Peggy J. Kleinplatz, PhD

Peggy J. Kleinplatz, Ph.D. is Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Director of the Optimal Sexual Experiences Research Team at the University of Ottawa. She is a clinical psychologist, Board Certified in Sex Education and as a Diplomate and Supervisor of Sex Therapy. She was awarded the Prix d’Excellence in 2000 for her teaching of Human Sexuality. Kleinplatz has edited four books, notably New Directions in Sex Therapy: Innovations and Alternatives, (Routledge, 2nd Edition), winner of the AASECT 2013 Book Award and Sexuality and Aging (2015) with Dr. Walter Bouman. She is the author with A. Dana Ménard, Ph.D. of Magnificent Sex: Lessons from Extraordinary Lovers (2020). In 2015, Kleinplatz received the Professional Standard of Excellence Award from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists. Her clinical work focuses on eroticism and transformation. She has a particular interest in sexual health in the elderly, disabled and marginalized populations. Her research, writing, teaching and clinical work have been intended to challenge, expand and diversify the field of sex therapy.

Nicolas Paradis, M.Ed

Nicolas Paradis (M.Ed, RP) is a registered psychotherapist who provides counselling services at the University of Ottawa. He has been a member of the Optimal Sexual Experiences Research Team since 2005 and has published research on Extraordinary Lovers and on couples group therapy. He has been integral to the development of couples group therapy for problems with desire/frequency and has been conducting/co-facilitating such groups with Kleinplatz since their inception.

Shannon Lawless, RP, CCFT

Shannon is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Certified Couple and Family Therapist working in private practice in Kanata, ON. Shannon has been a part of the Optimal Sexual Experiences Research Team since 2006 and has published research on Extraordinary Lovers. Her therapeutic and group therapy approach is based in values of collaboration, mutual respect and compassion.

Danielle Pratt, RMT

Danielle Pratt has been a registered massage therapist since 2007. She has also taught in the massage therapy program at Algonquin College. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, yoga and spending time outdoors with her family.

Magdalena Fosse, PsyD, MA, MS

Magdalena is a clinical psychologist, couples’ counselor, and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a doctorate in psychology from William James college, preceded by a master’s degree in psychology from Harvard University, and master’s degrees from the University of Oslo, Norway, and the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. In addition, she has an extensive training in Gestalt psychotherapy from Gestalt Institute of Oslo. She is on the faculty and board of directors of Psychodynamic Couples and Families Institute of New England. At PCFINE she teaches a class on sexuality and couples’ therapy. In her practice in Cambridge, MA, she sees individuals and couples of all genders, cultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations, who struggle with issues of sexuality and intimacy. In her work, she integrates psychodynamic thinking, attachment-oriented therapy, interpersonal neurobiology and trauma-based approach, and experiential psychotherapy. Her particular expertise is in polyamory and consensual nonmonogamy. She focuses on the intersectionality of normative and non-normative approaches to love and life, including the lessons we can learn from them.

Katherine Ellin, Ph.D., M.S.W., D.T.R

Katherine is a clinical psychologist, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Sex Therapy Supervisor with over thirty years of clinical experience. In her Cambridge, MA practice, Dr. Ellin focuses on helping individuals and couples develop and maintain satisfying and enjoyable sex lives. She received her PhD from City University of New York, and Masters degrees in Social Work and Dance Therapy from Hunter College, City University of New York. Her clinical work integrates psychodynamic thinking, attachment theory and research, cognitive behavior therapy, family systems approaches, trauma-focused therapy, and body-oriented psychotherapy.

Suzanne Mancinelli, LMFT, CST

Suzanne Mancinelli, LMFT, CST Suzanne is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist in private practice in Montpelier, VT. She received her Masters degree from Antioch University New England and works primarily with clients focusing on relationship, intimacy, gender and sexuality.

Nathan Kokernot, MA, LCMHS

Nate Kokernot, MA is a rostered therapist in private practice in Montpelier, Vermont. He received his master’s degree in mental health counseling from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. He specializes in assisting clients in learning to hear the inner guidance of their spiritual selves as they navigate relationships and life.

Andrew Tatarsky, PhD

Dr. Andrew Tatarsky is a clinical psychologist with o ver 35 years of clinical experience. He developed Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP) for treating the spectrum of risky and addictive behavior. IHRP is described in his book, Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Problems and a series of published papers. He holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the City University of New York andis a graduate of New York University's Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. He is Founder and Director of the Center for Optimal Living in NYC, a treatment and training center, and a founding member and Past-President of the Division of Addiction of New York State Psychological Association. He has run therapy groups for 35 years and strongly believes that groups have a unique power to facilitate healing, growth and positive change.

Wendy E. Miller, PhD

Dr. Wendy Miller is a clinical psychologist with 35 years of experience treating individuals and couples. She received her PhD from George Washington University and has a certificate in psychoanalysis from the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. She is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and has trained extensively in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. As a faculty member of The Women's Therapy Centre Institute she teaches classes on human sexuality and consults at The Center for Optimal Living on issues involving the link between sexuality and drug use. Her interests are in the intersection of psychoanalytic thinking, sex therapy, couples therapy and addiction issues. Her passion is helping people navigate the complicated task of being a couple and the even more complicated task of being a sexually happy couple.

Arva Bensaheb, Ph.D.

