liberating and rewarding to discover that you’re totally normal and improve your sex/love life when one possesses the skills to communicate this information lovingly, effectively and with understanding.

What is one-way clients can maintain passion in their relationships and/or for their careers?

Passion is a beautiful notion, one that I adore! I love the excitement, the flowing ideas and the energy born from passion. Often, we have this in spades when we’re younger and it seems to softly fade away as life kicks in with all of its obligations. We find ourselves busy fulfilling our roles as professionals, parents, spouses, etc. and we live in a digital world where we can wake up to 200+ emails a day, or phones that ring at any hour. We forget to take care of ourselves (self-care), lack self-forgiveness when we make mistakes, grow anxious about inundating responsibilities, and disallow ourselves time to use our imagination and dream a little. In order to maintain passion, in a relationship or in a career, we need to learn to take care of ourselves and embrace time for fantasy and imagination.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with Respark Sex Therapist, Katherine in the Denver area (or online throughout Colorado): 512-537-0922.

Next Steps & Resources:

Ready to take the next step?

What online counseling options do I have?

For the past decade we have excelled at online therapy, tele-therapy and phone counseling. We have seen couples online and conducted Sex Therapy online through video platforms. Everything can be completed online including your intake, first session all the way through graduation! You can even find a Respark Therapist or Coach and book your first session online without having to pick up the phone. Many of our clients love online therapy as there are so many pros! Learn more about our online couples therapy, online individual therapy and online Sex Therapy process here.

What is Respark all about?

We have therapists throughout all of Texas and Colorado. We offer the best couples therapy and sex therapy because our team had 200+ hours of training post graduate. Many of them are already certified or about to become certified sex therapists. We have therapists trained in trauma, EMDR, eating disorders and Health at Every Size informed.

I want to become a sex therapist or sexual health professional, how do I do that?
Check out our podcast with Respark Founder, Heather McPherson at Practice Outside the Lines.

I want to become a certified sex therapist or certified sex coach or educator?

We also started one of the largest sexual health training organizations in the country. Check out Sexual Health Alliance for sexuality certification programs.

I need additional support around growing my sexual health focused practice as a sex therapist, sex coach or sexuality professional. Where can I find more information?

We started Practice Outside the Lines to support new and seasoned sexuality professionals learn how to start and grow a sexual health focused business.