Samantha Sperlak, Ma, Lcpc, Pmh-C

Are you dreading brunch with your friends because you feel self-conscious and unable to participate in fun conversations about sex? Are you sitting on the couch, watching the newest Bridgerton season, and feel strong feelings of shame and guilt whenever a sex scene comes on? Are you avoiding yet another referral to pelvic therapy or OBGYN appointment because it feels intimidating or violating? Are you hopes of becoming a parent painfully on pause because you can’t successfully have penetrative sex with your partner? Struggling with vaginismus and pelvic pain can have deep and painful ripples in the rest of our lives.However vaginismus and pelvic pain may have impacted your life, it leaves you feeling defeated, hopeless, and full of shame. My approach to working with Vaginismus and pelvic pain is different than other providers.. While I am well informed of the approaches pelvic physical or occupational or sex therapists may use, I skillfully use this knowledge to integrate those resources in addition to supporting the emotional side of your pelvic pain journey. In sessions together, we will work to understand some of the root causes of your experience of Vaginismus and pelvic pain. We may explore cultural expectations, religious attitudes about sex and intimacy, deep-set relational patterns, attitudes about physical pleasure, patterns of perfectionism, and become curious about ways we can help you achieve a greater sense of safety and control in the bedroom. If this sounds a little intriguing and also very scary, you’re not alone. I am here to walk alongside you in your journey and to take things at your pace. Everyone’s healing journey is unique and deeply personal. I offer online counseling for women in Chicago and across IL. Email me to schedule a free 15minute consultation call.