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.

As you continue your journey in this field, remember that your well-being is not just a personal matter; it is a professional responsibility. By taking care of yourself, you ensure that you can continue to care for others, effectively and compassionately, for years to come.

As a form of self care, finding your way to a consultation group or working with an individual consultant. I offer individual and group consultation You can find out more here.

Having a solid container of clinical consultation can reduce the possibility of SHS. I offer individual and group consultation You can find out more here.

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.

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.

In a sex-positive framework, which I practice as a Bay Area sex therapist and psychologist, consensual adult sexual expressions are valid and worthy of respect. This means I view foot fetishes not as a disorder or abnormality but as a natural variation of human sexuality. The sex-positive approach is grounded in the belief that sexual diversity is a normal and healthy part of life. It challenges the notion that only certain types of sexual expressions are acceptable and encourages people to explore and express their sexuality in ways that feel authentic and fulfilling to them.

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.

Growing up with emotionally immature parents presents significant challenges to understanding a person’s sexual self and forming healthy intimate relationships. However, with targeted therapeutic interventions, people can learn to navigate these complexities, fostering a healthier and more fulfilling sexual and relational life.

I’ve also seen that minding your own business can help your interpersonal relationships. Respecting others’ autonomy instead of telling them what to do, fosters mutual respect and trust. When you refrain from unnecessary interference, you show that you trust others to handle their own lives, which can strengthen bonds and improve communication. Doing so encourages a more supportive and less judgmental atmosphere and allows relationships to thrive in a healthier, more balanced manner.

It was in the 1980s when she became a celebrity, frankly discussing sex on her popular late-night radio show, Sexually Speaking. She was in her 50s at that time, a Crone. So often, women at that age and stage of life face ageism and are portrayed as asexual or “dried up.” When sex is discussed for elderly folx, it’s often as a punchline. Dr. Ruth showed that sex remains important in midlife and beyond.

We live in a society where trans folx are under attack just for being themselves which means there are unique challenges to exploring their sexuality such as body dysphoria, societal stigma, and limited access to affirming sexual health resources. As a Marin County sexologist, I’m an advocate for everyone having a healthy, satisfying sex life, and that includes trans folx. What follows are eight tips for how to do that.

Embracing s’alka can encourage my clients to explore and integrate these raw, natural aspects of their identity which can create a fuller, more balanced sense of self. This approach can help them break free from societal or self-imposed constraints and allow them to experience greater authenticity and freedom.

Promoting bisexual visibility is essential. Positive representation in media, literature, and public discourse can help normalize bisexuality and provide role models for those struggling with their identity. By seeing their experiences reflected and validated, bisexual individuals can gain the confidence to embrace their true selves.

LGBTQIA+ organizations must maintain their autonomy and grassroots connections while engaging with corporate partners thoughtfully. Consumers, in turn, can support businesses that demonstrate genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion beyond Pride Month. Far too many, like Target, are fair-weather friends.

In my work as a Marin County psychologist, I take a trauma-informed approach to addiction treatment that creates a supportive and non-judgmental environment. I approach addiction with compassion and this can help reduce the shame and stigma often associated with both trauma and addiction. This encourages individuals to seek help and engage more fully in the therapeutic process.

Pride and “Kinky Boots” demonstrate how everyone’s liberation is bound up with everyone else’s because the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is intertwined with broader struggles for social justice and economic democracy. Celebrating Pride means honoring alliances and the progress achieved. It also means acknowledging the ongoing challenges and continuing to advocate for equality and acceptance for all people.

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation, however, so it’s also important to foster connections with supportive relationships and communities. Doing so can provide validation, understanding, and a sense of belonging, which are essential components of healing from trauma.

Finding the right sex therapist is a pivotal step towards reclaiming agency and fulfillment in matters of intimacy. By prioritizing specialization, compatibility, therapeutic approach, experience, ongoing education, and logistical considerations, you can identify a therapist who empowers you to navigate the complexities of sexuality with confidence and resilience. Remember, the journey towards sexual well-being is a collaborative endeavor, and with the right therapist by your side, transformation is within reach.

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. 

Identifying feelings is a vital skill for emotional and sexual well-being. Through mindfulness, journaling, emotion identification exercises, therapeutic dialogue, and body awareness, individuals can enhance their emotional intelligence and foster healthier relationships. Overcoming barriers to emotional awareness and cultivating self-compassion are essential components of this journey. As a psychologist and sexologist, my role is to support individuals in navigating their emotional landscapes, helping to promote greater self-awareness, and ultimately helping to lead them toward a more fulfilling and emotionally rich life.