SERVICES
Our patients enjoy an emotionally safe, confidential, nurturing environment. Here you are free to explore, heal and move beyond past isolation, fear, confusion, depression and low self-esteem.
Call Us! (831) 375.7553
SEXUAL ABUSE
MALE SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
is one of a kind on the Central Coast, on-going Since 1994.
Stephen Braveman, LMFT, DST facilitates this healing group and provides men a safe, private and nurturing environment to move beyond the pain related to childhood sexual abuse. Participants work through isolation, fear, confusion, depression, low self-esteem and anger with other men who have had similar experience.
Stephen is one of the creators of, and featured in, the groundbreaking documentary,
Boyhood Shadows: I Swore I’d Never Tell
Join the hundreds of men that have worked through our program and have become empowered to take their lives back. This unique Men’s Group meets weekly on Monday Nights for two hours.
FEMALE SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
this very popular, unique Therapy Group is designed specifically for female/female-identified who have been sexually or emotionally abused, assaulted, date raped, or raped by an intimate partner or stranger.
Together in this safe, private, and nurturing group environment participants work through isolation, fear, confusion, depression, low self-esteem, and anger with other females who have had similar experiences. Facilitated by Stephen L. Braveman, LMFT, DST, and Patient Advocate Wanda Braveman, this Therapy Group can help you take back your life. Our powerful Female Group meets weekly on Tuesday nights for two hours.
LIVING WITH A SURVIVOR
is a Couple’s Group for Survivors of Sexual Abuse or Rape and Their Loving Partners.
In this group couples will find a safe, nurturing place to examine the unique challenges they face due to sexual abuse survivor issues. Partners will learn how to take care of themselves while supporting the growth of their partner. Together couples will find ways to leave painful memories behind and embrace the safety of a healthy, loving, energetic and romantic relationship.
Our couples experience increased communication, enhanced sexual satisfaction and pleasure, safety in being together as well as the ability to heal past wounds and new ways to relax and laugh together again.
This group is led by Stephen L. Braveman & Wanda M. Braveman
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
All forms of domestic violence, verbal, emotional and physical.
TRANSGENDER
a safe and confidential support group addressing the needs of Trans Women, Trans Men, Gender Queer, Gender Non-Conforming and Intersex people. Pre-op, Post-op and Non-op warmly welcomed!
Meet with others that are on the same path. Share your story, learn from others and support each other. This group is lead by Stephen L. Braveman and co-lead by Wanda Braveman and is a two-hour therapy group that meets monthly on 4th Tuesday evening and meets the WPATH Standards of Care.
Call Us! (831) 375.7553
SEXUALITY: MALE
In this group, men of all ages over eighteen, orientations, and backgrounds will find a confidential, safe place to expand their knowledge and be empowered. We will help them remove old stigmas from their past and explore the infinite possibilities with regard to their own sexuality and its expression. Help them feel comfortable with themselves and their significant others by seeking out and acting on the information provided below:
•What is a Man
•Male Sexual Abuse
•Sexual Health Masturbation
•Sacred Sexuality
•Beyond the Missionary Position
•Dating Pornography
•Addiction, Compulsion, or Typical? Maintaining Your Sexual Prowess
Facilitated by: Stephen L. Braveman LMFT, DST
SEXUALITY: FEMALE
Are you settling for less than you want or deserve? Is the lack of a partner keeping you from nurturing and enjoying your sexuality? Do you wish you had more knowledge and information about your body/mind, lifecycle changes, desire, arousal, and emotions? How do you overcome the effects of past negative events? Do you long for something more beyond intercourse and orgasm? Would you like to bring your sacred self into your bedroom and that of your partner? In this intimate group open to all ages eighteen and older, orientations, and partner status we will explore the many facets of sexuality from a women’s point of view. In a safe non-threatening, supportive environment; you will find that space to expand your knowledge, and reflect on the journey that led you to discover a whole new landscape of possibility to nurture and enjoy your sensuality and sexuality.
Among the topics we will explore:
Myths vs. Facts
Who’s got the time?
Identifying and asking for Self-pleasuring
what you want
Messages from our upbringing Past negative events Low libido Toys, fantasy, internet
Changes as you age Self-care
Orientation Sacred sexuality
Facilitated by Stephen L. Braveman, co-led by Wanda Braveman
SACARED INTIMACY TANTRA
ISGC offers many unique forms of Tantra designed for individual groups based on energy flow.
Sacred Sexuality/Tantra for Couples
Sacred Sexuality/Tantra for Trans Couples
Sacred Sexuality/Tantra for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Sacred Sexuality/Tantra for Singles
Sacred Sexuality/Tantra for Professionals
Our specialized One or two-day Tantra Workshops includes all aspects of Sacred Tantra. We focus on uniting the sensual, sexual and sacred energy with partners or singles in a bonding, healing experience.
In order for partners to experience sexual healing, they must first experience, safety, trust and intimacy. Sexual energy affects both people in a relationship and our workshops are unique, in that we foster this in safety, trust and healing for each couple in a confidential, private weekend.
You and your partner will learn many techniques, including partnered breath and eye gazing, while taking into account the special needs and circumstances of our specialized couples.
Couples will practice the techniques learned while remaining fully clothed. No direct genital touch will occur during this workshop.
Singles, we will give you back to yourself. We will open your chakras and teach you to tap into your sacred energy self.
Call Us! (831) 375.7553
CPR FOR YOUR SEX LIFE
Stephen and Wanda Braveman bring Stephen’s book to Life! Based on the book of the same name written by Mildred L. Brown Ph.D and Stephen L. Braveman, LMFT, DST.
