Blog and Articles

A new blog, on average, is published about 3-8x a month, tending to offer ideas and perspectives on psychological aspects of current events, an introduction or deepening of how Dr. Denise Renye works with people, and some practices you can do blending psychology, sexology, spirituality, embodiment and art.

Press publications and mentions can be found here.

NOTICE TO readers

These articles are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, coaching or therapy. Seeking the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any mental health symptom or medical condition is imperative. Do not disregard professional psychological or medical advice. Do not delay in the seeking of professional advice or treatment because of something you have read here.

Couples Therapy, Sexuality Denise Renye Couples Therapy, Sexuality Denise Renye

Eye gazing for Beginners

What you’re doing as you eye gaze is slowing down, which can feel challenging in a society that encourages moving at warp speed. Eye gazing with yourself or another cultivates patience, listening, inquiring, and learning about the person you see in an unhurried and respectful way. All of that can lead to a healthier, more satisfying, and intimate relationship. Are you ready to try eye gazing? If so, read through my tips as an experienced online sex therapist.

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How Acceptance Can Transform Challenging Relationships

As a licensed psychologist and sex therapist, I work with couples and individuals to improve their relationships with themselves and others. Acceptance is a cornerstone of resilience in challenging relationships. Whether the difficulty stems from differences in values, past hurts, or communication barriers, the ability to accept another person—flaws and all—creates the foundation for authentic connection and personal growth. Acceptance does not mean resignation or condoning harmful behavior; rather, it is an acknowledgment of reality as it is, without unnecessary resistance or futile attempts to control what cannot be changed.

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Sex Therapy in Pennsylvania: Online Support for Relationship and Intimacy Concerns

When relationship or intimacy issues arise, finding specialized support can make all the difference. In Pennsylvania, online sex therapy has made it possible for residents across the state—and especially in Philadelphia—to access professional guidance from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you’re navigating concerns with sexual desire, communication, intimacy, or personal exploration, online sex therapy provides a compassionate space for individuals and couples alike.

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Couples Therapy, EMDR, Sex Therapy Denise Renye Couples Therapy, EMDR, Sex Therapy Denise Renye

The 8 Reasons Women Stay in Abusive Relationships: A Bay Area Psychologist Perspective

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s important for everyone – not only domestic violence survivors – to understand it’s not so easy for a person to extricate themselves from an abusive situation. The reasons women stay in abusive relationships are multifaceted, involving fear, financial dependence, concern for children, emotional manipulation, hope for change, social pressures, and lack of support. Understanding these reasons is essential for developing effective interventions and support systems to help women safely exit abusive situations.

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The Impact of Grohl’s Affair: A Bay Area Sex Therapist’s View

This dynamic reflects the patriarchal system that often prioritizes men's desires and choices over the emotional well-being of women. Under patriarchy, infidelity is framed as a man's lapse in judgment, and women are seen as “victims” or “homewreckers,” rather than fully formed humans with agency. Patriarchy perpetuates the belief that men can seek fulfillment outside their commitments while women are left to deal with the fallout.

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Marin County Sex Therapist’s Take on Dave Grohl’s Affair

And I can say in my experience as a Marin County sex therapist, it’s important to acknowledge that people change and relationships do as well. That’s why relational educational work such as developing communication skills and setting and maintaining boundaries is vital. Healthy relationships require these skills and at the same time, no one is perfect.

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Sex Therapy in Oregon: Online Support for Relationship and Intimacy Concerns

Through online sex therapy, individuals and couples can address relationship and intimacy concerns, improve communication, and gain insight into their own sexual identities and needs. Ultimately, the goal is to build a foundation for healthier relationships, deeper intimacy, and more fulfilling connections.

In Oregon, online sex therapy is an empowering option for those ready to take the next step toward understanding themselves and their relationships on a deeper level.

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Understanding Sex-Positive Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach

If you’re interested in exploring how sex-positive therapy can support your journey towards greater sexual well-being and fulfillment, I invite you to connect with me. Together, we can work towards understanding and embracing your unique sexual identity, improving your relationships, and navigating any challenges you may face. For more information or to schedule a session, please visit my website. I look forward to working with you on this empowering path.

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The Challenges of Being a Partner During Gender Transition

If you’re navigating the complexities of being a partner during a gender transition and need support, I’m here to help. As a sex therapist, I specialize in guiding individuals and couples through these challenging times. Reach out here to set up an appointment.

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Are You Practicing Outercourse? It Can Enhance Your Sex Life

If you're interested in exploring how outercourse and other aspects of sexual intimacy can enhance your relationship with yourself or your partner, I can help. As a sex therapist, I specialize in guiding individuals and couples through these important conversations and experiences. Reach out here to set up an appointment and start your journey towards a more fulfilling sexual and intimate life.

