Andrea Haas - Psychologist, Individual & Couple Counsellor and Holistic Sex Therapist - Sydney
SERVICES
Therapy for Sexual Problems
I can offer you prompt appointments and help in the following areas:
- low libido, no sex drive, orgasm difficulties
- desire discrepancy (one partner consistently wants more sex, the other partner refuses sex)
- emotional detachment, difficulties with intimacy, relationship problems
- painful sex during intercourse (vaginismus)
- sexual difficulties related to gynaecological problems (i.e. urinary tract infections, menstruation, fertility, contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause)
- performance anxiety, erection & ejaculation problems
- sexuality and the ageing body
- physical, emotional & sexual abuse
- sexual trauma (incest, rape, molestation)
- compulsive sexual behaviour & desires (i.e. compulsive use of erotica and/or internet for sexual purposes, compulsive cruising & multiple sexual partners)
Education & Counselling Experience
In private practice since 1999, I have been assisting individuals and couples to overcome their problems and to regain a fulfilling sex life. My degree in Psychology, Diploma in Sexual Health Counselling from the Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists (ASSERT) and training in meditation and mindfulness allow me to offer a broad range of therapeutic methods and holistic interventions..
Therapy Approaches
I help you understand and resolve the psychological side of your relationship problems and sexual difficulties. Often, this means going back to the original sources which have contributed to the issues, such as unresolved business in your current relationship, or, from previous relationships, traumatic events, emotions built up over time, blockages, negative thoughts & experiences about sex, physical discomforts, or, other factors such as the general stresses of life.
In my experience, it is rarely just one element that is the cause of a problem, usually, there are a number of factors which contribute to the issue. This can make it quite difficult to gain clarity and find appropriate answers, however, in most cases, the situation can be improved and resolved. Above all, the therapy space is supportive and non-judgemental. You will feel safe and understood.
Mindfulness
In addition to counselling and psychological interventions, I use holistic methods which allow you to gain more awareness of your body. Mindfulness techniques can help you monitor emotions and regulate sexual drive. This way of working on yourself creates bridges between the mind and the body. You learn to pay attention and 'listen' to what goes on inside your body which builds skills and confidence, the prerequisites for solving sexual problems.
Body-Mind Connection
Mindfulness fosters the body-mind connection. Not only do you develop more awareness of your body, but you also enlarge your palette of physical sensations, expand the range of emotional sensitivities and forge stable bonds enhancing intimacy with your partner. I consider that establishing links to a broad range of feelings develops emotional and sexual confidence.
Services
Therapy for Couples
I provide a mixed style of individual and couple therapy for couples who are experiencing periods of relationship difficulties due to sexual problems.
The therapy begins with individual sessions for each person. I like to hear each side of the story. Usually, both partners find it helpful to debrief and talk in a confidential setting about anything without worry what their partner might think. The first sessions allow me to get to know each party in depth and you will begin to understand all the factors that have contributed to the current situation. A strong individual focus on yourself in the beginning allows each person to be in the drivers seat. The action of change is placed on yourself rather than on your partner. Moreover, individual sessions help to clarify what each person can do to work on themselves.
Following individual appointments, couple sessions are scheduled to promote trust, repair the relationship, learn effective ways to communicate with each other and to improve sexual difficulties.
Beating Sexual Stress: A Counselling Program for Men Who Suffer Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common male sexual problem and affects between 25-30% of men of all ages. You may have already tried medication, an alternative treatment or other methods but without real solutions. You are not alone and you are not a failure, because many techniques promise that PE is easy to cure within a short time frame. In reality, this is rarely the case.
There are a number of techniques which help men overcome PE. Some of these methods are based on control (physical, mental or emotional control), some are couple based (for instance, improving co-operation and communication to build the relationship which, in turn, improves intimacy and the sex life), some are based on sex education (such as, theory about body functions and sexual techniques).
These approaches are beneficial because they address the various elements which contribute to PE and many men find them useful, however, there are some men for whom the above methods do not work. Why? One reason could be that there is a perceived separation from the body and therefore also the body sensations. You may experience parts of your body in failure mode and this creates distance, frustration and disappointment. You may even watch your body as an observer and stop being the participator.
Counselling and body centered mindfulness help build conscious awareness of the body. Instead of imposing restrictions and control, mindfulness allows you to stay in contact with the present moment. This expands the experience of feelings, such as confidence, sensitivity and sensuality which improves your PE.
For more details about the program click here
Self Report Questionnaire
Perhaps you are thinking about therapy but you do not know where to start. I offer an obligation free service in the form of a Self Report Questionnaire on my website.
This service is available to sincere requests. Please provide accurate information and complete all questions honestly, otherwise I may not be able to get a clear picture of your present sexual problems and emotional well being.
Please indicate the best time for me to call you. I will endeavour to contact you within 24 hours. The conversation is not designed to fix your problems, but it gives you the opportunity to briefly speak to me about your issues and to ask questions. I may then be able to point out therapeutic directions helpful for your particular situation.
If you wish to avail yourself of this service please click here and fill in the form. You will hear from me soon.
Medicare Information
I am a registered psychologist and Medicare provider. If you experience a sexual difficulty or other mental health problem, you are able to claim a portion of the fees of consultations from Medicare (up to 10 sessions).
You need to first make an appointment with your GP. Your medical practitioner can either prepare a simple referral or provide you with a Mental Health Care Plan for the particular mental health condition (i.e. sexual difficulty) you are suffering from.
You may give the name & details of the psychologist you wish to see to your GP.
You need to bring your doctor's referral and/or your Mental Health Care Plan to the first session with the psychologist to be able to claim the rebate of $83.25.
Private Health Fund Claims
If you have private health insurance, your may be able to claim part of the fee for your appointment with a psychologist, but please check with your fund first, as this depends on the type of cover.
Please note that you can only claim from one provider, either Medicare or your private health fund, BUT not from both.
Booking Information
I see clients on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays and each appointment is for 90 minutes.
The fee for each psychology consultation is $180 or $130 concession (offered to full-time students, unemployed & retired).
For more information or to book an appointment please email me at andrea@andreahaas.com or call me on 0425 218 022.
Education & Training
BA Psychology
Postgrad Dip Psychology
Dip Sexual Health Counselling
Ongoing mindfulness training and development in Inner Space Techniques, a set of therapeutic modalities developed by Dr. Samuel Sagan and refined by a group of medical health practitioners, psychologists and psychotherapists. I have been an active contributor of this group for two decades.
Professional Memberships
APS - Associate member of the Australian Psychological Society
ASSERT - Accredited sexuality therapist with the Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists
ANZATSA - General member of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse
Counselling, Mens Health, Psychotherapy, Womens Health
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