Dr. Arva Bensaheb is a clinical psychologist and sex therapist who works with individuals and couples struggling with difficulties surrounding sexuality, relationships, sexual dysfunction and also mood disorders. She has an inclusive practice in Mid-Town Manhattan, NYC. She uses a combination of goal oriented, existential and dynamic modalities to address her client's concerns. She is one of few clinicians in NYC trained to offer a specialized group therapy for couples struggling with low frequency of sex or discrepant desire, to enhance their sexual relationship.

Tracy K. Ross, LCSW

Tracy Ross, LCSW is an Ackerman trained couples and family therapist with a private practice in Manhattan. For the past 20 years she has been working with couples and families in Greenwich Village. She has specialized training in EFT, Gottman method, sex therapy, Discernment Counseling, and collaborative divorce. In addition to private practice Tracy is a faculty member of the Resilient Families: Special Needs Kids project at the Ackerman Institute.

Shlomit Rubin, LCSW-R, SEP

Shlomit Rubin, LCSW-R, SEP, is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist working with adults, couples and families in New York. She is a member of The Contemporary Freudian Psychoanalytic Institute and affiliated with The Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research. She has completed a three-year training in the Anni Bergman Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Parent Child program, where she continues to volunteer working with parent-infant dyads. She is also a member of the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute where she has completed a three-year training. Mrs. Rubin studied for three years with the Minuchin Family Institute and for the past eight years has been studying couples and sexuality with Dr. Suzanne Lasenza. In addition to her private practice, she is a consultant at an Early Head Start in Manhattan.

Eva Dillon, LMSW, CST

Eva Dillon, LMSW is a psychodynamically trained psychotherapist and AASECT certified sex therapist. She is a graduate of the family therapy program at the Ackerman Institute for the Family with additional training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) and Gottman Couples Therapy. Her passion and training have been focused on helping people to connect with each other to create satisfying relationships. She has a special interest in amplifying eroticism and has felt privileged learning the lessons of magnificent lovers.

Alicia Pinkston, MS, MHC-LP, LPC, CST

Alicia is a Certified Sex Therapist by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), a National Certified Counselor, and a Mental Health Counselor-LP in New York. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University and is currently pursuing her PhD in Clinical Sexology. Alicia specializes in sexuality, intimacy, and relationships, and she believes that sexuality and sexual health is a vital and natural component of our overall identity and fulfillment.

Russell Saunders, LCSW

Russell Saunders, LCSW is a psychotherapist with over 23 years of experience working with a wide range of clinical populations. He maintains a private practice in New York with a focus on relationship and sexuality issues, and he is especially interested in helping clients rediscover and maintain sexuality in their relationships. Because so many people have experienced shame related to their sexuality, Russell feels that it is especially important to be a sex-positive and affirming therapist who values working with people from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes extensive work with non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships. Russell is an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist and is also certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.

Bruce Berman, PhD

Bruce Berman, PhD, is a psychologist in full-time practice in Manhattan who specializes in helping couples address problems in their relationship and sexual interaction. He is an experienced sex and couples’ therapist who is certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), a sex therapy supervisor-in-training, and a clinician who has advanced training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). In addition, he has completed training in psychoanalysis, discernment counseling, parenting coordination, being a child consultant in child inclusive divorce mediation, mediation to stay married, and in collaborative divorce. Currently he teaches and supervises in the Sex Therapy Collaborative and the 4-Year Psychoanalytic Training Programs at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and in the Couple Program of the Training Institute for Mental Health and hosts a speakers’ program on Couples and Sexuality at the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center Annex.

Sylvia Rosenfeld, LCSW

Sylvia Rosenfeld LCSW is an Imago trained, AASECT certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor, with more than 40 years of experience working with couples and individuals who want to enhance their physical and emotional connection. Sylvia trained with the late Dr. Helen Singer Kaplan at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. She is a certified Imago Relationship therapist having trained with Dr. Harville Hendrix. Sylvia also trained with Dr. Pat Love to present the Hot Monogamy Program and has completed level 2 PACT training with Stan Tatkin PhD.

Michael Moran, LCSW, CST

Michael Moran LCSW, CST is a psychotherapist, Certified EFT Couples Therapist & Supervisor, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Certified Inner Bonding Facilitator based in New York, NY where he specializes at the intersection of relational and sexual challenges. He is the Founder and Director of The Center for Relational Fulfillment and is on the Board of Directions for NYCEFT, and presents internationally training therapists to effectively address sexual issues in EFT couples therapy. He has also taught graduate courses in Marriage & Family Therapy and LGBTQ Practice in Contemporary Society at Rutgers University. Mike loves helping couples in long-term committed relationships remove the barriers to creating authentic, passionate connection, both emotionally and sexually.

Samantha Lutz, PhD

Samantha Lutz, PhD is a Licensed Psychologist in New York and New Jersey and maintains private practices in both locations. She is an AASECT certified Sex Therapist, ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Couples (EFT) therapist, and holds faculty appointments at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. She has completed advanced training in Somatic Experiencing and is nearing completion of certification with AASECT to become a supervisor of sex therapy. Before moving to private practice, Dr. Lutz was Director of a federally-funded marriage education program at Montefiore Medical Center designed to help couples with children to foster healthy relationships.

Melissa Tihinen, LCSW

Melissa Tihinen, LCSW is a psychotherapist and Certified EFT for Couples Therapist in New York, NY and Montclair NJ. She also has advanced training in Somatic Experiencing and psychoanalysis. Melissa brings a passion for helping couples have truthful conversations that involve both partners recognizing their contributions to their dynamic and learning to express their wants and needs in more productive ways. She is also a Founder & Co-Owner of Downtown Psychological Services, PC in New York, NY where she supervises and trains entry-level therapists.

