Meet Dr. Rossana Sida | Sex & Relationship Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Rossana Sida and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Rossana, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
A lot of people think, “If you need therapy, your relationship is doomed,” or, “Couples therapy is a last resort before breaking up.” Both of these ideas imply that needing therapy is a sign of failure, rather than recognizing it as the proactive measure that it is. Often, couples come to therapy because they have tried everything they could to resolve a conflict (or many) and have not been able to solve them on their own. From my point of view, couples therapy is what you do when you need the unbiased perspective of someone trained in relationship dynamics. It’s about giving the relationship the tools and support it needs to thrive, not just survive. Therapy can help couples understand each other better, improve communication (argue better), and develop healthier patterns—all of which are crucial for a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Togetherness Therapy is a sex and relationship therapy group practice serving the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Our clients often struggle with maintaining healthy relationships or face sexual difficulties that go beyond simple online tips. Our ideal clients are motivated to change their circumstances by making significant changes within themselves.

What sets us apart in the field of sex and relationship therapy is our commitment to collaborative therapy. We see ourselves as partners with our clients on their journey. They are the true experts in their own lives, and we bring our extensive education and experience to assist them in achieving their goals. We frequently incorporate various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused/Attachment Theory, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Existential Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, and trauma therapy.

One of the aspects we are most proud of at Togetherness Therapy is the deep, meaningful relationships we form with our clients. We approach each client as an individual we care deeply about, not as a “problem” to solve. We strive to help them achieve what they see as their next steps. Building these relationships often involves humor, maintaining a sex-positive attitude, and encouraging clients to lean into their authenticity, just as we do in their presence.

I started the group practice because I realized I couldn’t help as many people as I dreamed of helping by working solo. Too many people suffer in their relationships, struggle to find a partner, feel uncomfortable with their sexuality, or experience stress about sex. I am passionate about taking what I’ve learned and using it to help others embrace and love their sexual selves and partnerships.

The values of collaborative therapy are central to Togetherness Therapy. Collaborative therapy emphasizes a partnership approach, where the therapist and client work together as equals in the therapeutic process. This approach fosters mutual respect and empowers clients by recognizing their expertise in their lives. It encourages open communication, shared decision-making, and a focus on the client’s goals and perspectives. Each clinician at Togetherness Therapy embodies these values and sees themselves as partners in the client’s journey rather than authoritative figures.

Establishing my business as a sex and relationship therapist was not easy. It involved navigating numerous challenges, from finding the right team members to managing the logistical complexities of running a therapy practice. We overcame these challenges through persistence, continuous learning, and unwavering dedication to our mission.

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned many essential lessons. The most crucial is the importance of genuine connection and empathy. Success in therapy is not just about clinical outcomes; it’s about building trust and forming meaningful relationships with clients.

Currently, we are expanding our group practice by hiring more therapists. The demand for relationship and sex therapy is high, and we want to be ready to support everyone who reaches out for help. All clinicians at Togetherness Therapy are general sex and relationship therapists and this particular team has more niched specialties such as:
1. Polyamorous Relationships
2. Erectile Dysfunction
3. Painful Sex / Vaginismus
4. Desire Discrepancy (one partner wants more sex)
5. Cheating / Infidelity
6. Dating / Singles Issues
7. And more! @togethernesstherapy or www.togetherensstherapy.com to find out more!

I want the world to know that Togetherness Therapy is deeply committed to making a difference in people’s lives. Our brand stands for authentic connection, collaborative partnership, and relentless dedication to helping our clients achieve their relational and sexual well-being. We are here to help individuals and couples navigate their most personal challenges and support them in building fulfilling, authentic lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I’d start with a few classic touristy days. We could:

– Hike to the iconic Hollywood sign.
– Walk along the famous stars on Hollywood and Vine.
– Catch a show at the Pantages Theatre.
– Eat at restaurants where we’re likely to spot a celebrity or two.
– Shop along Melrose Avenue and in Beverly Hills.
– Spend time in Malibu, Venice, or Santa Monica Beach.
– Visit Griffith Observatory.

Then, I’d dive into more local experiences to truly capture LA living. We’d:

– Take a transformative workout class at The Class.
– Go for scenic runs along the beach.
– Enjoy a perfect coffee at South LA Cafe.
– Have a night out in West Hollywood.
– Eat at my favorite restaurants, such as Pecorino, Bossa Nova, Lares, Edwin Rooftop Bar, Perch, Bestia, and Sugarfish.
– Spend time chatting and people watching in various charming cafes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to highlight my husband, who has been an incredible source of support throughout my journey as a sex and relationship therapist. His unwavering belief in me has been instrumental in both my educational and professional achievements. Throughout my doctorate program, he made many sacrifices, spending countless evenings alone while I spent that time seeing clients.

Right this moment, my husband is with our children because our nanny needed to leave early. More often than not, he is the one who steps up to cover childcare when needed and understands that my work as a sex and relationship therapist is more scheduled than his. As my practice grows, he fully supports the importance of long-term planning and creating effective systems. He respects and treats these essential parts of my job with the same importance as when I have a client in the waiting room.

Additionally, my husband manages our website and handles all the technical aspects of the business. Indirectly, he supports me when I’m triggered or overwhelmed. He’s excellent at ensuring I take necessary breaks from work during weekends. There have been many instances where I’d run a concern or decision by him, considering it complicated, and he would provide a straightforward direction. His perspective is invaluable because he doesn’t get bogged down by all the details. His ethical, loyal, and honest nature ensures his advice is always reliable.

My husband and I complement each other perfectly. I am always on the go, working on various aspects of client work, business management, and continuing education in sex therapy simultaneously. He helps me maintain a balanced approach, focusing on one task at a time and seeing projects through to completion before starting another. This balanced approach has been a calming and steadying influence on my busy schedule as a sex and relationship therapist.

His support and unique qualities have been the quiet strength behind my public success. I truly couldn’t do this without him, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Website: https://www.togethernesstherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togethernesstherapy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossanasida

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXZhNAn6o99bv-iluRDtBvQ/videos