About Me
Our sexuality is a complex blend of the physiological, psychological, emotional, cultural, relational and spiritual parts of ourselves. We bring our whole person to sex. No two people are alike in their sexuality and this is precisely what captivates me about sex, makes me so interested in my work and enthusiastic to help you understand your sexual self in new and thoughtful ways.
I am a licensed psychotherapist and provide talk therapy to help people with a wide variety of relationship and sexuality-related concerns. I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2007 and have been working extensively with individuals and couples with their sexual difficulties since. I became a Certified Sex Therapist in November 2015 by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, or AASECT. I received my certification from AASECT as a Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor in August 2020 and I mentor licensed therapists who are pursuing either certification as a sex therapist or certified supervisor status from AASECT. In early 2024 I also became a Certified Psychosexual Therapist™ and Supervisor by the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists, or IAPST. In addition to this work I provide trainings to other mental health professionals and organizations regarding sex therapy and sexuality. I have taught a graduate level human sexuality course to student therapists and occasionally do expert witness work. Early in my career I worked at a community mental health clinic, chemical dependency treatment program, domestic violence offender program, and supervised pre-licensed therapists at that same community mental health clinic.
You can verify my license to practice psychotherapy in California here.
As of June 2019 I am an expert contributor on Psychology Today's website! My blog, Underneath The Sheets, is now live.
In 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024 I was voted Best Sex Therapist in Sonoma county by the readers of the North Bay Bohemian!
I care deeply about helping people have satisfying and fulfilling sex lives. I am aware that talking about one’s sexuality candidly can be difficult or embarrassing, something we rarely do, so I understand the importance of privacy, respect, and discretion. My clients say that it is easy for them to talk to me about these very private aspects of their lives. After all, everyone deserves a happy and healthy sex life!
My CV is available upon request.
Why see a Certified Sex Therapist?
Unfortunately anyone can call themselves a sex therapist and there is no such thing as a "Licensed Sex Therapist" in California. These two factors have the potential to harm those who are sincerely looking for help with sexual issues.
However, a licensed mental health professional can become certified from the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists as I have. In order to become a Certified Sex Therapist by AASECT, one must:
- be a licensed mental health professional in their state;
- be in good ethical standing;
- receive extensive education training about human sexuality and sex therapy;
- receive supervision and mentorship from other Certified Sex Therapist(s).
I have done these and my AASECT certifications can be verified here.
Seeing a Certified Sex Therapist like myself for your sexual concern ensures that the therapist you are seeing has not only the training and background to treat sexuality issues but also conducts themselves in a professional and ethical manner.
However, a licensed mental health professional can become certified from the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists as I have. In order to become a Certified Sex Therapist by AASECT, one must:
- be a licensed mental health professional in their state;
- be in good ethical standing;
- receive extensive education training about human sexuality and sex therapy;
- receive supervision and mentorship from other Certified Sex Therapist(s).
I have done these and my AASECT certifications can be verified here.
Seeing a Certified Sex Therapist like myself for your sexual concern ensures that the therapist you are seeing has not only the training and background to treat sexuality issues but also conducts themselves in a professional and ethical manner.