**Online Perimenopause Support Group Beginning May 21st**

When: Every other Wednesday at 12pm EST

Reach out through my "schedule an appointment" form if you would like to join and for more information!  

Lisa Olinger, Sex Therapist and Perimenopause Specialist

Mental Health Support, Sex Therapy, and Relationship Counseling for Women in Perimenopause

Women navigating perimenopause, often experience heightened anxiety, irritation, depression, and overwhelm.  Low libido, painful sex, dryness, and a lack of sensation during intimacy are also things women experience during perimenopause.  As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Perimenopause Specialist, I support women ages 35-55 with mental health and intimacy struggles during perimenopause.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the time prior to menopause and can last up to 10 years.  Typically, women begin perimenopause between the ages of 35-45.  Menopause is the one single day when a woman has gone a full year without any menstrual bleeding.  The transitional time before menopause is called perimenopause (sometimes referred to as the time when women are "going through the change").

If you are a woman and 35-55 years old, there’s a very strong chance you are already experiencing perimenopause, even if you didn't already know it yet.  Welcome to the club, my friend!  It's a wild ride, but you aren't alone.

Perimenopause + Mental Health

Here are some common mental health struggles that women experience during perimenopause:

• Anxiety + OCD
• Panic attacks
• Irritability
• "Peri rage" (IYKYK)
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Brain fog
• Low motivation
• Low energy and exhaustion
• Insomnia - trouble falling and staying asleep

As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I offer individualized modalities to help you with mental health struggles and women's issues during midlife and perimenopause.

Perimenopause + Sexual Health

Intimacy struggles are also common during perimenopause.  Here are some common struggles women experience during sex:

• Pain during sex
• Vaginal dryness and difficulty staying lubricated (even with lube)
• Low libido and a lack of interest in sex
• Lack of sensation and difficulty reaching orgasm
• Feeling like sex is just another chore on your to do list
• Not knowing how to make sex more comfortable and enjoyable

As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST), I have extensive training and experience supporting women on various sexual issues and difficulties during intimacy.

Perimenopause + Healthy Relationships

Perimenopause can bring added stress, communication challenges, and intimacy struggles into relationships leading to disconnection and disagreements.  Many women experience a lower tolerance for stress than they used to before and feel a stronger pull to focus on themselves and re-evaluate their relationships at this time.  In fact, divorce rates rise during perimenopause and menopause.  If you are struggling in your relationship, reach out for help.

As a relationship therapist with over a decade of experience helping adults and couples enhance their connection, I can support you in improving the quality of your relationship or in exploring whether it is still the right fit for you.

Perimenopause + Physical Health

In addition to mental health and sexual health, women often experience changes in their physical health during perimenopause. During perimenopause, your hormones change and your estrogen declines.  You may experience a change in your cycle: shorter or longer periods, skipping periods, and experiencing lighter or heavier bleeding than typical.  Here are some common physical symptoms that women experience during perimenopause.

• Difficulty sleeping
• Dry, itchy skin
• Hot flashes and/or night sweats
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Weight gain
• ....and many more

Even if your concerns have been dismissed by others, I am here to help!  There is no gaslighting here.  Aside from drinking your water, exercising and getting enough rest, your mental health is important as well and therapy can be incredibly helpful during this transitional time in your life.

Collaboration with Other Health Providers

I am passionate about advocating for women like you to get the support you need during perimenopause. Collaboration with other professionals such as: gynecologists, pelvic floor physical therapists, functional medicine providers and hormone replacement therapy prescribers is offered so you get a holistic approach to your well-being.

Offering 1:1 Mental Health Support, Relationship Counseling, and Sex Therapy for Women in Perimenopause

As a woman in my 40s, I get it and understand!  If you are experiencing mental health struggles (anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, etc), difficulty during intimacy (low libido, painful sex, dryness, or lack of sensation), or challenges with your relationships, reach out for help.

It is my pleasure to support women with their mental health, intimacy, and relationships during perimenopause.

Schedule your first session and start getting the support you deserve!  I look forward to working with you.

"Your soul has capabilities far beyond what you can possibly imagine." ~ Journey of Souls

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