Just like the rest of us, many adults who have developmental disabilities are interested in having a "boyfriend" or "girlfriend". Sometimes this wish goes unanswered and the person is left lonely or broken-hearted. At other times, relationships form but can become frustrating, difficult, or even dangerous. For the lucky ones, relationships are life-enhancing, and help to build self-esteem and independence.

Many people (with and without disabilities!) need some guidance in how to find and select an appropriate person to date; how to start a conversation and ask for a date; how to plan and carry out a date; how to negotiate sexual situations safely and effectively; and how to manage the emotional ups and downs that always accompany the wonderful and oh-so-human experience of having a love life.

As a sexuality consultant for more than 16 years, I have considerable experience in counseling individuals with developmental disabilities about these issues. As a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist, I also work with parents and family members who may be facing challenges with their loved one who has developmental disabilities. Whether the difficulty is in finding ad maintaining a relationship, understanding sexual feeling or orientation, or expressing sexuality in appropriate, safe and legal ways, counseling or family therapy may be helpful.

Many insurance plans accepted.

For more information, please call Emily Kahn-Freedman at 610-626-8085.