Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Jamea. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I grew up in a small, conservative town in southeast Tennessee. Needless to say, sex ed was limited, if not nonexistent. Fortunately for me though, my parents were open and progressive. My dad was an OBGYN and sex simply wasn’t a taboo topic in my home. I grew up feeling empowered to make decisions, something that most of my peers did not. My friends soon saw me as a sex ed resource, and so I started giving sex advice long before I was officially a sex therapist. The rest is history!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I practice as a sex and relationship therapist in Houston, TX. I studied Psychology at the University of Texas and happened to take a human sexuality elective. I found it fascinating how sexuality is a such a portal into the psyche, and decided then to focus my studies in psychology and human sexuality. I completed my Masters and eventually went on to receive my PhD in Sexology. I opened a private practice in 2012. I primarily treat couples and individuals who are experiencing sex and relationship issues. Common concerns include things like low sexual desire, ED, inability to reach orgasm, affair recovery, and communication struggles.

In addition to working with clients, I also host the Love and Libido podcast, write a monthly sex column for HealthyWomen.org, and speak to private and public groups both nationally and abroad. I’m also very active on social media and love how it’s allowed me to connect with a wider audience.

I’m most proud of my ability to help people rediscover (or discover for the first time) their most authentic, vital selves.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Opening my private practice was one of the biggest leaps of faith I’ve ever taken. I had a steady job with a consistent income, but I was unfulfilled. I knew I had potential, but wasn’t in an environment where I could grow. I got as many ducks in a row as I could before going to my boss to have the conversation about my transition out.

What happened next shocked me. They walked me out on the spot and cut off access to my clients, most of whom were in the middle of their therapy journeys with me. I worried about how to keep my new business afloat without income from clients right off the bat. But within a few days, my cell phone started to ring. Nearly all of my clients tracked me down and made appointments to see me in my new practice. They didn’t want to transition to the person my old boss referred them to. They wanted to continue to work with me because they found our work together meaningful. This gave me the confidence I needed to continue building my business. My reputation grew, and much to my surprise, I quickly grew a waitlist of clients eager to work with me.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Never see a therapist who hasn’t done their own therapeutic work. Therapists have a reputation for being in need of therapy themselves…and while it’s true that many enter the field because they overcame an obstacle and want to help others do the same, not all therapists are truly healed. I’m a big believer in practicing what I preach. How could I expect my clients to grow if I hadn’t grown as well. The truth is, I learned more about how to do therapy from my own therapeutic work than I did in school. I put the very same tools to use in my own marriage that I give to my clients. I believe that if you’re going to talk the talk, you have to walk the walk.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emilyjamea.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dremilyjamea/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EmilyDeAyala
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dremilyjamea