Frequently asked questions
“I would rather have questions that can’t be answered, than answers that can’t be questioned.”
—Richard Feynman
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Contact me to set up a free consultation! We’ll talk for about 15 minutes to give me a sense of what’s been going on and to answer any questions you have for me and to ensure I’m a good fit for you.
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The duration of therapy depends on individual needs, resources, and treatment type. Research shows most clients report feeling better after about three months, but it varies. You can discuss concerns and questions anytime. Therapy is not a contractual obligation. However, most clients prefer to continue seeing me for check-ins after achieving their goals. If needed, frequency can be adjusted.
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Additional education and training specifically in human sexuality. Sex therapists are first trained as “regular therapists.” Then, they are additionally trained in sex therapy. “Regular therapists” typically only take one (1) class in human sexuality as part of their education. I am obtaining an additional 90 hours of education and training focused only on human sexuality. So, I am trained in both “regular therapy” and the specialty of sex therapy.
Think of a cardiologist. A cardiologist is first trained as a medical doctor who then specializes in working with hearts.
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To become a Certified Sex Therapist, individuals must meet specific educational and training requirements. I received my certification from The Sexual Health Alliance, an organization whose education program is approved by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), ensuring the highest standards in the field.
Here are the typical requirements to become a Certified Sex Therapist, as outlined in a recent Forbes Health article:
Educational Background: Sex therapists start by obtaining a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or social work.
Licensing: After completing their degree, they become licensed associates, working under direct supervision to gain clinical experience.
Certification in Sex Therapy: To specialize in sex therapy, therapists pursue certification, a process that may take about a year to complete. They seek certification from recognized organizations such as AASECT, the Sexual Health Alliance, International Board of Sexuality Professionals (IBOSP), Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, The Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), or select university programs.
Training Requirements: Certification programs typically include academic coursework, in-person training, and clinical experience. These programs also emphasize adherence to a code of ethics.
Specialized Knowledge: Sex therapists must have a deep understanding of human sexuality, including sexual disorders, variations, and anatomy.
Counseling Skills: They should possess strong counseling and communication abilities, including active listening and empathy.
Cultural Sensitivity: Sex therapists must be attentive to and respectful of cultural differences, diverse backgrounds, and values.
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First sessions are known as intake sessions. Dress for comfort. These sessions are casual, comfortable, and approximately 80 minutes long.
I typically start the session with some brief information and then let you tell me what’s been going on. There’s no right or wrong. There’s no judgement.
I may have some questions here and there and then something to think about or try — something small - to start taking small steps toward change.
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Yes. I will accommodate tele-therapy sessions.
I recommend that you contact me first, however, for an initial consultation to ensure I’m a good for you and vice versa.
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Yes. I still hold an active license in the State of Texas. It’s just that I no longer earn a living practicing law. Instead, I now combine my legal skills such as learning how people think and make decisions along with my training as a therapist in human psychology and behavior to help my clients.
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Most people know Eros as the god of love and sex from Greek mythology. What most people don’t know, however, is that he was also the god of friendship and liberty. Those traits seem to be key to personal empowerment and relationships in one’s life, and it fit with my desire to help people find those things in their lives.
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My last name is Pfannenstiel. It is German, and the “P” at the beginning is silent (in the U.S., anyway). So, if you ignore the “P,” you can kinda sound out the rest: FAH - NEN - STEEL. But feel free to just call me Darrin.
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I Don’t Because My Focus Is on You, Not Red Tape. At Eros, my primary aim is to support individuals in navigating life's challenges without being constrained by the diagnoses or labels often mandated by insurance providers. To maintain this client-centered approach, I’ve chosen not to participate in insurance programs. However, I will gladly provide you with visit receipts, which are typically sufficient for you to contact your insurance company directly to explore “out of network” benefits. Additionally, you can utilize flexible savings accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) to cover my services.