Question 1

What is sex therapy?

Accepted Answer

Sex therapy is just like other counselling approaches but the focus is primarily on a sexual problem or concern. 
Sex therapy can be provided by many different professional disciplines such as social work, psychology, counselling, medical doctors - as long as they have had additional training and ongoing supervision in this area of expertise. See About Me (javascript:void(0))to learn more about my qualifications in psychosexual therapy. Unfortunately in Australia, Sex Therapy is not a protected title. I am an Accredited Sex Therapist with the Society of Australian Sexologists (which means I have met a certain criteria including continuous training, supervision and thousands of hours of clinical pracitce). You can find more details about me and other Accredited Sex Therapists at https://societyaustraliansexologists.org.au/directory (https://societyaustraliansexologists.org.au/directory)
We conduct an initial thorough bio-psycho-social-sexual assessment to determine the likely cause of your problem. Sexual problems can be triggered by a variety of factors from health concerns (e.g. cardio vascular problems, diabetes, cancer), to mental health issues (e.g. depression and medication for same), to changes in your life (e.g. relationship issues, a new baby at home, stress). It's important we gather a holistic picture in order to determine the likely causes of your issue in order to apply the appropriate interventions. 
Following an assessment we'll present you with a treatment plan and together we'll tailor that plan to meet you, and your partners, needs. We'll continue to assess how our treatment plan is working throughout sessions and make changes as required. 
Using a multidimensional and multidisciplinary lens we may refer you to other professionals (e.g. your GP for a cardiovascular work-up or a specialised pelvic floor physiotherapist) to ensure any additional possible causes of your problem, outside of the psychogenic, are assessed by the right professionals.
Importantly - sex therapy is a talking therapy. We are bound by the AASW and SAS code's of ethics and engage only in counselling and psychosexual education. We never engage in sexual touch with our clients or perform/watch sexual acts.

Question 2

What are our fees?

Accepted Answer

Our fees have recently been adjusted and come into effect on 01/01/2026 for new clients (our existing client fees will be grandfathered).

Individual:
 
Initial Assessment/First Session: 90 minutes at $220
Individual Subsequent Sessions: 60 minutes at $190
 
Couples:
 
Initial Assessment/First Session: 90 minutes at $250
Couple Subsequent Sessions: 60 minutes at $220
Nb: Following initial assessment often couples will attend individually prior to returning as a couple. When couples attend as individuals they are charged the Individual Subsequent Session rate of $190.

Supervision and Professional Consultation:

Supervision/Professional Consultation: 60 minutes at $190
 
At Staghorn Sexology we recognise that sex therapy is a predominately private sector enterprise and this can really limit access, particularly in these challenging economic times. If you have a real issue but have income limitations don't hesitate to reach out so we can discuss our sliding scale fees.

Question 3

Can I use Medicare or my private health cover?

Accepted Answer

Currently we are not able to provide rebates through Medicare or private health cover. Andrew is in the process of applying for Accreditation as a Mental Health Social Worker through the AASW which would provide some rebate capacity through Medicare and specific private health insurance providers, for certain presenting issues - watch this space!

Question 4

Are you a NSW Victim Services Approved Counsellor

Accepted Answer

Yes! I am an Approved Counsellor with NSW Victims Services. The Victims Support Scheme offers up to 22 hours of counselling for victims of a violent crime, modern slavery or a road crime that happened in NSW. If you think you are eligible, or have already been approved, we can discuss if our service is right for you and how to be allocated to our profile to access sessions utilising this scheme.

For more information you can head to https://victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/how-can-we-help-you/victims-support-scheme/counselling.html (https://victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/how-can-we-help-you/victims-support-scheme/counselling.html)

Question 5

Are sessions face to face, online or over the phone?

Accepted Answer

We provide sessions over the following formats:

Face to Face: 
Friday: Wellshare Rooms, Level 3, Suite 5, Nepean Health Hub, Kingswood NSW 2747
Saturday: Hope Stree Consulting Rooms, 23 Hope St, Blaxland NSW 2774

Zoom and phone: we provide online sessions and phone sessions for clients all over Australia and other parts of the world.

Question 6

How long do sessions go for?

Accepted Answer

Initial sessions are for 90 minutes allowing enough time for a thorough bio-psycho-social-sexual assessment to take place.
Subsequent sessions are for 60 minutes. 
There is no strict timeframe for therapy - we will continue to review our progress and taper our sessions accordingly. Traditionally - we tend to have more sessions at the start, and less towards the end (however this depends on the context and any new developments). Some clients return for maintenance and/or relapse sessions whilst some are good to go on their own.

Question 7

Do you take notes?

Accepted Answer

For medico-legal purposes, and for case reflection and planning, notes are documented following each session. All notes are recorded electronically and securely stored to protect your privacy which is our upmost priority.

Question 8

Should I still come for counselling even if my partner won't?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!
Whilst sessions with couples is shown to have better outcomes when it comes to sex and relationship therapy, it isn't always practical or possible. 
Attending for sessions by yourself allows you your own individual attention to explore your concerns and take strategies back into your current or future relationship/s. You attending may even be the push your partner needs to come too.

Question 9

How do I know that Staghorn Sexology is the right service for me?

Accepted Answer

Half the battle of counselling is finding a provider that you connect with.
Here at Staghorn Sexology we offer a free 15 minute telephone or video chat to allow you space to assess if we are the right provider for you, your partner and your concerns. 
If we decide not to proceed we are often able to recommend other services and providers that may better suit your needs through our extensive network so please do reach out if you have any questions.

Question 10

How do you keep up your credentials?

Accepted Answer

We take professional development very seriously. Social Work, counselling and sex therapy are constantly evolving and new research is always coming out to indicate best practice approaches. 
Through our disciplinary associations (AASW and SAS) we are obliged to maintain certain hours of professional development and supervision to reach accreditation - luckily at Staghorn Sexology we are huge mental health and sex geeks and are always looking for the next training course or journal article to review. 
We seek monthly supervision in line with both AASW and SAS code's of ethics to ensure we are working ethically and safely.

Question 11

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No - you don't need a referral. If your GP does refer you though bring your letter with you or any other documents you feel might be helpful.
If your GP does refer you we will write back to them to let them know the progress we're making.

Question 12

Is everything we talk about confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality and privacy are essential when providing any counselling services - especially when it comes to the sensitive nature of sex and relationships. Not only is it important so that we maintain trust in our working relationship it's also a legal requirement. Everything we discuss. along with your personal details, is safely stored on our compiuter system which is password protected.
 
There are limitations to confidentiality at times in situations where keeping the information confidential outweighs the harm of sharing it with the appropriate authorities. These situations include:
- if we're concerned about you harming yourself or someone else
- in situations where crime of a serious nature has been disclosed
- where children are assessed to be at risk of serious harm
- if your file is subpoenaed by the court.
 
We endeavour to be transparent with you if and when we are obliged to share your information.
 
We will seek your permission to speak with other health care professionals involved with your care, your partners or family members, before doing so.

Question 13

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do. 
 
We know that life can get hectic so if something does come up and you're not able to attend your appointment please provide 24 hours notice to avoid being charged the full fee. 
 
Punctuality is also important as we're unlikely to be able to extend appointments if you're late as clients are likely to be booked after you. 
 
We do our best to help you keep your appointments by sending you SMS reminders prior to your session.

Andrew Everingham

BA, BSW(Hons1), MScMed(SRH)Psychosexual Therapy

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