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Monday 8am - 8pm Tuesday 8am - 9pm Wednesday 8am - 8pm Thursday 8am - 8pm Friday 8am - 8pm Saturday 8am - 8pm

Eastside Marriage and Family Therapy

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Rochester, NY
Eastside Marriage and Family Therapy

Eastside Marriage & Family Therapy offers:
*Individual Therapy
*Relationship Therapy
*S*x Therapy
*Family Therapy Luckily communication is her niche.

Despina Mitchell M.S, LMFT graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2006. She has been treating patients for over 18 years in the Rochester community. Throughout her years working with individuals, couples, and families, she has had the opportunity to practice in multiple clinic and community based settings before starting her private practice in 2013. Despina is currently enrolled in the Integrative S*x Therapy Institute where she is actively working on her dual certification to be come a Certified S*x and Couples Therapist as well as a AASECT (American Association of S*xuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) Certified S*x Therapist. Through her many years of working as a relationship therapist, Despina has found that the most common reason people come to therapy is for "communication issues". Communication appears to be the "safe word" to get couples into treatment. She prides herself on helping couples communicate in healthier ways using psycho education as well as exercises performed in and out of session. In working with couples to improve their communication, it is often discovered that below the surface of communication, a deeper struggles exists which involves intimacy. Intimacy requires vulnerability. When couples are struggling with connecting, vulnerability is usually the first thing that goes out the window. Engaging in any type of emotional or physical intimacy is inevitably going to be effected by this disconnect. Despina is hopeful that working together with her patients will help them find relief from some of the discomfort and shame around talking about all of the intimate parts of their relationship in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. The therapeutic process is a vulnerable and sometimes scary endeavor, which can feel complex at times. Through this endeavor it is important for patients to be “met where they are at” before moving forward. She views her patients as the experts in their lives and focuses treatment on helping them recognize what positive change “looks like” for them and identifying how she can work together with them to make that change. Though her specialty is working with families and couples in a marriage or committed relationship, she also enjoys working with individuals. Whether its dealing with depression, improving communication, conflict resolution, anxiety, mood disorders or processing trauma to name a few, she will work together with you to meet your goals in a safe and comfortable environment free of judgment. Despina is a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). She is also a member of the American Association of S*xuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). She is certified in medical family therapy and currently serves as an advisory council member for Bryant & Stratton College OTA program as the interdisciplinary content expert in mental health.

09/18/2025

We are so excited to welcome Shannon to Eastside Marriage & Family Therapy this fall! To learn more about Shannon please visit our website www.eastsidemft.com

09/03/2025

For the past three years, I have been working on my dual certification to become an AASECT certified s*x therapist and a certified s*x and couples therapist through the Integrative S*x Therapy Institute. 210 hours of training and over 60 hours of supervision. I received my CSCT in July. Today I received AASECT certification. In working with couples for over 20 years, conversations about intimacy are not uncommon. Beyond thankful to continue to learn and share the importance of intimacy, connection, desire and s*xual health and wellness.

*x *xualhealth *xpositive

07/24/2025

When many people hear the term "s*x therapy," they often assume it's exclusively for those experiencing difficulties in their s*xual lives. While it's true that issues like changes in libido or s*xual desire are common reasons individuals seek therapy, this narrow view overlooks the broader benefits of s*x therapy.

S*x therapy is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their intimate connections, whether they are facing specific s*xual concerns or simply wishing to strengthen their emotional and physical bonds with their partners. Many clients are motivated by a desire to address feelings of betrayal, emotional disconnection, communication struggles or even issues related to s*xual pain or dysfunction. However, you don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from the insights and support of a trained s*x therapist.

To read more you can visit my blog: https://www.eastsidemft.com/blog

07/11/2025

Certified S*x & Couples Therapist ✅

06/06/2025

✨ Redefining Intimacy in the Digital Age ✨

In a world where social media often dictates how we should look and feel, the pressure to present a perfect version of intimacy can be overwhelming. Both men and women find themselves caught in a web of expectations, struggling to show up authentically for their partners.

But here’s the truth: intimacy is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It varies from couple to couple, and it’s crucial to grant ourselves the permission to define what intimacy means for us. 💕

Instead of succumbing to external pressures, let’s start meaningful conversations about what creates successful intimate experiences. Remember, emotional and mental connections play a vital role in our ability to connect physically. If we’re not feeling securely attached or respected, it can hinder our intimacy.

