One of the most common questions we hear is whether you can talk to a sex therapist for free before making a commitment, particularly if you're nervous about taking the first step or want to ensure a therapist is a good fit. At Cushing Counseling, every prospective client is offered a free consultation—a straightforward, confidential call designed to help you determine whether our approach matches what you need.
This complimentary meeting is ideal if you want to share a bit about your concerns, ask any questions you have (from practical details to deeper worries about confidentiality, trauma, or intimacy), and get a real sense of how we work before committing financially or emotionally. There is zero pressure to move forward, and you’ll never be obliged to book a paid session unless you’re ready. Our goal is for you to feel supported, informed, and empowered in your search for expert help with sex therapy, couples closeness, or trauma recovery.
What Is the Free Consultation at Cushing Counseling?
The free consultation at Cushing Counseling is a private, no-pressure phone or video call (about 15-20 minutes). It’s your opportunity to:
- Describe your goals or challenges—whether that’s low desire, sexual anxiety, chronic stress in your relationship, painful sex, or any intimacy concern
- Ask us how our therapy team works, what approaches and specialties we offer, and what outcomes you can expect
- Understand fees and payment options, what telehealth in Virginia, Maryland, DC, or Florida looks like, and how we protect your privacy
- Decide if our clinical style and philosophy (direct, research-based, compassionate, and nonjudgmental) feels right for your needs
If needed, you can also discuss best ways to get a reluctant partner involved. We help you navigate conversations about therapy even before your first full session.
Why Do a Free Consultation Before Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is deeply personal. Sharing aspects of your sexuality, your relationships, or experiences with shame, trauma, or stigma requires profound trust. Our free consultation exists because:
- It allows you to get to know your therapist’s style—are we more gentle, more practical, more structured, more conversational? You can find out without commitment.
- You don’t risk any financial obligation if the fit isn’t right.
- For many, the initial call is less intimidating than a full session—a helpful step if you feel vulnerable or worried about judgment.
- Transparency starts from day one. You’ll receive honest information about next steps, realistic expectations, and what therapy can or cannot do.
This approach is supported by feedback from our clients and clinical partners who appreciate clear communication and integrity. See our homepage for client and colleague reviews reflecting this ethos.
Who Typically Uses the Free Consultation?
Anyone seeking therapy for sex, couples, or trauma at Cushing Counseling—in Virginia, Maryland, DC, or Florida—can access a free consultation. This includes those who:
- Are feeling stuck in their sex life or struggling with mismatched desire (see our detailed discussion in this blog about desire discrepancy)
- Experience sexual dysfunction (such as painful intimacy, erectile or arousal concerns)
- Want help with sexual trauma, religious shame, or past betrayals (see: trauma-informed sex therapy in relationships)
- Are seeking an LGBTQ+ affirming environment for therapy
- Need support for relationship transitions, conflict, infidelity recovery, or communication breakdowns
Our team—led by Vanessa Cushing, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist with Johns Hopkins and University of Michigan training—serves adults and couples via secure telehealth or in-person (Miami, Fairfax). Every clinician is deeply trained in trauma, evidence-based modalities, and inclusive care for all identities and backgrounds.
How Does the Free Consultation Work?
- Choose Your Consultation: Schedule directly from our online calendar, select a service (individual, couples, intimacy, or trauma-focused), pick a time, and provide brief intake info so we can prepare for your call.
- Talk in Complete Confidence: During the call, you’ll meet one of our therapists, talk through why you’re seeking help, and ask anything—about our methods, privacy, common concerns, or session structure.
- Receive Guidance: We’ll answer your questions honestly, discuss how our therapy might help, and offer realistic next steps or alternative referrals if needed.
- Decide on Your Own Timeline: There is no obligation to book. You can take your time after the call to reflect, check partner availability, review finances, or get insurance information.
For frequently asked questions about topics like out-of-network insurance, therapy costs, and what happens if a partner is reluctant, see our FAQ page.
Key Benefits of the Cushing Counseling Consultation
- Expert Matching: We only recommend clinicians who match your concerns, history, and preferences.
- Confidentiality: Calls are private and protected. We never share client details without written consent.
- No Sales Pressure: The goal is to support your process, not to push you into weekly sessions.
- Specialization: Our team brings deep expertise in sex therapy, couples work, trauma recovery, and inclusive care for diverse relationships and identities.
- Full Transparency: You’ll know costs, session length, policies, and what to expect before you start.
What to Ask During Your Free Consultation
Here are questions we encourage:
- What specific issues do your therapists handle most often in sex therapy?
- Do you provide therapy for both individuals and couples?
- What’s your approach to desire mismatch, sexual pain, or trauma-related intimacy problems?
- How do sessions work—are they structured, flexible, directive? Who sets the pace?
