Sexuality & Sex Therapy
Sexuality, erotic maps and sex therapy in a confidential, respectful space.
Banker's Hill · Hillcrest · San Diego
Feeling good matters. Live with intention.
Dr. Paul Sussman is a clinical psychologist and marriage family therapist offering action-oriented, relational psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups in a peaceful private practice alongside Balboa Park.
Licensed psychologist & MFTAbout 20 years in practiceCertified Imago therapist
About Dr. Sussman
Safety, trust and a strong therapeutic alliance.
Dr. Sussman is a licensed clinical psychologist and licensed marriage family therapist with a full-time private practice in Banker's Hill (Hillcrest), San Diego. He has been in private practice for about 20 years and specializes in action-oriented, relational, depth and results-oriented psychotherapy with couples and individuals.
He believes in creating safety, confidentiality and a solid therapeutic alliance. That trust is the foundation for effective therapy, and he works best with motivated, curious and determined people committed to their own learning, growth, balance and development.
He also facilitates psychotherapy groups for men who were sexually abused as children, and is trained in cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, somatic-relational and psychodynamic approaches. He speaks Spanish fluently and loves travel, history and culture.
Specialties
Where Dr. Sussman can help
Therapy for individuals, couples and groups, with particular depth in relationships, sexuality, trauma and personal growth.
Couples and relationships
Intimacy, Relationships & Imago Couple's Therapy
Dr. Sussman is a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, working from Harville Hendrix's Imago Relationship Therapy to help couples build understanding, connection and safety.
Self-Esteem & Body Image
Support with self-esteem, body image and social skills.
Trauma, Abuse & Coping
Work on trauma, abuse, health and coping, including groups for men sexually abused as children.
Sexual Orientation & LGBTQ Issues
Care for sexual orientation and GLBTQ issues, relationships and identity.
Fears, Anxiety & Mood
Help with fears, anxiety and mood so you can feel more balanced.
Substance Use & Abuse
Therapy that addresses substance use and the patterns around it.
“Therapy is a developmental journey: a process with a purpose.”
Approach
Relational, depth and action-oriented.
Therapy looks different for each client and each therapist, and often different at different times in your life. Dr. Sussman draws on a range of approaches, including Imago relationship therapy and bioenergetic analysis, to suit where you are.
Good, honest communication and a good fit between client and therapist are essential for progress.
Therapy is…
What to expect from the work
Six ways Dr. Sussman thinks about what therapy is for.
A developmental journey
A process with a purpose, different for every client and every therapist, and often different at different stages of your life.
A collaborative relationship
A professional partnership where honest communication and a good fit are essential for progress.
A process of learning
Putting the pieces of your life together to understand yourself, your relationships and your history.
Growing in compassion
Developing understanding, care and compassion for yourself as well as for others.
About feeling good
Feeling more balanced and happier with yourself, your relationships, and the direction and quality of your life.
Private and confidential
It is for you: a place to explore and be increasingly honest about the personal truths and experiences of your life.
Background
Licensure, training and professional experience.
LicensureLicensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY 13876) and Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (MFT 25181)
CertificationsCertified Imago Relationship Therapist and Certified Bioenergetic Analyst
AssociationsAmerican Psychological Association, San Diego Psychological Association, CAMFT, Imago Relationships International, International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis
Teaching & trainingFaculty at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, teaching human sexuality, clinical supervision, countertransference, sexual orientation, relationships and intimacy. Also trains professionals through the California Psychological Association, San Diego County Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, the Relationship Training Institute, the San Diego Psychological Association and the University of San Diego.
Navy & researchEight years with the U.S. Navy treating service members and families affected by sexual abuse and domestic violence; co-authored the Navy's Sexual Abuse Treatment Manual. Research in domestic violence and HIV/psychoneuroimmunology with UCSD; UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute; clinical supervisor at the Relationship Treatment and Intervention Program.
LanguagesEnglish and fluent Spanish (studied at the University of Madrid)
New clients
Beginning therapy
To inquire about an initial interview, email or call and leave good times and phone numbers so Dr. Sussman can speak with you voice to voice.
$250 / 45 min
Initial interview
A first meeting to discuss the possibility of working together, charged at the same fee as an individual session. Bring your questions, goals and intentions.
$325 / 60 min
60-minute session
The fee for a 60-minute therapy session.
Forms to bring
Please download, read and complete the New Client Information and Consent for Treatment forms before your first meeting.
If you decide to work together, an assessment period follows to put the pieces of the puzzle together, build a shared understanding and decide on a path forward into change. Completing the Life History Questionnaire is recommended so you can reflect on, and share, the events, relationships and patterns that have shaped your life.
Dr. Sussman will check in periodically to make sure the work stays productive and meets your goals. Good communication, action steps and deep honesty about both the positive and negative experiences of the work are an important part of the process.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Who is Dr. Paul Sussman?
Paul R. Sussman, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY 13876) and licensed marriage family therapist (MFT 25181) with a full-time private practice in Banker's Hill (Hillcrest), San Diego. He is a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and a Certified Bioenergetic Analyst, with about 20 years in private practice.
What does Dr. Sussman specialize in?
Intimacy and relationships, Imago couples therapy, sexuality and sex therapy, self-esteem and body image, trauma, abuse and coping, sexual orientation and LGBTQ issues, fears, anxiety and mood, and substance use. He also facilitates psychotherapy groups for men who were sexually abused as children.
What happens in the first meeting?
The initial interview is a 45-minute meeting to talk about the possibility of working together. Bring your questions, goals and intentions, along with the completed New Client Information and Consent for Treatment forms. If you decide to continue, an assessment period follows.
What are the fees?
The 45-minute initial interview and a 45-minute individual session are $250. A 60-minute session is $325.
Where is the office?
3101 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103, at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Redwood, alongside Balboa Park in Banker's Hill (Hillcrest).
Does Dr. Sussman work with couples?
Yes. Dr. Sussman is a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, trained in Harville Hendrix's Imago Relationship Therapy, and works with couples and individuals.
How do I book an initial interview?
Call 619.339.8228 or email paulsussmanphd@gmail.com. Leave good times and phone numbers so Dr. Sussman can speak with you voice to voice.
Get in touch
Start with a conversation.
Paul R. Sussman, Ph.D.
Phone619.339.8228
Fax619.542.0332
Office3101 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103, corner of Fourth Avenue & Redwood, alongside Balboa Park
Fees$250 for the 45-minute initial interview, $325 for a 60-minute session.
Initial interview
Tell Dr. Sussman a little about what you need.
Email or call to arrange a first meeting. Please leave good times and phone numbers where he can reach you.