Education, Experience, Certification & Approach
Ms. Tiffany LaPorte, B.S., M.A.
Registered Psychotherapist & Sex Therapist
Education
I completed my Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology in 2011 as well as my Master of Arts degree with a major in Counselling Psychology in 2014 from Wayne State University. In April 2020, I completed the Sexual Health Certificate Program (Sex Therapy and Sexuality Education Track) from the University of Michigan.
Experience
My career as a psychotherapist began in 2014 working for a private practice with client’s that were involved in motor vehicle accidents. I later branched out to work more independently focusing on client’s with a much larger range of mental health concerns and life challenges. In 2020, I opened my own private practice specializing in Sex Therapy.
Certification
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a Certified Sex Therapist with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). I am governed by and comply with the standards of practice as outlined by the CRPO as well as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I have been a practicing clinician in good standing since 2014.
Approach
I approach sex therapy from a biopsychosocial lens, which means that I address the physiological, psychological and interpersonal factors that contribute to pleasure, intimacy and sexual satisfaction. There are many factors that could be seen as potential barriers to a person’s sexual functioning and intimacy such as hormonal changes, mood disorders, trauma, body image issues or poor relationship communication. Other factors that contribute to sexual health problems could also be related to culture, society, ethnicity or religion. Whatever the case, I am here to help you identify and understand exactly what and how these factors are contributing to your sexual difficulties as well as how to overcome or manage them in a way that is empowering to you.
In general, I’m an insight-oriented therapist, which means that I approach therapy with the intent to help you explore your thoughts, behaviours and feelings so that you may gain better awareness into who you are as well as how and why you navigate the world in the ways that you do. I also help you reflect on your life’s experiences, both past and present, and apply them to the issues you bring to therapy. I also integrate attachment theory and work from a cognitive behavioural standpoint when necessary and appropriate. Attachment theory involves understanding how different emotional bonds throughout your early development shape your intimate relationships in adulthood. Cognitive behavioural therapy involves challenging your thoughts so as to change any unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviours, improve emotional regulation, and promote the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems.
Since each individual person, relationship and circumstance is complex and unique, not all therapy strategies work similarly for different people or situations. I therefore tailor each treatment plan to each individual client or relationship.