Pebble Kranz, MD, Fellow of the European Committee on Sexual Medicine (FECSM)

Pebble is a family physician and sexual medicine specialist. She is the medical director of the Rochester Center for Sexual Wellness and runs a sexual medicine clinic in the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Gynecologic Oncology Department. She has clinical appointments in the departments of family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Rochester. At the Rochester Center for Sexual Wellness, she provides medical evaluations and treatments for sexual function concerns in people of all genders.

Daniel Rosen, LCSW-R

Daniel, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST), has been in practice for over 25 years working with a variety of populations. He completed training with the Optimal Sexual Experiences Research Team of the University of Ottawa in November 2019 and has been active in the Rochester Area Group Psychotherapy Society, the Center for Group Studies, and is a sex therapy supervisor in training. He has an independent private practice including group, individual and couples counseling as well as providing treatment services for the Rochester Center for Sexual Wellness.

Caroline Russell Smith, LCSW-R

Caroline Russell Smith LCSW-R is a licensed clinical social worker and AASECT certified sex therapist. She specializes in complex trauma approaches, sexual orientation and gender-identity development and issues related to sexual intimacy.

Patricia S Farrell, LCSW-R, E-RYT

Patricia S Farrell, LCSW-R, E-RYT is a clinical social worker who received her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University and has additional training in couples and family therapy, interpersonal psychoanalytic psychotherapy and Trauma Sensitive Yoga. She has particularly interest in working with individuals and couples of all ages and identities to enhance their intimate relationships and discover true enjoyment in their sexuality.

Melissa Donahue, LCSW, CST

Melissa Donahue is a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience. She earned her Master of Social Work from Boston University and she is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor. She holds the distinction, Sexologist by The American College of Sexologists. She has been the owner and clinical therapist at MD Counseling in Ridgewood, New Jersey for the past 13 years. She is also the Certified Sex Therapist at NJ Center for Sexual Wellness. She maintains her licensure in New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. In the earlier part of her clinical career, she specialized in geriatrics, substance abuse and oncology. She has been a national presenter at AASECT, NASW and AOSW conferences. She is actively involved in leadership roles for NASW and The Collaborative Divorce Group of North Jersey.

Nataliya Rusetskaya, Ph.D., LCSW

Nataliya Rusetskaya, Ph.D., LCSW is a clinical Sexologist with a Doctorate degree from AACS and a New York State and New Jersey State licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree from Fordham University. She is a founder of Key2Connection Relationship Health Center, NJ. She is a certified Imago Couple therapist and specializes in relationship issues and psychosexual therapy for couples and individuals. In her work with couples, she assists her clients in developing healthier, more fulfilling and satisfying relationships by finding the key to connection and conflict resolution. Currently she works with individuals, couples and groups to create a therapeutic alliance of trust and safety, to gain better insights about their life challenges, and to assist the clients in reaching their goals and connect better with their loved ones through improved communication patterns and increased intimacy.

Lisa B. Schwartz, Ph.D. LMFT

Lisa is a psychotherapist who specializes in sexuality issues. She has a private practice in Bucs County Pa. She works remotely with adults located in PA, New Jersey and Fla. She is an AASECT certified Sex Therapist who specializes in mixed-orientation relations/marriages, ADHD & Sexuality, and sexual desire issues. In addition to having a private practice, Lisa provides workshops and trainings for the community and professionals.

Chana Simmonds, MSW, LCSW

Chana is a Couples and Sex Therapist with a private practice in Israel, New York and New Jersey. She is an AASECT certified Sex Therapist and Sex Therapist Supervisor and a member of the Israel Society for Sex Therapy. She also has expertise in Fertility, Perinatal and Postpartum Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Chronic Pain and trauma. In addition to her clinical work, Chana also supervises clinicians and does workshops and trainings.

Dave Isbell, LMSW

Dave Isbell, LMSW, is an Emotionally-Focused Therapist who has been in private practice in Mid-Michigan since 2013. He primarily works with couples who want to create more emotional connection and sexual intimacy in their relationship. He is also a Certified Online Instructor who leads couples retreats and teaches on numerous mental health topics. Additionally, he is President of Mid-Michigan Emotionally Focused Therapy, a nonprofit corporation that supports learning about relationships. Dave completed training in Optimal Sexual Experiences (OSE) with Peggy Kleinplatz from the University of Ottawa.

Rebecca Fitton, LPC

Rebecca Fitton, LPC, is an Emotionally-Focused Therapist in practice for 19 years. She works with couples and individuals who desire to have healthier and more fulfilling relationships. She supervises newer clinicians and has created marriage retreats for her faith community. She volunteers on the board of Mid-Michigan Emotionally Focused Therapy. Rebecca completed training in Optimal Sexual Experience (OSE) with Peggy Kleinplatz from the University of Ottawa.

Michelle Stillwagon, LMFT, CST, SIT

Michelle Stillwagon has been privately practicing as a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist for the past 16 years in Louisville, Ky. In addition to being Certified as a Sex Therapist (AASECT), and trained as an EMDR Clinician (EMDRIA), Michelle is an official LGBT Health Provider (UL LGBT Center), Optimal Sexual Experiences group facilitator (Peggy J. Kleinplatz, PhD), Prepare & Enrich couples’ assessor (P&E), and a highly sought-after guest lecturer. Her well-rounded educational background includes a BA at The College of Wooster and a MA at the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Currently, Michelle’s clinical focus is on sexual health, couples’ work, trauma, intimacy, alt-lifestyles, and embodiment.