Delivered in a fun. Preppy and yet substantive style, this CPR Workshop is like a tapestry, woven with all the threads needed to restore even the most failing bond.
Simple, yet effective solutions are presented for restoring sexual satisfaction in otherwise overly busy lives. Let us help you become a loving, sensual couple, and make your love life a priority.
For all ages over eighteen and all sexual orientations, this group satisfies the needs in every relationship. The tools you will gain here will last a lifetime. A copy of “CPR For Your Sex Life, How To Breathe Life Into A Dead, Dying or Dull Sex Life” is included in this exciting one-day Workshop.
ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES
Stephen is a KAP (KINK Aware Professional) All services are LGBTQ+, KINK and POLY friendly. Inquire for further details.
Call Us! (831) 375.7553
PATIENT ADVOCACY
Patient Advocates have specialized training to support patients through their therapeutic journey. This typically involves helping the patient access mental health care by assisting in finding appropriate mental health service providers, scheduling appointments, transporting the patient to the appointments, explaining to the patient what is about to transpire at an appointment, staying with the patient during the appointment, helping the patient understand follow-up care and assisting the patient in follow-up care compliance.
Patient Advocates are also utilized in hospital settings, where they may legally stand up for the patient’s rights, and in out-patient clinics and centers where they may assist the patient in everything from completing in-take forms to facilitating participation in therapeutic recreational activities as provided by such clinics and centers.
They may teach independent living skills and lead milieu therapy groups. Patient Advocates are usually and deliberately representative of the community at large. In mental health settings, Patient Advocates function under the supervision of a licensed mental health provider or administrator.
At ISGC of California our Patient Advocate, Wanda Braveman facilitates and leads social groups and activities relevant to the major communities we serve. Direct outreach to community resources, such as surgeons we may refer for Gender Confirmation Surgery. She organizes and facilitates many of our groups.
As a Patient advocate, Wanda Braveman is available by appointment for:
Outreach, Home Visits, Wardrobe Attire Accusations, Consultations, Appointment Accompaniment and Interpretation, Community Feminization Training, Feminization Life Skills Coach and Essential Oils Education as they pertain to the Chakras
Call Us! (831) 375.7553
COUPLES THERAPY
Stephen L. Braveman also specializes in the unique challenges facing many couples, as it pertains to their sexual, spiritual, relational interactions and reactions within the confines of a relationship.
ISGC offers CPR for Your Sex Life and Sacred Sensual Tantra as tools for couples to replenish the love and sensual aspects of their relationship.
Call Us! (831) 375.7553
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT
CARE for CAREGIVERS
Care for Caregiver’s individualized therapy group is a caregiver’s emotional and physical life support system. It is designed for everyone involved with caregiving, either professional or familial. Led by Stephen and Wanda Braveman and based on her book, “White Knight, Living with Alzheimer’s, Moment by Moment”.
Stephen and I found a way to demystify caregiving, how to find joy and peace amid the trials, pain and yes, frustration in taking care of another, even someone you dearly love. We give the caregiver hope, that life can still be found in the ordinary moments.
We explore how to better understand the needs of the patient as well as the caregiver, how to “stay in the moment” with their patient and how to find peace there.
We teach our caregivers that “they” are enough. Life is rich with beauty even as you care for a loved one. Life brings challenges, but that is where we grow.
We teach practical tips for caregiving, from making their homes safe for their patients and themselves, to sex therapy for the caregiver. As well as encouragement handling tough situations that may arise with the sexuality of their loved ones and or patients.
Give your patients and their caregivers the “gift” of a lifetime. If we can improve the experience of the caregiver, the experience of the patient improves dramatically.
Call Us! (831) 375.7553
PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION
What is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor?
AASECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisors are AASECT Certified Sex Therapists who have additional education, training and experience supervising other Sex Therapists.
They provide individual and group supervision to other licensed, or license eligible, mental health providers who are members of AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) so that the supervisee may gain the education, training and experience needed to be fully qualified to become a Certified Sex Therapist.
At ISGC of California Stephen Braveman is our AASECT Certified Supervisor. He provides mentoring and direct supervision for those seeking a career in the field of Sex Therapy; especially for those seeking to become an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist.
HIPPA COMPLIANT VIDEO CHAT THERAPY
Call Us! (831) 375.7553
AASECT CERTIFIED DIPLOMATE OF SEX THERAPY
AASECT is the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. The largest of its kind in the United States, AASECT provides education, advocacy and networking opportunities for professionals in the field. AASECT sets the standards, and provides the means, for its members to become Certified as Sexuality Educators, Counselors or Therapists.
AASECT Certified Sex Therapists are licensed Mental Health Professionals. They have advanced and specialized education, training and experience qualifying them to assess, diagnose and treat sexual disorders, sex dysfunctions, sexual interpersonal issues, gender and transgender conditions, along with other mental health and interpersonal problems.
They provide in-depth psychotherapy in conjunction with educational and behavioral guidance specific to treating sexual issues and concerns.
At ISGC of California Stephen Braveman is our AASECT Certified Diplomate of Sex Therapy. He provides individual, couples and group psychotherapy and sex therapy. Specific areas of nationally recognized specialization and expertise include treatment for sexual abuse survivor, transgendered conditions, LGBT issues, alternative life-style issues, sexual compulsivity, sacred intimacy/Tantra, advocacy and supervision.