Joseli Alves-Dunkerson, Couples & Sex Therapist

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Joseli Alves-Dunkerson, LMFT, MBA, MPH
She/Her/Hers
Therapist and Owner
Attending residents from the states of Iowa, Washington State & Florida*
Email: Hello@RelationshipAndIntimacy.com

Joseli Alves-Dunkerson, LMFT, AASECT CST
Couples Therapist, Marriage Counselor
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
Separation & Divorce Discernment
Couples Intensives Lead
Interfaith Spiritual Director

Schedule an Appointment with Joseli

Hello and welcome!

I help couples facing relationship challenges, such as poor communication, differences in libido, discovery of an affair, and discerning about separation or divorce. These couples in general “have it all”, having accomplished much in life, working a busy lifestyle, sometimes raising kids, and wanting to make well-thought decisions. For that purpose, they seek clarity and purpose at the individual and relational levels, which takes some focused time away. I offer regular couples counseling sessions as well as couples intensives to help these couples get to where they want to go.

I offer couples counseling (sessions every 2 weeks for 12 months) and couples intensives intensives (7 hours a day, 2-4 days), depending on how quickly a couple wants to address their issues. I can help you find the space to renew a relationship or making difficult decisions.

I see clients in person (in Iowa) and online (in Iowa, Washington State, and Florida). Appointments are generally in the afternoons and evenings and on Saturday mornings. People from all backgrounds are honored and welcome!

I am also available for clinical supervision and professional peer consultation.

I take BCBS insurance for issues related to poor communication. Sexual issues and Intensives are not covered by any insurance and need to be paid by the client(s).

Here are some of the common issues I can help you with:

DISSATISFACTION: Are you feeling stuck in your relationship? Do you feel you have tried enough and now you need some new strategies?
CONNECTION: Do you feel disconnected, emotionally and/or physically, in your relationship?
COMMUNICATION / CONFLICT: Is conflict or distance a constant in your relationship? Do you feel the need to communicate better with your partner?
SEXUAL DESIRE: Do you and your partner have different levels of sexual desire? Do you feel insecure about yourself?
SEX AND BABY: Are you facing a change in your sexual life in preparing for the arrival of your baby, or after the baby arrived?
SEXUAL HEALTH: Do you have problems with sexual functioning?
SEXUAL TRAUMA: Do you have a history of sexual trauma that may be interfering with your wellbeing and/or relationships?
DISABILITY AND SEX: Do you have a chronic condition that impacts your sexual life? Like cancer, heart problems, diabetes, or a physical disability? Would you like to explore a new intimate life with your partner?
AGING AND SEX: Is aging (menopause, andropause) impacting your sexual life? Would you like to learn more about sex after 50?
AFFAIRS: Are you going through infidelity issues? Did you know that 50% of couples going through affair issues can recover and have a stronger and honest relationship?
SEPARATION and DIVORCE DISCERNMENT: Are you considering divorce but are not sure? Have you experienced divorce and want to prepare yourself for a new chapter in your life?
DATING: Are you single or divorce and trying to navigate the dating scene? Would you like to learn more about yourself and what you really need in a partner?
BREAK-UPS: Have you had a heartbreak and are having a tough time to grieve and overcome it?
SELF-LOVE: Do you feel shame or guilt for some of your past life experiences? Would you be interested in learning acceptance and self-compassion to open yourself to a new life?
PREP FOR MARRIAGE OR COHABITING: Are you preparing to live together or get married? Are you prepared for what lies ahead?
PURITY CULTURE: Do you want to learn more about your biology so that you can be prepared for your marital life?
SPIRITUALITY: Do you feel uncomfortable or conflicted when dealing with issues related to love, sex, and religion?

What to expect

Once you schedule an appointment with me, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to your online paperwork. Both partners need to complete their own paperwork before the 1st session. The initial assessment takes 4 sessions: I will see you both on the first session to learn about your issues, then see you individually for one session, and then review all your assessments and treatment plan together as a team. After that, we will schedule couples sessions every 1 or 2 weeks depending on the challenges you are facing. Homework is given for the couple to do at home, and it needs to be completed before the following session to keep the therapeutic process moving forward. Couples therapy can take between 6 and 12 months, with most sessions every 2 weeks. Couples can also request a Couples Intensive if they so prefer.

Fees

My private fees are: $250 for 50 min couples session and sex therapy, $2,000-2,500 per day of intensive.
I am considered an Out of Network (OON) provider for most insurance, which may allow you to get partially reimbursed by your insurance (please check to see if your insurance plan includes OON benefits).

My training

Masters in Psychology by Saybrook University (in-person training), Seattle Campus, WA
Certified Sex Therapist by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
Trained in the Gottman, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Imago Approaches
Trained in Divorce Discernment
Certified Interfaith Spiritual Direction by Saint Placid’s Spirituality Center in Lacey, WA
Masters in Business Administration by the University of Iowa, IA
Masters in Public Health by the University of Iowa, IA

My professional associations

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
American Society of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR)
American Sexual Health Association (ASHA)

We are a comprehensive, sex-positive team of professionals who are here to support you!

Please visit our website for more information or schedule an appointment HERE. We look forward to meeting you!

*Florida Telehealth Website: https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/