Welcome to my website!
I’m assuming that you are here because of an interest, concern, or problem with which you might want help. Whether you are interested in addressing issues related to sexuality, poor health behaviors, chronic medical conditions, depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, or relationship problems, I feel confident that I can assist you. If I can’t help, I will do what I can to refer you to the right resource for you.
I finished my doctorate in 2000 and have been helping people professionally ever since. I focus on behavioral and sexual health because these issues are important to people’s lives. Being healthy includes physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual, intellectual, and social health. I believe in treating the person as a whole, rather than trying to address specific aspects of that person, so healing can occur more quickly and more fully. You will be given the tools to help yourself and maintain the gains you make in treatment. Actually, you already have the tools and probably just need some guidance in accessing and utilizing them fully.
Again, welcome my website, and more importantly, welcome to the opportunity to improve your health and sense of well-being! I’m glad you’re here.
What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a subspecialty of psychotherapy, focusing on the specific concerns related to human sexuality. People of all ages, creeds, health statuses, and ethnic backgrounds, whether partnered or single, may benefit from working with a psychotherapist who specializes in this area. Certified sex therapists use specialized clinical skills and theoretical knowledge to help people resolve their sexual concerns.
My interest in sexual health began during my post-doctoral training at the University of Minnesota. Although the initial intent was to focus solely on behavioral health, I found that sexual health was an important component of general health that was often neglected by health care professionals. I worked at the Program in Human Sexuality, a sexuality-based clinic on campus, providing therapy for individuals, couples, and groups coming in for varying sexual issues. While there, I also trained medical students and family medicine residents in the field of sexuality.
Why is Behavioral Health Important?
Psychologists who strive to understand how biological, behavioral, and social factors influence health and illness are called health psychologists. The term “health psychology” is often interchanged with the terms “behavioral medicine” or “medical psychology.” In contemporary research and medical settings, health psychologists work with many different health care professionals (e.g., physicians, dentists, nurses, physician’s assistants, dietitians, social workers, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists, and chaplains) to conduct research and provide clinical assessment and treatment services.
I have worked with individuals with chronic pain, chronic medical conditions, and general health concerns. It is also important to help many patients change unhealthy lifestyle habits to live fuller, more active lives. Common problems such as depression, anxiety, problematic alcohol use, and chronic stress can affect one’s general health. My treatment approach incorporates mind, body, and spirit and provides an avenue to explore the relationships between these characteristics. The result is a more comprehensive method to problem-solving and personal growth.
