Julie Labanz, LPCC-S, CST, CST-S
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Certified Sex Therapist
Cincinnati OH
I work collaboratively with clients to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental. My approach is individualized, meaning I tailor the process to what best meets each person’s/relationship's needs. I often draw on evidence-based methods like the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, as well as Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic techniques, and EMDR for deeper individual work.
For me, it’s about balance—I offer gentle guidance while also being willing to challenge when needed to encourage growth and insight. When appropriate, I integrate tools like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to help break through emotional barriers and open new paths to healing. My goal is to meet clients where they are while helping them move toward greater connection, clarity, and fulfillment.
Most people ask me why sex therapy? I grew up in Cincinnati, a town that is known for being rather conservative. I have witnessed friends, family, and strangers experience shame, pain, embarrassment, and more because of the taboo stigma that accompanies sex. No matter what part of the United States you might find yourself in, people are still struggling to talk about this beautiful and life-giving (literally!) act.
As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, I am passionate about helping break down the walls of discomfort and shame and working to open people up to talking about sex and issues around sexual health. I believe that education can bring about great change and I would love to see people stop settling for mediocre and step into the fullness of their own potential.
It is clear to me that educating others about their bodies decreases shame and opens up conversations around self-love, consent, and healthy boundaries.
I have so many friends tell me I’m the first person to teach them what a clitoris is, or that it’s normal for sex to not last for hours like in porn, or that sex isn’t supposed to hurt… ever! My hope is that by providing a safe space for people to begin having discussions about sex, we can slowly see change to where people are comfortable with their sexuality and they are empowered to make healthy choices for themselves and their bodies, based on empirically supported research.
For me, this includes bringing sex positivity into all of the work that I do. I am affirming of kinky, LGBTQIA+, and polyamorous/CNM relationships. My motto is to never yuck someone's yum - what works for one person or relationship may not be true for another. I am here to help guide you through exploring whatever grey spaces you might find yourself in.
KAP enters into this realm by the transformative work I've seen it do with people feeling stuck or struggling with sexual shame/pain. I am so excited about the possibilities for what psychedelic work can offer those for whom talk therapy isn't quite what they need.