Jennifer McVeigh, LCSW

Jennifer McVeigh is a licensed clinical social worker and social work supervisor in the states of Kentucky and Indiana. Jen is an experienced clinician, certified yoga teacher, Usui reiki master and mindfulness coach and sees clients in her private practice, Hearthfire Holistic. In addition to having a BSW from James Madison University and a MSSW from the University of Louisville, she is currently training at the Tantric Institute of Sexuality. Jen is passionate about empowering clients to ignite their sensuality and embody sexual freedom.

Sandi Anders, MDiv, CSC, ACS, RYT

Sandi’s passion is to help individuals and couples integrate body, mind, and spirit in their ongoing development. She is an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor, Certified Sexologist, and a Registered Yoga Teacher, with additional training in EFT, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Tantra, and Embodied Relational Sex Therapy.

David and Sandi are married life partners, together for 28 years. They frequently collaborate in couples therapy and innovative group therapy offerings and retreats.

David Yarian, PhD, CST-S

David is a Licensed Psychologist, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and AASECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor trained in family therapy, EFT, Tantra, and Embodied Relational Sex Therapy. His clinical work focuses on helping couples and individuals explore and develop their sexual potential with open hearts, emotional presence, and embodied joy. He teaches an annual course in Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy for the Human Development Counseling graduate program at Vanderbilt University.

Margaret Flaget-Greener, PsyD, MEd, LP, CST

Margaret Flaget-Greener received her doctorate in clinical psychology as well as a Master of Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University in Chester, PA. She completed a Fellowship at the University of Minnesota’s Program in Human Sexuality. Her doctoral research examined clinical psychologists' attitudes and biases towards older clients' sexuality and was published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy. Dr. Flaget-Greener is also an AASECT certified sex therapist and has a private practice located in Minneapolis, MN. She treats a variety of clients and issues including gender variance, sexual pain, dysfunction, and compulsive sexual behaviors. Her other areas of clinical interest are perinatal mental health, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and chronic health problems.

Ashley Mercer, PsyD

Ashley N. Mercer PsyD is a licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of sexual health concerns, gender identity, and perinatal mental health issues. Dr. Mercer is in private practice in Edina, MN and provides individual, couples, and group therapy.

Ronda Hood, IADC, LMHC

Ronda Hood is a licensed mental health counselor in Des Moines, IA. She owns and operates Heart and Mind Counseling. She brings 25 years of experience, skills and research-based trainings specializing in the areas of stress, anxiety, mood disturbance and relationship issues. She works with adults individually and with couples.

Joseli Alves-Dunkerson, LMFT, CST

Joseli Alves-Dunkerson is a licensed marriage therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She owns the Relationship and Intimacy Center in West Des Moines. She works with individuals and couples on issues related to relationship and intimacy.

Mary Minten, PhD, MFT, CST, LCADC

Dr. Mary Minten is a Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Sexologist. She is licensed in Nevada and Alabama. She works as a researcher, clinician, educator, and supervisor. Her PhD is in Counseling from Oregon State University and her MA is from Naropa University in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology. Dr. Minten’s original research is on relationship wellness programs to support help healthy couples stay healthy. Her private practice clinical work is with emotional, mental, relational, and sexual health for individuals, couples, and families. She teaches sex therapy, diversity, motivational interviewing and a range of other courses for graduate students and for continuing education for licensed professionals. She is board certified with AASECT (American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) as a sex therapist and ABS (American Board of Sexology) as a clinical sexologist and has worked with sexual health concerns since 2006. Dr. Minten’s approach to her work is existential and humanistic. She brings warmth along with extensive knowledge, including training in systemic, Gottman and Emotion-Focused therapy. She serves as a volunteer and advocate for TGNC, gay, lesbian, CNM, BDMS/Kink and other SGM minority groups and welcomes all relationships to her programs.

Joshua Dickson, MA, LMFT

I work with individuals, couples, and families experiencing difficulties whether it be a single event or ongoing concerns. I am honored to sit with my clients as they encounter some of the most difficult times in their lives, and I understand how hard it can be to talk to someone about what's going on. I am committed to providing a secure and comfortable environment throughout therapy. Whether you are struggling with personal issues, relationship concerns, or loneliness, we can work together because you deserve more than to have to do this alone. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern. I was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in January of 2019.

Mindy McGovern, LMFT

Mindy is a marriage and family therapist at Mettarel, a group practice in Seattle, Washington. She has specialized training in EFT, Gottman method, sex therapy, AEDP, and Family Constellations and teaches the Gottman’s Bringing Baby Home curriculum to expecting parents. She sees couples and individuals with a wide variety of issues including relationship distress, trauma and low desire/desire discrepancy.

Justin Pere, LMFT, CGT

Justin is a licensed psychotherapist for couples and individuals who provides therapy at a group practice he founded in 2010, Clarity Counseling Seattle, in Seattle, Washington. Justin is a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) with the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and a Certified Gottman Therapist (CGT) through the Gottman Institute. He currently sits on the Board of The Northwest Institute on Intimacy and he is a past board member of the Seattle Counselors Association. Justin is sometimes hired by The Gottman Institute to consult on sex and sexuality.

