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.

Denise Renye Denise Renye

Why I’m Offering Free EMDR to LA Fire Survivors

EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based approach designed to help people reprocess traumatic memories and move toward a place of emotional resilience and recovery. Unlike conventional therapy, EMDR does not require extensive discussion, which makes it especially effective for LA wildfire survivors who are still processing the ongoing disaster. They won’t need to deeply explore their feelings or what happened during each session.

Read More
Denise Renye Denise Renye

Mentoring Clinicians: The Importance of Supervision and Consultation

I see supervision as a structured and essential part of a clinician’s early career, while consultation is a valuable resource for ongoing professional development. Both roles allow me to support fellow clinicians in their journeys, emphasizing the importance of ethical practice, continuous learning, and reflective engagement in our work.

Read More
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.

Read More

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.

Read More
Sex Therapy, Sexology, Sexuality, Trauma Healing Denise Renye Sex Therapy, Sexology, Sexuality, Trauma Healing Denise Renye

Speaking Desire: Marin County Sex Therapist Reveals How to Navigate Sex with Injury, Disability

For someone with an injury or disability, sexual encounters can bring physical, emotional, and psychological complexities that require open communication to ensure safety, comfort, and pleasure. It’s perfectly reasonable to raise those complexities with your partner(s) because again, sex is about pleasure for everyone involved. People are not mind-readers and that means communicating what works and what doesn’t is paramount. That might mean not only expressing what feels good and what doesn’t, but also something specific such as a change in position, additional time, the need to adjust tempo or amount of lube, or specific forms of touch.

Read More

How to Let Things Go

Letting go is not about forgetting or dismissing what has shaped us, but rather about making space for growth, healing, and new possibilities. It is a courageous act of self-compassion, requiring us to release what no longer serves us so we can embrace the fullness of our present and future. Though the process may be uncomfortable or even painful at times, it is also profoundly freeing, offering us the chance to reclaim our energy and refocus on what truly matters. By practicing the art of letting go, we step closer to a life of clarity, balance, and peace, where we can fully inhabit the person we are becoming.

Read More
For Clinicians, Self Care, Sexuality Denise Renye For Clinicians, Self Care, Sexuality Denise Renye

Online Sex Therapist Reviews film ‘The Substance’

The Substance is steeped in commentary on the relentless societal obsession with women’s appearances. The transformations induced by the substance amplify these pressures, making the characters’ bodies sites of both fascination and horror. Moore’s character struggles with losing control over her body and identity, which reflects the anxiety many women feel about their autonomy in a world that demands physical perfection.

Read More

How to Prioritize Self-Care During the Holiday Season

It's in therapy where raw and potentially confusing experiences are metabolized so they become understandable and usable. The therapist is there, with you, supporting you to process what has happened in your life, whether it was when you were a child, an adolescent, or an adult. That means you’re viewing what happened in a different way and perhaps for the first time feeling feelings that up until now remained unfelt. 

Read More
Sex Therapy, Sexology Denise Renye Sex Therapy, Sexology Denise Renye

Exploring Kink: How to Safely Dive into Your Fantasies

GUEST BLOG. Exploring kinks and fantasies in a safe environment can be difficult if you’re not surrounded by a supportive and understanding community, or you don’t possess the knowledge and experience to handle such situations. The tips given above are some of the more easier ways to start building a place for yourself to safely explore your interests. Remember, sexuality is fluid and everyone’s interests and turn-ons are unique. Being open and non-judgmental about your fantasies can help you understand the meaning behind them and lead to a cathartic experience for your body and mind.

Read More
Coping with the Holidays Denise Renye Coping with the Holidays Denise Renye

Calm Through the Holidays: Practical Stress Management Tools

The holiday season is often synonymous with joy, togetherness, and celebration, but it can also bring its fair share of stress. From family dynamics and heightened expectations to financial pressures, many of us find ourselves navigating anxiety and overwhelm during this time. Whether you're struggling with managing social obligations, coping with the absence of loved ones, or dealing with the weight of creating the "perfect" holiday, stress can take many forms.

