Justine Soto, CST, LPC, LMHC

Justine is a Relationship & AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and founder of Intimacy Equation. She provides virtual therapy for individuals and couples in South Carolina and New York, helping clients who are struggling with mismatched desire, low libido, and *countless* relationship "gaps."

As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and licensed counselor, I work with individuals and couples who are ready to stop going in circles and start doing the deeper work that leads to real connection, intimacy, and growth. My clients aren’t afraid of honesty—even when it’s uncomfortable. They come to me because they’re motivated to understand themselves, their relationships, and their desires in new, more honest ways.

Many of the clients I work with are navigating challenges around mismatched desire, emotional disconnection, sexual dissatisfaction, or simply feeling stuck in repetitive cycles. Some are exploring something new in their relationship, like ethical non-monogamy, while others are trying to heal from past relational hurts, reconnect with their sensual selves, or rebuild trust after betrayal. What they all share is a desire for meaningful change and the courage to look at themselves with openness and accountability.

I bring advanced training in both Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method—two widely respected approaches to relationship and couples work. EFT focuses on creating safety and emotional connection by helping partners turn inward and express vulnerable needs. The Gottman Method, in contrast, emphasizes practical tools, emotional intelligence, and the importance of maintaining curiosity, play, and space in a relationship. Where one approach says "get closer," the other says "give room to breathe."

Both offer valuable truths, but I’ve found that lasting intimacy and sexual satisfaction rarely come from following one or the other. Many times "the universe" places us in the paths of our polar opposite. Thanks universe! The answer isn’t simple or one-size-fits-all. Passion, trust, and connection are built through a sort of balance of closeness and autonomy, safety and risk, stability and novelty. My approach weaves these perspectives together in a way that honors the complexity of your relationship, your identity, and your lived experience.

I also draw from the work of Emily Nagoski whose extensive research on the stress cycles, desire and arousal has begun to normalize the complex and context dependent nature of passion and sexuality. In addition, I integrate practical frameworks, like Eve Rodsky's Fair Play, which explores how "dividing responsibilities" -- and redefining what "fairness" really means -- can have a significant impact on your relationship.

In session, I help slow things down. It’s easy to get caught in fast-moving, surface-level arguments or patterns of shutdown and avoidance. Instead, I help couples and individuals become more aware of how they show up—and why. Together, we’ll build new communication patterns that invite deeper understanding and allow you to feel truly seen, often in a way you haven’t before. We work toward real, sustainable change—not just insight, but action that leads to growth in your emotional, sensual, and relational life.

Part of working with a sex therapist is normalizing the fact that sexual desire doesn’t always show up spontaneously or on demand—and that’s not a problem to fix, but a reality to better understand and work with.
As a sex therapist, I also help normalize and create safety around topics that are often loaded with shame or silence. Whether it’s a low sex drive, painful sex, differing sexual preferences, or exploring new dynamics like kink or non-monogamy, we’ll talk about it directly, respectfully, and without judgment. I create a space where you don’t have to perform or pretend. You get to be curious. You get to be human.

What sets my approach apart is a results-driven mindset paired with deep relational compassion. I won’t just sit back and nod. I’ll challenge you to reflect, to shift, and to take steps that move you toward what you actually want. My goal isn’t to keep you in therapy forever—it’s to help you build the insight, tools, and confidence you need to move forward in your life and relationships with clarity and intention.

If you’re ready to do the kind of work that doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff, but also makes room for play, joy, and discovery—I’d love to work with you.