Dominique Walmsley PhD, LMHC

Dominique Walmsley, has a general counseling practice in Seattle, where she works with individuals and couples. She received her master’s degree in Psychology from Seattle University and her doctorate from Saybrook University. She is a certified sex therapist and is specialized in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). She also works as a Divorce Coach and Mediator in Collaborative Law, aiming to retain connections among people as they go through life’s transitions.

Elizabeth Rae Larson, MS, DHS, LMHC, ABS

Elizabeth Rae Larson, Director of Seattle Institute for Sex Therapy, Education and Research, is a clinical sexologist, sex researcher and educator; she is certified as a sex therapist by the American Board of Sexology. For more than 50 years, she has worked with a wide range of sexuality issues in several different environments. She currently works with couples experiencing distress over sexual discrepancies in their relationship, individuals exploring sexual identity or behavioral control issues, and small focused groups. She has a long-time interest in ancient (and not so ancient) civilizations and the evolution of hominids, which informs her opinions about "human nature."

Yamonte Cooper, Ed.D., LPCC, NCC, CST

Dr. Yamonte Cooper is the Clinical Director of the West Coast Sex Therapy Center, Professor of Counseling, adjunct Professor of Clinical Psychology, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor & Therapist (CST-S), ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Supervisor & Therapist (EFT), and Certified Gottman Therapist. He specializes in working with couples, trauma, sexual dysfunctions, gender & sexual identity, depression & anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality issues, grief, and other mental health problems. He is the author of the forthcoming book Racial Trauma and African-American Men (Routledge) and co-editor of the forthcoming book Black Couples Therapy: Clinical Theory and Practice (Cambridge University Press). Further, as a Fulbright scholar, Dr. Cooper exchanged best practices in career counseling and development in Germany and has exchanged best practices with higher education institutions in Botswana.

Nicole Wallace, LPC, CST

Nicole Wallace is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Clinical Supervisor, and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST). She has completed the Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 Training, Working with Complex Couples, and Couples and Addiction Recovery. She has over 15 years experience providing highly effective therapy to couples and individuals seeking improvement in areas of intimacy, infidelity, sexual dysfunction, gender and sexual identity, self-esteem, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Eric FitzMedrud, Ph.D.

Eric FitzMedrud, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in private practice since 2011. He is a former assistant professor at Sofia University where he taught Advanced Clinical Skills and Human Sexuality among other courses. He focuses his therapy practice on sex and relationship issues for individuals and couples. He is a coauthor of a two book chapters, author of a journal article about the importance of sexual authenticity, and author of the blog Journey to Stronger Relationships.

Pam Costa, M.A.

Pam Costa, M.A. has a private practice in Cupertino focused on helping individuals and couples explore ways to deepen desire and intimacy in their own relationships. Pam is also passionate about raising awareness within the medical and mental health communities on the impact of peer support on female sexual health, recently presenting her research on this topic at the 2018 International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health conference and TEDx Palo Alto.

Melissa Risso, MA, LMFT

Melissa Risso (MA, LMFT), a prominent voice in the effort to reverse the stigma of how we learn about mental and sexual health, works extensively as a therapist at her private practice, Risso Counseling, located in San Mateo, California. She is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator with training in Somatic Experiencing (SE), Gottman Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. She has also taught graduate-level counseling psychology master’s students for the past four years and is a Ph.D. student in the Human Sexuality Ph.D. program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) located in San Francisco, California. From her education, professional experience, and life experience, Melissa is passionate about supporting individuals and couples to discover their most authentic sexual selves.

Catherine de Sauvage LMFT, MS, SEP, CST

Catherine de Sauvage is not only a passionate practitioner about the Somatic Experience (what is our body trying to tell us) but she has also been actively curious about the new possibilities that Sexuality & Intimacy can offer us today. As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, she belongs to a community that focuses on what really matters in our connection with our partner(s). She also spent 9 years leading groups with people recovering from incarceration and learned from them the importance of being authentic. Her mentor, Dr.Gina Ogden, taught her how to help people re-author their story through a holistic 4 dimensions lens: the heart, the mind, the spirit and the body.

Robert Mendelsohn, MFT

Robert Mendelsohn, MFT is a Marriage and Family Therapist and Assistant Clinical Director at Center for Healthy Sex in Los Angeles, California. He provides sex therapy to individuals and couples with an emphasis on male sexual desire, body image issues, and penile enhancement surgery. He served as Clinical Director of the nonprofit Southern California Counseling Center in Los Angeles, CA for ten years, where he directed all clinical and training programs as well as serving as a Los Angeles County- certified domestic violence group facilitator. He has completed Parts 1 and 2 of Attachment-Focused EMDR Training. Professional memberships include the American Family Therapy Academy, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Alexandra Katehakis, Ph.D., LMFT

Alexandra Katehakis, Ph.D., LMFT is Founder and Clinical Director of Center for Healthy Sex in Los Angeles, California. She is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist/Supervisor/Institutional CE Provider specializing in sexual health. Dr. Katehakis received her early training in transpersonal psychology from John Cogswell, Ph.D. where she co-founded a mind/body psychotherapeutic group under the direction of Joseph Culp to workshop an embodied process known as “Walking-in-Your-Shoes” psychobiological approach to the treatment of sexual issues. Dr. Katehakis has appeared on numerous podcasts, most notably “Arm Chair Expert” with Dax Shepard, “Sounds True” with Tami Simon, “A New Day” with Claire Bidwell Smith, and Sex with Emily with Emily Morse. She was a regular guest sex expert on “Daytime with Dr. Drew,” AM640 for three years. In addition to teaching, speaking, and consulting locally and nationally, Dr. Katehakis is the author of several articles and books including, Sexual Reflections: A Workbook for Designing and Celebrating Your Sexual Health Plan (2018), the 2015 AASECT award winning Mirror of Intimacy: Daily Reflections on Emotional and Erotic Intelligence (2104) and the upcoming workbook, What Turns You On? A Guide to Having Your Best Sex Life (in press, 2022).

