Individual and Couples Therapy

Are you unsure of whether to begin treatment on your own or with your partner? Do you have a desire to address particular issues in your life, even if you are not currently in a relationship? Many clients choose to begin therapy on an individual basis until they are comfortable asking their partner to join the process, while it is also a healthy approach to address any concerns or problems before entering a new relationship. Because intimate or sexual issues generally affect both partners, it is very helpful for both people in a relationship to take part in the therapeutic process. Each partner has a unique perspective on the problem and will be a valuable asset in finding a solution.

Extended Sessions and Weekend Intensives

Do you need a solid "jump-start" to therapy? Do you want the benefit of having several hours of focused therapy, rather than sessions that are spread a week or more apart from one another? Do you feel that your relationship needs an immediate infusion of hope and improvement? Consider inquiring about scheduling extened sessions (90 minutes to two hours)or a Weekend Intensive, which involves several two-hour sessions over the course of two to three days. this option is designed for the highly motivated couples as an option for maximizing progress early in the therapeutic process.

Collaboration with Medical Team

Once your unique situation is discussed during your first session with Ms. Sharky, a medical evaluation may be recommended. If such an evaluation proves to be necessary, you will be referred to an appropriate medical provider who has been personally selected for his or her dedication to sexual health and the pursuit of the most up-to-date and innovative and effective treatment for your concerns. Ms. Sharky maintains an ongoing collaborative relationship with any and all involved professionals on your "treatment team", allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive approach to your care from some of the very best clinicians and physicians that Chicago has to offer.

Commonly Treated Concerns

People look to therapy as a resource for a variety of reasons. The following is a list of the most common issues that Ms. Sharky treats in her practice:

•     Lack of sexual education or comfort in embracing one's sexuality
•     Problems getting or staying aroused or "turned on"
•     Blending of spiritual/religious moral beliefs with healthy expression
      of sexuality
•     Discrepancy in sexual desire between partners
•     Unable to reach orgasm, either currently or throughout your life
•     Establishing healthy sexual life following past sexual abuse
      or trauma
•     Body image concerns interfering with sexual expression
•     Difficulty communicating with your partner about sexual
      needs/desires
•     Fallen into a rut/routine or bored sexually
•     Recovery from infidelity and the reestablishment of
      trust and intimacy
•     Menopausal symptoms interfering with sexual expression
•     Difficulty maintaining intimacy due to demanding careers and
      parenting responsibilities
•     Rapid ejaculation
•     Erectile problems
•     Pelvic pain during intercourse
•     Questions or confusion about your sexual orientation or expression
•     Difficulty experiencing orgasm with one's partner, despite being
      able to do so when masturbating
•     Coping with the emotional toll that infertility and necessary treatments
      can cause
•     Establishing an active sexual life after childbirth
•     Recovery from illness, surgery or cancer and the affects these
      treatments can have on your emotional health and sexual functioning
•     Coping with chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic
      pain