About Our Work Together
I already know you’re not coming in at a time where everything in your life feels amazing.
You’re not living your best, most fulfilled life for one reason or another. I get that.
The cool thing is, you don’t have to make a great first impression on me.
Come in your pj’s or sweatpants if ya want! I’ll likely be wearing leggings and cozy clothes, myself. No suits or blazers here. But feel free to come in your suit or blazer, too! All this to say, come as you are.
You don’t even have to know how you want to describe what’s going on.
It’s great if you have it all written out or know exactly how to phrase how you’re feeling, and it’s also great with me if you have no idea how to even begin telling me what’s happening.
It’ll come up as it needs to.
I’m here for you in your hardest moments, every step of the process, ok?
We’ll figure things out together.
A crucial key to this work’s effectiveness is the connection you have with your coach.
It’s not in the degree or credentials or methods.
What’s most important is to feel that there’s trust and safety and that you genuinely like who’s sitting in front of you. Most people find me super easy to connect with because of my accepting, sometimes silly, and always nurturing nature.
Although grounded, I’m in touch with my playful side, and I know that sometimes laughing about something silly is necessary.
Don’t worry, I’ll steer the conversation back to the heart of it, but it’s ok to tell me the funny thing that happened or to share a meme that totally hits home.
Some of my clients share an inspiring song with me or even read the text or email conversation that they’re freaking out about. I’m here for all of it.
You’ll notice my knack for following what you’re saying, intuiting what you’re feeling, and understanding who you truly are.
You may be surprised when I remember the name of your 2nd cousin’s partner’s roommate’s dog that you mentioned 4 sessions ago. It was Coco, right? Lol. Yes, I just said “lol.” Because I’m hip like that. Or you may think I’m a total dork, and I’m really cool with that, too – as long as you feel connected.
Caring for your sex life takes courage.
It really helps to have a coach who’s warm and cozy.
I’ll encourage you to get physically comfortable as we talk, to have a blanket, water, or tea close by. And you’ll sometimes see my little dog named Lyla.
Most people who work with me are women or couples. Those are the folks who most easily click with me.
My clients feel genuinely cared for by me. Because they are!
I want to know on the deepest possible level what you’re struggling with, torn between, trying to figure out, and what you’re most wanting to change.
I want to dive into your experience right along with you and glimpse into your dreams and greatest wishes. And I want to help you experience that dream, because I’ll be your biggest cheerleader as you discover that your life can be so much better.
You may see me shed a tear or two as I feel your pain with you, and you’ll know I’m with you when we celebrate your wins. And I’m looking forward to all your wins!
Working Holistically
Some people I work with come in for a sexual issue, and we end up focusing on not only that concern but also other parts of life.
That is totally fine!
I love working with you in a holistic way.
About Me
I’ve always known I’ve wanted to help people be happier.
I always thought that if I could be there for even just one person the way that my therapists and coaches over the years have been there for me, my life would be worth it. And it is. This work is my passion and one of my deepest loves in life.
I was lucky to not grow up with a whole lot of sexual shame – even in ultra-conservative Alabama. In middle school some girls were making fun of another girl because they found out that she masturbated. I was appalled that they’d shame her, and I remember being on the bleachers and having a talk with the whole gym class about how masturbation is normal. The cool thing is they actually listened and believed me!
From then on, I was someone the kids in school came to with their sex questions and celebrations. I always felt honored and loved being that person in people’s lives.
In college, I was actually a huge psychology dork.
I even won the college’s top award for the study of psychology, and I presented my “senior thesis” as a Junior. I balanced it out (with more “nerdyness”) by leading the human sexuality scientific research team.
My research was on women learning and practicing self-pleasure and how it was connected to orgasm. I presented that research at a professional conference and somehow ended up hanging out with major players in the field, like the woman who did the earliest research on and actually named the G-Spot!
I was seduced, if you will, and knew I had to help people find with their sex lives professionally.
Yes, I specialize in sex coaching… and I have a few other tools in my belt.
I earned my master’s at Thomas Jefferson University where I specialized in Sex Therapy. I began practicing therapy in 2008 as an intern at Center for Relationships and the Institute for Sex Therapy. I also studied Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and use this approach with clients to this day.
I’m a certified yoga teacher, trained at an urban ashram. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Georgia (as Lauren Maisel, which is my legal name), and I’m also specifically trained in coaching.
I’ve worked in group private practice in Alabama and Atlanta, individual private practice in Atlanta and Austin, and now you’ll find me working online with people all over the world.
I’d love to talk with you about your options for virtual sessions, and please stay tuned for self-paced courses if that sounds appealing to you!
In my spare time, …
I love playing with my dog Lyla, spending time outdoors, and getting as cozy as possible inside. I also enjoy going to shows with friends and visiting new places.
I love dancing, yoga, friendships, and making the most delicious ice cream. Movies and TV are ways I decompress, mostly comedies. And, yes, I can be a bit of a movie quoter.
I am very excited to help you through this time.
I’ll gladly help you figure out if I’m your coach and, if not, I’m happy to recommend other options.
Fill out my contact form or give me a call.