Okemos Center for Therapy

Qualifications

• Years in Practice: 30 Years

• School: Defiance College, Bachelors; Ball State University, Masters; Union Institute, Doctorate

• Accreditation: Sex Therapist Diplomate, American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapist. (2000)

Specialty & Approach

I am a psychologist with 30 years of clinical experience. I have a general practice working with individual adults and couples. My clinical experience includes treating depression, anxiety disorders, life transition, stress management, loss and grief issues. I am also an AASECT certified diplomate sex therapist with a specialty in treating sexual abuse and sexual disorders I currently serve on the AASECT certification committee for Sex Therapist. This requires that I participate in ongoing educational classes and training workshops to maintain current competency. 

My philosophy has evolved out of the culmination of multifaceted clinical experience.  As a therapist, I feel it is important to first establish a therapy environment which is a safe, nonjudgmental, open and respectful. My therapeutic style is more active in the therapy process. I will provide you with feedback during your sessions. For example, my clinical work with couples often will include having them develop a notebook of common goals, strategies for better communication and conflict management skills that they can refer to long after they have ended treatment with me. My therapeutic framework includes psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavioral strategies and holistic approaches. These are often used when they best fit the needs and goals of the client. 

As a certified sex therapist, I work with individuals and couples experiencing sexual difficulty either originating from marital and intimacy conflicts or sexual problems secondary to medical problems.  Sex therapy often involves a combination of sex education, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral strategies. I work with couples to revitalize their sexual relationship. I understand that talking about sexual problems can be awkward and often times uncomfortable. There are not many opportunities for someone to discuss one’s sexual concerns in a serious way. It is sometimes difficult to discuss these concerns with a physician and sometimes even with their sexual partner. I try to address sexual concerns in a direct and informational manner that allows clients to feel safe and comfortable.