In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman speaks with ASSECT certified sex therapist Vanessa Cushing about her new innovative project, Sex Therapy Pro—an online closed AI resource and soon-to-be app. They discuss the challenges and accessibility gaps in sexual health information, Vanessa’s journey through the creation of this custom AI, and how it aims to provide vetted, accurate information to individuals and other clinicians. They also cover the importance of trauma-informed care, the limitations of AI in handling mental health, and the ultimate goal of encouraging people to seek professional help while reducing shame around sexual health concerns.
00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast
00:46 Guest Introduction: Vanessa Cushing
01:56 The Birth of Sex Therapy Pro
03:23 Challenges and Solutions in Sex Therapy
04:22 AI in Sex Therapy: Benefits and Concerns
06:48 Accessibility and Inclusivity in Sexual Health
11:05 Trauma-Informed AI and Its Limitations
14:25 Future of AI in Therapy
21:05 Conclusion and App Launch Details
Take my sexual health quiz at https://www.sexhealthquiz.com
Bio:
Vanessa Cushing, MS, LPC, NCC is a sex therapist certified by University of Michigan, trauma-informed clinician, and the founder of Sex Therapy Pro a digital platform offering AI-guided, shame-free support for sexual wellness and intimacy.
She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Virginia, an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, and completed her sex therapy certification through the University of Michigan.
Vanessa specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate sexual pain, desire discrepancies, trauma recovery, and communication breakdowns and now brings that expertise to a scalable, tech-powered format aimed at making healing more accessible than ever.