Shift the focus from how it looks to how it feels. Together, you can create a space where intimacy is genuine and fulfilling, free from societal expectations. 🌟

What does intimacy look like for you? Share in the comments! ⬇️💬

04/15/2025

04/02/2025

For more thoughts from the couch visit www.eastsidemft.com

02/27/2025

02/25/2025

Implicit expectations are those unspoken assumptions we carry in relationships, often leading to misunderstandings and frustration. Unlike explicit expectations, which are clearly stated and defined, implicit expectations suggest or hint at what we want without direct communication. This ambiguity can be harmful to partnerships, as partners may be caught off guard when these unarticulated expectations are not met. As individuals, we may unknowingly hold our partners to standards they are unaware of, creating tension and disappointment. It’s crucial to cultivate self-awareness regarding our implicit expectations, as doing so allows us to articulate them clearly which will foster healthier communication and strengthen our relationships.
#

02/18/2025

11/14/2024

**Understanding Happiness in Relationships: "I Am Happy" vs. "I Am Not Unhappy"**

In the complex landscape of relationships, distinguishing between genuine happiness and mere contentment can be quite challenging. Many couples find themselves caught in a cycle of confusion, often believing that as long as they are not "unhappy," they should be satisfied. However, this perspective can obscure the deeper nuances of emotional fulfillment.

# # # The Difference:

**1. I Am Happy:** When someone states, "I am happy," they are expressing a proactive state of joy and fulfillment. This sentiment reflects an active engagement with their needs, desires, and the positive aspects of their relationship. Happiness is often characterized by feelings of love, connection, and satisfaction. It involves recognizing and appreciating what brings joy to both partners and actively nurturing those elements within the relationship.

**2. I Am Not Unhappy:** On the flip side, saying "I am not unhappy" implies a state of neutrality or complacency. It suggests that while the individual may not be experiencing overt dissatisfaction or pain, they are also not actively seeking or recognizing joy. This mindset can lead to a false sense of security, where couples settle for mediocrity instead of striving for a deeper, more fulfilling connection.

To read more about why it is important to define your happiness please check out my blog https://www.eastsidemft.com/blog.

Address

625 Panorama Trl
Rochester, NY
14625

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 8pm
Tuesday	8am - 9pm
Wednesday	8am - 8pm
Thursday	8am - 8pm
Friday	8am - 8pm
Saturday	8am - 8pm

Telephone

+15853870008

Website

http://Eastsidemft.com/

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Our Story

Despina Mitchell M.S, LMFT has been treating patients for over a decade in the Rochester community. Throughout her years working with individuals, couples, and families, she has had the opportunity to practice in multiple clinic and community based settings before starting her private practice. In 2006 Despina graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry where she began treating patients at Strong Family Therapy Services, located within University of Rochester Medical Center. She completed her training at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center where in addition to providing therapy, she co-facilitated a series of groups focusing on improving the lives and self-images of women. These groups expanded outside the center to Sojourner House for Women as well as Wilson Commencement Park. In 2006 she began working as a primary therapist at Unity Health System’s Home Based Crisis Intervention Program providing community based therapeutic intervention to children and families in crisis. Her approach to treatment draws from a systemic perspective focusing on individuals, couples, and families in the context of a larger system. She is a strength based therapist who believes that anything is possible when individuals and couples are willing to work. The therapeutic process is a vulnerable and sometimes scary endeavor, which can feel complex at times. Through this endeavor it is important for patients to be “met where they are at” before moving forward. She views her patients as the experts in their lives and focuses treatment on helping them recognize what positive change “looks like” for them and identifying how she can work together with them to make that change. Though her specialty is working with families and couples in a marriage or committed relationship, she also enjoys working with individuals. Whether its dealing with depression, improving communication, conflict resolution, anxiety, mood disorders or processing trauma to name a few, she will work together with you to meet your goals in a safe and comfortable environment free of judgment. Despina is a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. She is certified in medical family therapy and currently serves as an advisory council member for Bryant & Stratton College OTA program as the interdisciplinary content expert in mental health.