I am an author, therapist, speaker and emeritus professor whose life’s work has been committed to helping people live more authentic, meaningful, joyful—and sexually satisfying—lives.
As an Emeritus Professor at the University of Florida, I teach the Psychology of Human Sexuality to hundreds of undergraduate students each year. I've published over 50 research articles in academic journals and six chapters in academic books. I have received numerous professional and teaching awards. I am a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, indicating that my work has had a positive national influence on the field of psychology. In 2023, I was named one of Forbes “50 over 50” woman innovators.
I am the author of two popular press books—both written with the aim of empowering women sexually and both with published studies demonstrating that readers enhance their sexual functioning:
(HarperOne, 2017) and
(Adams Media, 2009).
With this same goal of providing scientifically accurate, sex-positive information to enhance female pleasure, I give presentations and workshops to professionals and lay audiences, including a TEDx talk with over two million views. I also maintain an active social media presence, and am often quoted in national and international media.
For over 30 years, I have maintained a small private practice, working with both individuals and couples on general and sexual issues. One of my greatest honors is supporting her clients during difficult times, as well as helping them make positive changes and reach life goals.
SPEAKING TO LAY AND PROFESSIONAL AUDIENCES
I have been an educator and speaker in the field of human sexuality for several decades. I love to simultaneously educate audiences and make them laugh. Published research proves that my talks work! People who attend my presentations become more sexually aware, empowered, and even more orgasmic!
I have the experience necessary to deliver an informative, engaging, and entertaining presentation or workshop to your college, university and/or organization. For more information on topics, sample videos and praise, see
SEX AND GENERAL THERAPY
I have been practicing as a licensed psychologist for over 30 years. I work with both individuals and couples, and the types of issues and concerns I see include:
Relationships issues
Grief and loss
Family-of-origin issues
Depression
Anxiety and Stress Management
Recovering from childhood abuse
Stage of Life Issues
I am also a certified sex therapist and thus have a great deal of experience working with individuals and couples on sexual issues.
Whether working with a couple or individual, I view therapy as a joint effort between myself and my client(s). I provide a safe space and expertise gained with training and experience, and my clients provide their expert knowledge on themselves, their experiences, their thoughts, and their feelings.
I believe that quality therapy involves mutually agreed upon goals and a way to evaluate when goals have been met. Thus, together my clients and I set goals with the following question in mind: What do you want to be different when we finish therapy? I also work with my clients to continually monitor the goals we set in order to make sure progress is being made and to change or re-vamp the goals as needed. I continually check-in with my clients to make sure that therapy is working for them and that we are on the right pathway for their change, adjusting our focus working together as needed.
I take an active approach to therapy. My goal is to offer my clients more than a place to vent. I try to provide my clients with feedback, ideas, and directions to address problems and make their lives better. Sometimes this means challenging and confronting clients. However, my goal is always to provide such challenges in the context of a very safe and trusting relationship where my clients know that I truly have their best interests at heart.
I realize that developing trust takes time and I do all that I can to develop a safe and trusting relationship with my clients. I ask my clients to be open and honest with me, and I work to provide a transparent style of therapy with my clients.
I believe that therapy is a place where clients should be able to speak the unspeakable. I believe therapy is a place where clients should feel both understood and challenged to make changes in their lives. I believe that if clients are open to the process of therapy and if they find a therapist who is a good fit for them, therapy can be life altering. I do all that I can to provide such therapy for my clients.
The only book of its kind with several scientific studies showing that women who read it regain their desire, as... View More
** *WINNER, 2019 CONSUMER BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD & 2021 MEDIA AWARD*** Awards given by major sexuality... View More