Flo is now FSA/HSA eligible
Published: 19 Feb 2025
Jordan Rullo is a clinical health psychologist and certified sex therapist who sits on Flo’s expert board.
After growing up in Illinois, Rullo completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Indiana University. She then received a master’s degree and PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Utah.
Since 2018, she has worked as an adjunct assistant professor of clinical psychology at the University of Utah. She is also a clinical health psychologist in private practice. Rullo has previously worked for the Mayo Clinic and the Kinsey Institute.
Read on to find out more about Rullo and her work with Flo, including the world’s largest study on female orgasms.
What drew you to psychology and sex therapy?
I’ve always been fascinated by what makes people tick and what motivates people — and that’s psychology. When I had this realization, I was at Indiana University, which is the home of the Kinsey Institute. The Kinsey Institute is a big sex research institute; it’s where The Kinsey Scale was developed.
I realized that if I wanted to be a psychologist, I needed to get research experience. At the time, the Kinsey Institute had sent out an advertisement for a research assistant to all psychology undergraduates. I applied and got it! It wasn’t a super exciting job. I was entering data for a sexual pain study, but I got to go into the Kinsey Institute every day. In the halls, there are erotic photos and statues everywhere. I thought to myself: “This is the coolest thing!” I couldn’t believe this was an actual profession. Ever since then, I’ve focused on sex therapy and sex research.
Do you have any specialties?
My main specialty is sexual health and relationships. At this point in my career, I only see couples for sex therapy, where one of their primary concerns is their sexual relationship. Under that umbrella, as long as it’s impacting the couple, I treat any issues that are related to sexual health, including sexual dysfunctions. The most common issue that comes to my door is sexual desire discrepancy, which is where one partner wants sex more than the other.
I also specialize in the impact of cancer on sexual health. This resulted from my time working at the Mayo Clinic, where I worked closely with the oncology department. I became an advocate for prehabilitation, where I talked to both women and men about how to navigate the impacts of cancer treatments and surgeries on their sexual health. The core message is this: Cancer does not take away your sexuality. Things are going to shift, and things are going to change, but it does not take away your sexuality.
Why do you enjoy working with Flo?
Flo is evidence-based. They fact-check everything I write. And I love that. I know that everything they put out is solid and based on evidence. Flo also has a great mission to help people. They’re breaking down myths and inaccurate information; they’re willing to have hard conversations around sexual health with millions of people. I think that’s amazing.
What have been some of your highlights since working with Flo?
I’m currently working on Flo’s orgasm study, which is the largest global study on female orgasms to date. Flo is gathering data right now, and then a team of researchers and I will come together to analyze it. I’m super excited. Also, I first started working with Flo when they sent me a cold email asking if I could run an orgasm course, which was super fun. So that was another highlight.
Tell us more about the orgasm study you’re doing with Flo.
As a sex therapist, I frequently encounter women expressing concerns about taking too long to reach orgasm. When I hear this, I ask, “Compared to whom?” Unfortunately, society and social media often sell men’s sexual function as the ideal, but the fact that women take nearly three times as long as men to reach orgasm does not necessarily indicate a problem. It is simply a difference. Our study will aim to break the stigma surrounding these differences, recalibrate societal expectations, and empower women worldwide by normalizing the variety of orgasm experiences.
What’s the most rewarding thing about working with Flo?
The diversity of Flo’s projects. Within a week, I can cover anything from orgasms to BDSM [bondage, discipline, sadism, and masochism] aftercare. It’s so much fun diving into the research. I’ve learned so much from working with Flo and answering the diversity of questions I receive. I love that Flo does not shy away from female sexual health issues. They put it out there without shame.
How do you maintain your own physical and mental health?
It is so important for me to set strong boundaries and have a good work–life balance. So that’s one core part of it. Also, as a therapist, I have my own therapist, and she is incredibly helpful. I will occasionally call her up when I need booster sessions. For my physical health, I exercise every day, for an hour each day, whether it’s cardio or strength training. I live in Utah, so I love hiking in the mountains and skiing in the winter. I think nature is so incredibly helpful for mental health too.
Do you have any surprising side interests or hobbies?
I do improv comedy every Monday night. I don’t know if I’m necessarily that good at it, but I love being able to completely let go of any worry, fear, or judgment and just be a goofball. Someone gives you a prompt — for example, that you’ve turned into a lobster — and then you have to act it out!
What’s your go-to morning ritual?
I wake up every morning and play Wordle. I play it with my father-in-law and uncle-in-law. We have had this running Wordle game that’s been going on for a couple of years. It’s just a fun way to start the day and a cute way to connect with family members.
Lastly, how do you wind down after work?
Every day after work, my partner and I walk our dog. It takes us about 45 minutes, and it’s a way that we both reduce our stress levels and check in with each other. It’s a really nice transition from work to home.