- What are your fees and how does payment work?
- Is telehealth available in my location?
- How do you maintain clinical boundaries and privacy?
- What do you do if I’m feeling nervous or unsure about starting?
If you’re not sure what to ask, simply sharing your situation and seeing how the therapist responds can give you a good feel for the practice’s values and communication style.
Our Core Values: Why Fit Matters at Cushing Counseling
Therapy is a collaborative relationship. At Cushing Counseling, we hold ourselves to high standards of:
- Integrity: We believe in honest dialogue, clear expectations, and doing what we say.
- Expertise: Our therapists are not only licensed, but also specialty-certified with advanced training in sex and relationship health.
- Compassion: Every person is met with nonjudgment, genuine warmth, and respect for their unique journey.
Therapeutic fit is foundational—so your experience from the first consultation forward is designed to be safe, transparent, and customized to your story. These values are echoed throughout our client reviews and testimonials, and are a major reason why we are trusted across the DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida regions for sex, couples, and trauma therapy.
Client and Colleague Testimonials
Many of our clients and healthcare collaborators have shared publicly what makes a consultation with us unique:
- “A truly stigma-free environment where clients can feel safe to explore difficult topics without fear of judgment.” – TJ Janicky
- “Vanessa meets them exactly where they are—with empathy, clarity, and zero pressure.” – TJ Janicky
- “Working with [Cushing Counseling] helped me reconnect with parts of myself I thought were lost or broken.” – Lisa Cushing
- “Incredibly helpful in improving my relationship!” – Paula Caras
- “If you’re looking for a sex therapist who’s both clinically sharp and truly human, Vanessa is the real deal.” – Lisa Cushing
All testimonials can be found on our homepage and Google business listing.
Best Practices for Making the Most of Your Consultation
- Be open about your goals—even if you’re uncertain or ambivalent about therapy.
- If you’re part of a couple, consider whether both (or just one) of you want to join the call. Therapy can be helpful even if only one partner participates.
- Reflect on what qualities in a therapist make you feel safe or heard (compassion, directness, humor, expertise, or a specific cultural background).
- Ask for transparency on costs, scheduling, confidentiality, and what to expect if you decide to continue.
- Don’t hesitate to share past negative experiences with therapy—this can help us tailor the approach.
This preparation ensures you get the clarity and reassurance you need to make a confident, informed decision.
Alternatives: What if Cushing Counseling Isn’t the Right Fit?
We know not every therapist or therapy style works for every individual or couple. During the consultation, if we find that your needs are outside our areas of expertise or if you feel our approach doesn’t align with your values, we do our best to point you toward other trusted providers in the field. Your comfort and access to effective help remain a top priority.
If you are particularly interested in sex therapy and privacy, you may want to read our related posts, such as the best alternatives to AI sex therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cushing Counseling free consultation really free?
Yes. It’s a completely free, no-obligation phone or video call. You will never be charged unless you decide to book a full paid session.
How long does the consultation last?
About 15-20 minutes. This is enough time to discuss your goals, learn about our services, and decide whether you’d like to move forward.
Who conducts the consultation?
The consult is with one of our licensed therapists or intake specialists, depending on your needs and availability. All team members are deeply trained in sex therapy and trauma-informed care.
Can I schedule online and do the consultation virtually?
Yes. Just visit our scheduling page to book a free consultation and choose a time that fits your schedule. All sessions, including consults, are confidential and HIPAA-compliant.
What happens if my partner is reluctant or unavailable?
Therapy can start even if only one partner is ready. During your consultation, we can discuss ways to include your partner later or address concerns about starting therapy alone.
What are your rates for ongoing sessions?
As of the latest update, Vanessa Cushing’s sessions are $350 for 50 minutes, while team sessions with Alexandria are $150 for 50 minutes. Please check the FAQ page for current details, as these may evolve as our team grows. We facilitate out-of-network insurance claims where possible.
I’m concerned about privacy and stigma. How do you protect my information?
All sessions, consults, and information shared are held in strict confidentiality. We never release details about clients without explicit written consent, and all online services are HIPAA-compliant.
Conclusion: The Right Fit Starts With a Conversation
Choosing a sex therapist should never be rushed, and your sense of safety and compatibility should come before any financial or emotional commitment. At Cushing Counseling, our free consultation reflects our guiding values of integrity, expertise, and compassion—and our belief that great therapy begins with genuine understanding and trust.
If you’ve been debating whether to reach out, take this simple step. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain from a transparent, no-pressure conversation about your goals or challenges, however big or small.
We invite you to start your journey at your own pace; when you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to help.
Learn more about our philosophy, specialties, clinicians, and how to schedule your free consultation at Cushing Counseling.