Areej Siddiqui, MSc., RCC

Areej Siddiqui is a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC) working out of Vancouver BC, Coast Salish Territories. Areej is trained in Couple and Family Therapy through the University of Guelph, and holds additional training and experience in EMDR, group therapy, body-oriented/somatic approaches, and sex therapy. Areej’s clinical approach integrates contemporary understandings of trauma, attachment patterns and strategies, systemic considerations in problem maintenance, and insight- and experience-oriented interventions. Their relevant lived experience includes membership and participation in the LGBTQ2S community and leather dyke scene in their city. Areej holds a reverence for the expansiveness of the human experience and is interested in facilitating psychotherapeutic encounters that make room for what is unsaid, contradictory, and emerging in clients’ lives.

Daniel Kline, MA, MCP, RCC

Daniel Kline is an RCC living in Vancouver. He has completed specialized trainings in the area of sex and sexuality, including training as a sexual health educator through Options for Sexual Health. He works with individuals and couples around a variety of issues: including differences of desire; infidelity and betrayal; sexual functioning and sexual pain; shame around sex or body image; kink and BDSM; open relationships and polyamory; gender identity and transitions. Daniel is the Executive Director of the BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and has worked extensively with clients with historical trauma. He is an Integral Facilitator and has led many therapy groups. Daniel has a passion for helping clients release the sources of suffering which get in the way of their personal growth, joy, and ability to connect meaningfully with others.

Dr. Rami Nijjar

Dr. Rami Nijjar is a Clinical Psychologist whose aim is to make sex and relationship therapy accessible and effective for those experiencing barriers to attachment, vulnerability, and eroticism. She completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Concordia University and subsequently worked with researcher and clinical psychologist Lori Brotto at the Sexual Medicine Department of the Vancouver General Hospital, running groups for women with vulvodynia, women struggling with low desire, and men approaching intimacy post prostate cancer treatment. During this time, she also became a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher through the UCSD School of Medicine. While treating a myriad of so-called sexual dysfunctions, Rami began to notice ways that some of her clients were able to find not only relief but transformative change through the crucible of relationships and sex, while other clients continued to suffer. Shame, trauma, and marginalization appeared to be the distinguishing factor. Rami has pioneered an approach of applying Mindful Self-Compassion to the internalized shame that often gets in the way of fulfilling relationships and authentic authentic self-expression. Resilience Psychotherapy, a clinic operating out of Montreal and Vancouver, was founded and now directed by Dr. Rami in order to train therapists and offer this approach to clients across British Columbia and Quebec.

Stefanie Krasnow, MA, RCC

Stefanie Krasnow is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who specializes in desire, desire discrepancy in couples, navigating diverse relationship structures, and helping others work through attachment and sexual trauma. She uses an approach that is empowering, non-pathologizing, and compassionate that aims to help people recover their innate capacities for aliveness, connection, and transformation. Stefanie came to the field of psychotherapy after her first career as a writer and editor. She then completed her Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Adler University in Vancouver where she trained in narrative therapy, trauma-therapy, and somatic therapies. Here she completed and published her work on female sexual desire in the Journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy. It was through her work and lived experiences that Stefanie began to make important links between internal and collective narratives, systems of oppression, and the authentic expression of connection and sexuality. She brings a depth of knowledge, a creative approach, deep compassion and insight to her work with individuals and couples who struggle with relationship dynamics. As an associate of Resilience Psychotherapy in Vancouver, Canada, Stefanie works with couples and individuals struggling with sex, addictions, identity building, and shame, and also runs Mindful Self Compassion groups several times a year. She works closely with Dr.Rami Nijjar to develop group protocols and learning materials for their couples and individuals who are exploring the realms of sex, intimacy, self-expression, and connectivity.

Leah Valian, MSW

Leah Valian, MSW, RSW, is a BESTCO Certified Sex Therapist and mixed media visual artist. She offers sex & relationship counselling in Kitchener, Stratford and Ayr, Ontario at her private practice COUPLE HEALTH since 2007. SASS CLASS is a women’s self care and processing group that she runs in Ayr with retreats in the Bruce Peninsula. Many ideas for relationship and couples work are developing, beginning with the Optimal Sexual Experiences group.

Calvin McConnell, MSW

Calvin McConnell, BMT, MSW, RSW is a Registered Social Worker who has been working with Individuals, Groups and Couples since 1997. He has a full time private practice with specialties in Couples Therapy, Trauma Treatment, and Sexual Abuse Recovery. Calvin has recently joined with Leah Valian, MSW, RSW and BESTCO Certified Sex Therapist to offer couple work in a group format. This is based on the work of Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz and the Optimal Sexual Experiences Research Team of the University of Ottawa.

Michelle McKitrick, MSW RSW RMFT

Michelle is a Registered Social Worker, a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist, and a BESTCO Certified Sex Therapist. With over 25 years of experience, she offers individual, couple and group therapy in her private practice in Thunder Bay, primarily focusing on relationship, trauma, and sexual concerns.

