Jess Benge, MA, MS, MFT
Jess Benge, MA, MS, MFT
PRONOUNS: sHE/Her/Hers
relationship and sex therapist
SPECIALTIES:
Infidelity or Break in Trust
Mismatched Desire
BDSM, Kink, or Paraphilia Disorders
Couple’s Communication
Out of Control Sexual Behavior
Insecure Attachment Styles
Modern Dating
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)/Complex PTSD
RATE:
$150 / session
I am a realistic romanticist - fascinated by the complexity of love.
Intimate partnerships can be incredibly powerful – a source of peace and restoration or, sadly, a reflection of our wounds. My personal journey in this field has vividly illustrated this truth - informing my "real-world" approach to therapy. A harsh reality that my clinical experience has taught me? None of us are easy to be with - we all bring bad habits into relationships. But when we meet someone who is willing to stay committed to understanding us, we shouldn't allow our ego to ruin that.
Trained in Internal Family Systems therapy (Level 1) and with certification in Brainspotting, my therapeutic approach has been most successful for clients who are working through relationship trauma such as infidelity or a significant break of trust. I have also found success working with couples who are experiencing emotional disconnection or a lack of intimacy, couples who have repetitive arguments on the same topic, individuals or couples who have uncommon sexual interests, and/or individuals who have personal sexual habits that have begun to interfere with day-to-day life. Additionally, I am always honored to support individuals who are ready to heal from sexual abuse/assault.
Extensive research shows the client-therapist relationship is the most essential part of therapy. As such, I encourage you to find the right fit. I am passionate about helping clients to “feel” again rather than just “think about their feelings.” You and I will typically dig deeper than average talk therapy sessions as this allows clients to reach core emotional wounds that unconsciously drive behavior. This type of therapeutic approach typically calls out to my fellow “intellectualizers,” who understand their issue but face a sense of overwhelm or dread when they try to “fix” it. I use scientifically supported interventions that are highly effective in changing how we relate to ourselves and those we love. My therapeutic style is emotion-focused and utilizes neuroscience to connect the insights gained with actionable changes in your everyday life. My direct yet non-judgmental style fosters authenticity, enabling clients to build trust in themselves & in their relationships. Together, we will work to bridge the gap between how things are and how you want them to be, because after all, we are all works in progress.