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Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy, Sexuality Denise Renye Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy, Sexuality Denise Renye

Navigating Transitions: How Therapy Can Support You Through the Back-to-School Season

As a Marin county psychologist and sex therapist, I encourage you to consider therapy as a valuable resource during this transitional time. Whether you're dealing with empty nest syndrome, relationship changes, or the stress of the season, therapy can offer the guidance and support needed to maintain emotional well-being, intimacy, and sexual health. Embrace these changes with confidence, knowing that you have the tools to navigate them successfully.

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Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy, Sexology Denise Renye Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy, Sexology Denise Renye

Fear of Intimacy: A Seasoned Sex Therapist’s Perspective

With awareness, compassion, and a willingness to confront past wounds, it is possible to overcome the fear of intimacy and embrace the vulnerability that intimacy requires. As a Marin County sex therapist, it is deeply rewarding to work with clients who move through these fears and into more fulfilling, connected relationships.

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How the ‘Sexual Attitude Reassessment’ Shapes Competent Sex Therapists

During my time at Widener, SAR was an integral part of the curriculum, providing an opportunity to confront personal biases, challenge societal norms, and explore the wide spectrum of sexual expression. The experience was both confronting and liberating as it pushed us students to recognize and dismantle any prejudices or discomforts we might have had around certain sexual topics or behaviors.

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Bay Area Sex Therapist Unveils How Older People Can Embrace Sexuality Through Psychedelics

For older people who had psychedelic experiences in their earlier years, those memories can serve as profound touchstones for current self-exploration and healing. The essence of those experiences—whether a sense of unity, deep emotional release, or a transcendent connection to something greater—can be revisited and integrated into present-day life. This process can be particularly enriching when addressing aspects of senior sexuality.

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How to Add More Intimacy to Your Sex Life

The key to a more intimate sex life is open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to explore and connect with your partner on multiple levels. It's important to understand each other's needs and desires and to create an environment that encourages trust and vulnerability. 

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Deeper Connections: Further Insights on Emotional Availability from a Bay Area Sex Therapist

Identifying the traits of an emotionally available person can help you assess a potential or current partner and also demonstrate where either or both of you could use some support. Emotional availability is a spectrum whereby some people are more available than others. In other words, every person can become more emotionally available, if they choose. And if they do, I bet they’ll find deeper and more meaningful connections.

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Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy, Sexuality Denise Renye Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy, Sexuality Denise Renye

Marin County Psychologist Unpacks Defensiveness in Relationships

The inner critic is born from unprocessed childhood trauma. If you dig deeper, you’ll likely find the inner critic voice is eerily similar to a parent or guardian, either in words you heard or interpretations through actions they showed. We often internalize those voices and messages that whisper tales of inadequacy and unworthiness. There may have been neglect, rejection, or emotional abuse in childhood and so to deal with the pain, often an inner critic arises that repeats these negative messages in an effort to wound yourself before anyone else has the chance to wound you. On the other hand, the inner critic may say, “If only you did things the right way, everything would be fine.”

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Marin County Sex Therapist Reveals Signs of Emotional Unavailability

The internet, and people in general, like to speak in absolutes about what people should do. But in my work as a sex therapist, I give space for my clients to figure out what is best for them, whether that’s ending the relationship with the emotionally unavailable person or supporting them as they navigate staying together. However, there are some general guidelines for healing.

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Couples Therapy, LGBTQIA+, Sexuality, Sexology Denise Renye Couples Therapy, LGBTQIA+, Sexuality, Sexology Denise Renye

How Ethical Fetish and Kink Play can Heal Trauma

Trauma leaves a lasting impact on a person’s sense of self and affects their mental well-being and intimate connections. There are many ways the body can process trauma and one of them is ethical, consensual fetish and kink play. A fetish is a behavior that someone cannot get sexually aroused without whereas kink is an activity or behavior someone enjoys that goes outside the bounds of “traditional,” or “vanilla” sex. A person may get incredibly turned on by a kink, but not necessarily need it to get off. If they do, it becomes a fetish. Fetishes may be kinks, but not all kinks are fetishes.

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What’s the Deal with the #Tradwife Trend?

It's also the case that sometimes people want to experiment and that’s fine too! Exploring traditional gender norms or roles in a consensual and respectful manner can just be fun, it doesn’t have to mean anything or signify aligning with any particular political ideology, especially if it’s not a lifestyle choice and instead a sexual experimentation. For some couples, enacting traditional gender roles is a kink, or a type of sexual play that falls outside of “vanilla” sexual intercourse.

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