Noemie Kyryluk

Noemie is a Registered Psychotherapist, and a BESTCO associate, who recently relocated to Thunder Bay. She currently provides counseling services to individuals, couples and groups in Ottawa, focusing on relationship and sexual concerns, and will be moving her private practice to include the Thunder Bay area as well. She is also currently providing counseling services at a local community agency.

Shannon Lawless, RP, CCFT

Shannon is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Certified Couple and Family Therapist working in private practice in Kanata, ON. Shannon has been a part of the Optimal Sexual Experiences Research Team since 2006 and has published research on Extraordinary Lovers. Her therapeutic and group therapy approach is based in values of collaboration, mutual respect and compassion.

Bridget Johnston, RP

Bridget is a Registered Psychotherapist who works in private practice seeing individuals, couples and families in Kanata, ON. By combining psychotherapeutic modalities and a background in yoga, her philosophy for therapy is to create a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore issues as well as to help clients make meaning of the physical sensations felt within the body to help them achieve their goals.

Jessica McGuire M.A.

Jessica McGuire M.A., is a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor who specializes in couples therapy with a special interest in sex therapy. She received her Master in Counselling and Spirituality from Saint Paul University in 2011. She is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and the College Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Fiona MacDonell M.A.

Fiona MacDonell M.A., is a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor who specializes in couples therapy with a special interest in sex therapy. She completed her graduate studies at Saint Paul University in 2013 with a Masters in Counselling and Spirituality, and for the past five years has been in private practice in downtown Ottawa where she sees couples and individuals presenting with a wide variety of concerns. Ms. MacDonell has received further training in object relations therapy and self-psychology, sex therapy, post-affair couple's therapy, and emotion focused therapy.

Jennifer Goldberg, M.Ed.

Jennifer is a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor who specializes in couples therapy. Jennifer completed her Master in Educational Counselling from the University of Ottawa in 2014. She received additional training in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy and takes a special interest in helping couples to establish closer connection and intimacy in their relationships. She currently provides clinical services at a local community agency in Ottawa.

Laura Merton, M.Ed, RP

Laura is a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor who works with individuals and couples in a community agency in Ottawa. Laura received her M.Ed Counselling from the University of Ottawa in 2015 and received training in Emotionally Focussed Therapy for Couples. Laura has a special interest in helping individuals and couples achieve more profound connections to themselves and each other, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Sophia Weaver, MA

Sophia studied Anthropology at McGill University and obtained a B.A in Sociology and Anthropology from Carleton University. She holds a Masters in Counseling and Spirituality with a specialization in Couple and Families from Saint-Paul University, where she studied in French. Sophia completed an Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy ® and is also Myers-Briggs Type Indicator certified. She is currently employed at Jewish Family Services of Ottawa-The Counselling Group. Her focus in her counselling practice on relationships as a source of strength and healing with an attachment and object relations perspective. Sophia’s main area of interest is in working with couples, with a focus on issues arising for couples in blended families. Sophia is also an owner-operator of an independent bookstore that she has run for the last 25 years.

Bonney Elliott MEd, RP, NP, RYT

Bonney is a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice in Ottawa, Canada. She works with individuals, couples and groups. Her focus is doing meaningful work with people seeking positive change, who want to live fuller lives and connect more deeply with themselves and others. She is a yoga teacher and a nurse practitioner with extensive experience in reproductive health and sexuality.

Miguel Nucete-Crowther, MA, RP

Miguel is a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice in Ottawa offering psychotherapy services and counselling to adolescents, adults and couples. He holds a Master´s Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology (UCM, Spain, 2002), and a Licentiate Degree in Psychology (UCV, Venezuela, 1999). His psychotherapeutic approach and style are best described as integrative, collaborative, caring, and empathic. His expertise enables him to articulate techniques from different models or approaches to psychotherapy, such as Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioural (CBT), and Humanistic therapies to address his client’s specific needs and concerns within a none-judgmental and holding environment. He is passionate about helping couples reconnect more intimately and improve the quality of their sex lives. He also has extensive experience helping individuals and couples living with chronic health issues. With compassion, depth and understanding, Miguel works with each individual and couple to build on their strengths and discover their true selves.

Philip Jai Johnson, Ph.D.

Philip Jai Johnson, Ph.D. is a highly trained relationship and sex therapist, with areas of specialty including discrepant/ mismatched sexual desire, infidelity/betrayal, compulsive sexual behaviour, anxiety during sex, and LGBTQ+ mental health. He obtained his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from McGill University and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Institute for Sexual and Gender Health at the University of Minnesota, and the LGBT Health Initiative at Columbia University in New York City. He also works with individuals more broadly in the areas of anxiety, depression, grief, and self-worth. His therapeutic style incorporates elements of cognitive behavioural therapy and attachment, as well as a strengths-based approach that recognizes that we have within ourselves the resources we need to make changes that are both empowered and meaningful.

Morag Yule, Ph.D.

Morag Yule, Ph.D. is a registered psychologist who specializes in sex therapy. Dr. Yule provides empirically supported psychological services for a broad range of sexual issues. She has extensive training and experience treating sexual dysfunction, including problems with sexual desire, difficulty experiencing sexual arousal and orgasm, and sexual pain. She also works with those struggling with hypersexuality/out of control sexual behavior, navigating atypical/unique sexual interests, and moving past difficult sexual experiences and sexual trauma. She works with both individuals and couples and people of all genders and sexual orientations. Dr. Yule's therapeutic approach draws on Emotion- Focused Therapy (EFT), mindfulness and somatic-based therapies, acceptance-based interventions, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Her warm, genuine, and open approach to therapy helps develop a strong client/therapist relationship and she works collaboratively to identify core issues that will result in meaningful and lasting change. Dr. Yule is the founder and director of Ontario Sex Therapy, a private psychology practice in Toronto.

