About Intimacy, Sexuality & Gender Center of California

Stephen L. Braveman, License #MFC28926, is the founder and director of ISGC. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AASECT Certified Diplomate and Supervisor of Sex Therapy, Gender and Sexual Abuse Specialist, Sacred Sexuality/Tantra Educator, and an LGBT and KINK Specialist. With a career spanning over three decades, Stephen’s work is renowned and respected.

Stephen co-authors the influential book CPR for Your Sex Life, How to Breathe Life into a Dead, Dying or Dull Sex Life, alongside Mildred Brown, Ph.D. This book continues to captivate readers and provide valuable insights into revitalizing sexual relationships. Stephen’s expertise has also been featured in numerous national publications, television shows, and documentaries.

Wanda M. Braveman plays dual roles as Office Manager and Patient Advocate at ISGC and is an established author. Her input at ISGC has been transformative, mainly through her insightful memoir, “White Knight: Living with Alzheimer’s Moment by Moment.” Her experience and empathetic approach lend a personal touch to her interactions.

Moreover, Wanda has initiated the Care for Caregivers Group at ISGC, which she derived from her book’s philosophy. The aim is to empower individuals to care for themselves while assisting their loved ones, fostering a demeanor centered around positivity and present-mindedness. Wanda’s group also intends to support professional caregivers, recognizing the universal need for caregiver support.

Wanda formally invites everyone to engage with the new ISGC services, ensuring clients, “We help you experience the best of yourself!”

At ISGC, we offer a comprehensive range of therapy services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Stephen provides individual, couples, and family sex therapy and psychotherapy, helping clients navigate and resolve their intimacy and sexuality concerns.

We offer several specialized therapy groups tailored to specific populations and needs:

• Especially for Men: A group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
• Living with a Survivor Retreat: A retreat designed for those living with survivors of sexual abuse.
• Female Sexuality Group: A supportive space for women to explore their sexuality.
• Male Sexuality Group: A group for men to discuss and understand their sexual experiences.
• Sacred Sexuality/Tantra Groups: Weekly and weekend workshops for individuals seeking a deeper connection with themselves and their partners. These workshops cater to abuse survivors, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, and interfaith communities, making them the first of their kind in the Monterey Bay Area.
• Monterey Transitional Support Group: The first and only co-ed group for the transgender community on the central coast, meeting WPATH requirements and successfully running since 1992.
• KINK Couples Therapy Group: A group designed for couples interested in exploring KINK play, helping them navigate their feelings and experiences.

Bob and Ellie Braveman, our cherished Service Animals at ISGC, serve as emotional support dogs. Their primary role involves welcoming patients upon their arrival at our offices. Additionally, Bob and Ellie offer emotional comfort to patients who take solace in petting and showing affection to them during their therapy sessions with Stephen. Typically, they can be found enjoying their naps, snuggled up closely together.

At the Intimacy, Sexuality & Gender Center of California, we strive to be a haven for you and your family. Our inclusive and supportive environment ensures that every client feels valued and understood. Connect with us today and experience the difference that specialized, compassionate therapy can make.