Welcome Ignite Therapy: Rediscover Your Spark
Your journey towards a deeper connection to yourself and others begins here. Life can feel dark, isolating, monotonous and devoid of color. You might feel like something is missing and that life lacks meaning. What may be missing is your spark! Often we look for sparks in connection with others, but each of us has energy and light. I am here to help you identify and connect to all parts of self so that you may experience your own spark and ignite connection to passion in your life again.
ABOUT IGNITE
Dr. Angela Peña, PhD, NCC, LPC-S
Owner of Ignite Therapy
Clinical Expertise & Background
I am a counselor, educator, and sex therapist dedicated to helping individuals become the boldest versions of themselves. My earliest work began in women’s shelters, serving survivors of trafficking, torture, and domestic violence. Seeing the impact abuse had on a person's spirit and energy heavily influenced my career. I now honor that early training by helping individuals work through the wounds of trauma to reclaim their self-esteem, body image, and confidence.
The "Why" Behind Ignite
I established Ignite Therapy to fill a critical gap in mental health care. Too often, sex therapy is listed as a secondary service at practices lacking specific training. I seek to highlight the importance of isolating sex therapy and making it the center of the work—rather than an afterthought. I believe that true embodiment can only occur when all parts of the self are identified, integrated, and celebrated without shame.
Integrative Therapeutic Approach
I utilize a blend of humanistic modalities tailored to the unique needs of the individual or couple. My work is heavily influenced by the teachings of Emily Nagoski and Esther Perel. I integrate Gestalt, Trauma-Informed Care, Mindfulness, and Attachment Therapy. Additionally, I utilize specific tools like the Gottman Method and Sensate Focus to bridge the gap between emotional connection and physical intimacy.
Client-Centered Philosophy
There is no "one size fits all" approach at Ignite. I believe it is imperative to understand a client's unique sexual scripts—how you learned about sex, puberty, and desire—to assess sources of shame. My goal is to facilitate the removal of that shame. Through deep inquiry into what makes you feel "alive," I promote integration that creates greater connection and embodied healing for both individuals and couples.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to provide sex therapy that empowers individuals to connect to their passion and live authentic lives. We envision a world where people do not feel shame when they talk about their bodies, gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex.
Compassion & Empathy
A judgment-free space for your story. I understand that sharing your most vulnerable experiences requires immense courage, so I meet every client with radical acceptance. I am here to validate your journey, ensuring you feel deeply heard rather than criticized.
Confidentiality & Trust
Your privacy is my priority. I recognize the sensitive nature of sexual health and the stigma that often surrounds it. I act as guardians of your privacy, creating a secure container where you can speak freely without fear of exposure.
Diversity & Inclusion
Celebrating all identities and orientations. I don’t just accept difference; we affirm it. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+, are exploring kink, or are navigating non-monogamy, my practice is a welcoming home for every expression of human sexuality.
Holistic Wellness
Integrating mind, body, and spirit. True healing cannot happen in isolation. I look beyond the symptoms to address the whole picture—emotional patterns, physical health, and spiritual alignment—to help you achieve deep, sustainable integration.
The Ignite Difference: Our Client-Centered Approach
Exclusive Specialization in Sexual Wellness
I exclusively serve individuals needing assistance with sexual health and wellness, as providing education and healing in this area is our true passion. While sexuality is the core focus, I recognize that many other important topics may arise during therapy. I address these intersecting factors to assist you in finding full integration and embodied healing.
Individualized Care & Deep Inquiry
You can expect individualized care based upon your unique needs, as I believe there is no "one size fits all" approach to therapy. I guide you through deep questions—such as when you last felt alive or what you derive pleasure from—to understand how you see yourself internally versus how you show up in the world. This helps me align your therapy with what you truly want and need more of in your life.
Rewriting Sexual Scripts to Remove Shame
It is imperative to understand your unique sexual scripts, including what messages you learned about puberty, sex, and desire. By assessing these areas, I identify the sources of disconnection and facilitate the removal of shame. My ultimate goal is to promote integration, which creates greater connection and authenticity for both individuals and couples.
A Tailored, Multi-Modal Approach
I use a blend of many modalities when working with clients, maintaining a broadly humanistic approach where techniques are tailored for the unique needs of the individual or couple. My work integrates Gestalt, Trauma-Informed, Mindfulness-Based, and Attachment therapies with specialized tools like the Gottman Method, Imago, and Sensate Focus. This diverse toolkit allows me to address the complex interplay between emotional connection and physical intimacy.
FAQs
Does sex therapy include physical touch?
No. While sex and touch will be discussed in depth, there is absolutely no physical touch that will occur between therapist and client during a session.
What if I struggle to talk about sex or my body?
This is a common issue for many people because sex is usually not discussed with anyone other than romantic partners. The stigma around sex and our bodies will continue to exist if we don’t talk about it. You will be encouraged to talk about your body and/or sex at the pace in which you are comfortable. I will always encourage you to share as much, or as little as you like.
Can I talk about other things that are not considered sex therapy?
Yes! Individuals or couples may come in with sexual health or wellness needs that are impacted by other factors from our past. It is truly impossible to isolate sex and sexuality from an individual.
Do you accept insurance?
Many clients ask if I accept insurance for our services. At Ignite Therapy, I operate as a private-pay practice and do not accept insurance directly. By remaining private pay, I ensure that your therapy remains confidential and determined solely by your needs, not by an insurance provider’s criteria.
How is sex therapy different from traditional couples counseling?
You may be wondering how sex therapy is different from traditional couples counseling. While general couples counseling focuses broadly on communication and relationship dynamics, sex therapy is a specialized clinical field that specifically targets sexual function, arousal, intimacy, and gender identity. I use targeted interventions to address the physiological and psychological aspects of sex that general talk therapists are often not trained to handle.
Our Service Areas & Locations
Texas: In-Person in Frisco & Virtual Statewide
I am proud to call Frisco home, offering a safe, physical sanctuary on Preston Road for residents of North Dallas and the surrounding Metroplex. For those across the Lone Star State who cannot commute, we extend our specialized care through secure, private telehealth sessions to bring healing directly to your doorstep.
Florida: Accessible Online Therapy Statewide
Distance should never be a barrier to expert sexual health support. Dr. Peña is fully licensed to serve residents throughout Florida via HIPAA-compliant video sessions, allowing you to access specialized, high-quality therapy from the privacy and comfort of your own home.
Colorado: Expanding Therapy Services Soon
My mission to ignite passion and remove shame is growing beyond our current borders. I am actively finalizing licensure to extend my unique blend of clinical expertise and compassion to residents of Colorado, bringing evidence-based sex therapy to the Rockies in the near future.
Providing a Safe Space for Frisco & North Texas