Read More

How to Navigate Post-Election Stress with Somatic Therapy Practices

In both psychology and yoga therapy, addressing the root chakra means helping people reconnect with their sense of inner security. Practices like grounding exercises, breathwork, and somatic therapies are invaluable in stabilizing the nervous system and supporting the embodiment of safety. I’ve written about breathwork extensively so check out those posts for exercises you can do right now.

Read More

Unpacking Consent: Insights from Dr. Betty Martin’s Workshop

As we continue to engage in conversations about consent, it’s crucial to remember that it begins within us. It is about understanding our bodies, respecting our feelings, and making choices that align with our true desires. I am grateful for the insights gained from this workshop, as they not only enhance my clinical practice but also contribute to a more compassionate and just society.

I encourage my fellow clinicians and practitioners to explore the concepts presented by Dr. Betty Martin and Dr. Roger Kuhn. By doing so, we can collectively work towards a future where consent is not just an agreement but a fundamental right—a practice woven into the very fabric of our interactions, both personal and societal.

Read More
Trauma Healing, For Clinicians, Bisexuality Denise Renye Trauma Healing, For Clinicians, Bisexuality Denise Renye

Beyond Childhood Trauma: Embracing Emotional Decolonization for True Healing and Liberation

As mental health professionals, clinicians, and healers, we are being called to deepen our practice and commitment to healing. It is not enough to focus solely on childhood trauma and individual therapeutic work. We must engage in the ongoing process of emotional decolonization—examining the ways in which systems of oppression have shaped our understanding of trauma and healing. This requires unlearning and relearning, challenging our biases, and continually asking how we can show up in ways that promote true liberation, not just for individuals but for communities.

Read More

Bay Area Sex Therapist Reveals How Trauma Shapes Our Need for Connection

It’s incredibly difficult to unwind the knot of trauma and process these fears, especially when it seems like the solution is just to couple up. However, that doesn’t address the root cause, or help the inner child because really what that wounded self is looking for is a parent. That scared part wants someone to be with them all the time to love them and take care of them. Even the best partners are only capable of so much because they, too, are human.

Read More
Denise Renye Denise Renye

Reclaiming Sexual Wellness in Philadelphia: How Online Sex Therapy Can Help

Living in Philadelphia means navigating a vibrant, bustling city with unique challenges and rewards. This dynamic environment shapes every aspect of life, including our intimate relationships. For many Philadelphians, maintaining sexual wellness can feel complex amid the stressors of daily life, from balancing demanding work schedules to adapting to changing family dynamics. Online sex therapy can serve as an accessible, effective solution for those seeking to reclaim their sexual health and connection in this rich urban environment.

Read More
LGBTQIA+, Sex Therapy, Sexuality, Sexology Denise Renye LGBTQIA+, Sex Therapy, Sexuality, Sexology Denise Renye

Bay Area Sex Therapist Explains Aromanticism

Aromantics can also experience love even if they don’t fall in love. In my work as a Bay Area sex therapist, I remind folx that love comes in all forms – there’s love for family, friends, pets, nature, the self. . .Romantic love is not the end-all-be-all form of love that our society makes it out to be. Aromanticism challenges societal norms that prioritize romantic relationships and offers a valid and fulfilling way of connecting with others on different levels.

Read More

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.

Read More

Healing the Wounds of an Absent Father in the Puella Archetype: A Bay Area Psychologist's Exploration

As I learned during Susan E. Shwartz’s lecture, the journey of the puella is one of unfolding. It’s about moving from a place of dependency and fear into a state of self-awareness, confidence, and emotional maturity. The absence of a father may have left a deep mark on the psyche, but through depth therapy, individuals can heal the father wound, reclaim their inner authority, and step into a more empowered version of themselves.

Read More

How Fantasy as a Trauma Response Can Lead to Dissociation: Insights from a Marin County Sex Therapist and Bay Area Psychologist

However, while dissociating through fantasy may protect someone from confronting their trauma head-on, it can also delay healing. Over time, reliance on fantasy can inhibit healthier coping strategies and prevent individuals from fully processing their traumatic experiences. In relationships and daily life, excessive use of fantasy may cause difficulty in staying grounded in the present, hindering authentic connections with others.

Read More