Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Montavon.
Hi Leigh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I moved to Los Angeles in 2005, I got a temp job at a tech company that turned into an almost decade-long career. The benefits and the people were great, but it was never something I was passionate about. I finally decided to make some big changes in my life, including finding a job that was more suited to my talents and my desire to impact folks directly. I was drawn to helping professions and considered going into nursing or becoming a therapist, but the time and financial commitment wasn’t doable. When I found out about sex coaching, it immediately seemed like a perfect fit. The training program was shorter and more reasonably priced, and most importantly, it really felt like a calling. I had always been comfortable talking openly and honestly about sex, and I knew I could create a safe place for folks to authentically address whatever was blocking them from living their most authentic life. I studied to become a certified sex coach and clinical sexologist and then started my own practice where I work with individuals and couples, these days primarily via Zoom. I specialize in working with folks who are LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous and/or kinky, as these are communities I’m either part of or very knowledgeable about and who I know often face discrimination or misunderstanding from other wellness providers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Going back to school in my mid-thirties with a small child was something I had to get used to. Thankfully my program was primarily online, but the self-paced nature of it required a fair amount of self-discipline. Once I started seeing clients, the biggest challenge has been the fact that sex coaching is often shorter-term than traditional therapy, so I’m constantly “working myself out of a job.” That means that I have to regularly market myself, which is definitely my least favorite part of having my own business.
We’ve been impressed with Sex Coach Leigh, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sex coaching is a client-centered, holistic approach to assist folks in reaching their sexual potential and embracing their authentic sexual self. Unlike therapy, coaching is collaborative and solutions-based. Using a combination of educational resources, philosophy, physiology, and mindfulness, I work with individuals and couples to release shame, heighten pleasure, and increase knowledge. I work with folks across the gender and sexuality spectrum but specialize in working with LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, and/or kinky clients. It can be challenging for anyone to talk about sex with a professional, and this challenge is multiplied for folks with marginalized sexual identities. I work to provide a safe space where no one has to defend or educate me on the realities of their lives. Coaching sessions take place via phone or Zoom and are one hour long. Most clients see me every week or every other week, and I offer packages and a sliding scale to make my services more accessible. Common client concerns include low libido, body image, sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship style, couples’ exploration, mismatched desire, communication, performance anxiety, and orgasm difficulty. I am also available to lead workshops or speak at conferences or events having to do with sexual wellness.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I am super grateful for my training from Sex Coach U and for the students who were part of my in-person training cohort, many of whom I am still in touch with years later. I have a really amazing queer community here in Los Angeles who have hired me, supported me, referred me to friends, and listened to my podcast. I rely a lot on word of mouth, so that kind of support has been invaluable. And I’m eternally grateful to Megan Ashley for asking me to host a podcast with her two years ago and for being the social media and recording queen to my sex nerd.
Contact Info:
- Email: sexcoachleigh@gmail.com
- Website: sexcoachleigh.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sexcoachleigh
- Other: Podcast: instagram.com/queersnextdoor
