About Us

 Leading to Atlanta...

I've had the privilege of living in many different places:  the mid-west, the south, Colorado, and Sweden. Sweden and Colorado were paradises for skiing - and I loved the sport.  Having lived in both places, I took full advantage of the opportunities. It certainly satisfied my itch for the outdoors and the scenery was spectacular. I've been in Atlanta since 1985. This privilege has afforded and informed me about diversity and cultural importance.

A bit about me...

I was interested in many things growing up, some geeky, some athletic. I was introduced to farm life on many family trips to my grandparent’s and aunt and uncle’s farms. Farm work took some perseverance which is probably what made the incredible food from my grandmother and aunt even more wonderful!

 I adored and always looked forward to my frequent visits there and grew quite fond of the country culture. Conversely, I was never fond, however, of watching my grandmother chase the chickens and prepare them for the table – country life can be a bit challenging when you witness those end-of-life moments common in country life, particularly for an animal lover such as I was (and am).  

My interest in music began at a very early age. Our family followed some traditional paths of semi-regular church service. As a kid, I thought it was relatively boring. The only saving grace, perhaps, was listening to beautiful music. I was absolutely captivated by the pipe organ during church services; it eventually led to learning to play the instrument and a minor in pipe organ study in college. Although I enjoyed periodic church gigs, mostly to sub in when needed, I was not interested in ongoing Sunday commitments. I was honored to play at my sister's wedding.

Ok, some more nerdy stuff…

I am an admitted, avid, dog lover! We had them most of my childhood and adult life. I’m a bit neurotic about them in terms of my intense interest. Several of my close friends bred and showed dogs and encouraged me to explore that hobby. So I did! I thoroughly enjoyed it for the most part, however, it was quite expensive and it became clear that I really enjoyed them more just being pets so I gradually transitioned from the ring to the couch! Then, when the Dog Whisperer came to the airwaves, I thought I had arrived in heaven!

 Now for the more personal stuff… 

 My partner and I were together for 26 years until he passed from pancreatic cancer in 2006.   He had two lovely, young daughters with whom I gradually grew very close to.  To this day, we all remain very close even after my partner’s passing. They are my family!

Professional life...

My professional life as a therapist began somewhat later than most. I always had an interest in counseling but it wasn’t until my early 30’s that I seriously considered graduate school. After relocating to Atlanta, I applied to Georgia State University for their Master’s program in counseling and graduated in 1987. As I obtained varied experience in the counseling field including marital therapy, I realized that when couples presented with sexual issues, I was not knowledgeable in treating these issues so I began my studies, supervision, and certification processes to develop my skills in this area. Ultimately, it led to pursuing my Ph.D. program in Sexology.

I am very happy in my practice and chosen field. I have been very grateful for the life experiences that formed me and the educational experiences that have informed me.

 I began my professional training with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois at the Springfield, Illinois campus, where I majored in Psychology and was degreed in 1980. I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1985 to attend my graduate program in Community Counseling at Georgia State University and received my Master’s Degree in 1987.

Post graduation, I obtained certifications as a National Certified Counselor, Master Addictions Counselor, Employee Assistance Professional (retired), and Sex Therapist. My employment positions have been in private practice since licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor and various clinical and management positions in Employee Assistance programming and Impaired Professionals programming while holding Officer position in our local chapter of EAPA.

My interest in the specialty of sex therapy led me to obtaining my Sex Therapy certification through our governing body with the American Association of Sexual Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). I completed the coursework and extensive supervision requirement and received the certification in May, 2020.

Following this certification, I applied and was was accepted into the Ph.D. program in Sexology through the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes out of West Palm Beach, where I am currently in the dissertation phase of my program with a focus on consensual nonmonogamy.

My work in sex therapy is grounded in numerous theoretical orientations. Some of the common approaches are explained below.

Solution and Strength-based Therapies: 

These assist clients in identifying skills, supportive social networks, beliefs, and abilities.

Narrative Therapy: 

You may have internal stories you tell yourself relating to your life experiences. They encompass your dreams, beliefs, values, and assumptions.

Family Systems Theory: 

This examines the varied areas of your life and world that interrelate with you.

Psychodynamic Theory: 

This looks at how your family of origin or early life experiences influence your current life as an adult. They can consist of unconscious energies as well.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: 

Uncovers beliefs, values, and negative thinking patterns that impact mood states such as depression and anxiety.