Stephen Bigg, MA, RP

Stephen Biggs is a registered psychotherapist with nearly three decades of experience doing individual, group and relationship counselling. He works in Toronto at a large urban hospital and has a busy private practice. He specializes in therapy focused on relationships and sexuality.

Cordelia Huxtable, MPsych, RP

Cordelia Huxtable is a registered psychotherapist with a private practice in Toronto, specializing in trauma, grief, sexuality and relationships. She draws extensively on her background in sex education, mindfulness, dance and yoga to enhance her psychotherapy practice

Mary Jane Millar MSW, RSW

Mary Jane Millar is an Emotionally Focused Therapist who has worked with couples and families for over 20 years. She completed her graduate degree in International Social Work and her research focused on Indigenous Ways of Knowing. She specializes in working with first responders including veterans and clients who have experienced intergenerational trauma. Mary Jane is a registered member of OAMHP, The Ontario College of Social Work and is a Certified Member of BESTCO (Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling in Ontario) Mary Jane practices from an anti-oppressive, sex positive framework in order to create a inclusive therapy space for intervention and treatment.

Diana Melnick, MA, RP (she/her)

Diana is a Registered Psychotherapist, BESTCO Certified Sex Therapist and clinical director of Toronto Intimacy Counselling, a multidisciplinary clinic specializing in treating sexual function. Diana is an Emotionally Focused therapist, combining EFT and CBT to successfully treat a range of sexual issues including pain, desire discrepancy, inability to orgasm, erectile dysfunction, and aversion/fear of intimacy. She always uses a trauma-informed lens, creating a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive space for her diverse clientele.

Over the past decade, she has presented a variety of seminars and workshops to clinicians, therapists, educators, clergy members, and international audiences on an array of topics covering sexual health and sexual function throughout various life stages: puberty, pre-marital, unconsummated marriage/partnership, perinatal period, menopause, illness, and seniors/aging. Prior to Covid she was an executive member of the Sexual Health Network of Ontario, a government organization that brought together service providers working in and around sexual health for networking and education.

Marlene Neufeld, MSW & Bob Neufeld, M.Ed

Marlene (MSW, RSW) and Bob Neufeld (M.Ed) are a couple who help couples learn life-changing relationship skills and create closer loving relationships. They have been married since 1970 and have been collaborating in a two-on-two counselling practice, workshops and retreats since 2003.

Rokhsana Nowroozi

Rokhsana (Roxy) is a Relate trained therapist with 20 years’ experience of working with individuals, couples and groups. She holds a post graduate certificate in couples therapy and is also an experienced sex therapist. Roxy works in private practice and also for a counselling charity specialising in relationship and sex therapy.
She enjoys working with couples on all aspects of relationships from communication to sex. Her approach is warm and inclusive with a healthy pinch of humour. Roxy is a registered member of BACP (The British Association For Counselling And Psychotherapy).

John Shanahan

John is a Relate trained couples therapist who also holds Masters degrees in both Relationship Therapy and Psychosexual therapy. He specialises in working with couples and individuals to improve all aspects of their relationships, offering a warm, compassionate and collaborative experience of counselling. He believes strongly in the importance of integrating relationship and sex therapy, taking a holistic approach in his work. John works in private practice and for a counselling charity where he also provides training to other therapists. He is an accredited member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and a Registered Member of COSRT (the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists).

Jennifer Stuckert-Knapp

Jennifer Stuckert-Knapp is a Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Drama Therapist practicing in Paris, France. She specializes in trauma recovery, sex therapy, and couple’s therapy, and she’s fully trained in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. She works with cross-cultural couples, LGBTQ+ and straight couples, and couples in various life stages. She has a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a certificate in sex therapy from the University of Michigan. She has significant experience facilitating groups and workshops, including Autobiographical Therapeutic Theatre groups, Transform Your Life Script Groups, and Embracing Your Sexual Self workshops.

Rachel Mark

Rachel Mark, Ph.D, M.Ed., LMSW, is an American sexologist, clinical social worker and researcher. She has a private practice in Paris, France and is a member of the International Counseling Service. Working with a wide range of relationship and sexuality-related concerns, Rachel’s passion is helping her clients understand their sexuality more deeply in order to find fulfillment in their lives both individually and with their partner(s). Rachel’s latest research is focused on the study of pelvic floor rehabilitation in France and the impact on postpartum sexuality.

Lisa B. Schwartz, Ph.D. LMFT

Lisa is a psychotherapist who specializes in sexuality issues. She has a private practice in Bucs County Pa. She works remotely with adults located in PA, New Jersey and Fla. She is an AASECT certified Sex Therapist who specializes in mixed-orientation relations/marriages, ADHD & Sexuality, and sexual desire issues. In addition to having a private practice, Lisa provides workshops and trainings for the community and professionals.

Chana Simmonds, MSW, LCSW

Chana is a Couples and Sex Therapist with a private practice in Israel, New York and New Jersey. She is an AASECT certified Sex Therapist and Sex Therapist Supervisor and a member of the Israel Society for Sex Therapy. She also has expertise in Fertility, Perinatal and Postpartum Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Chronic Pain and trauma. In addition to her clinical work, Chana also supervises clinicians and does workshops and trainings.