I’m Deepening My Work in Sex Therapy — and Why It Matters for Your Relationship

I’m thrilled to share some exciting professional news: I’ve been accepted into the University of Michigan’s Sex Therapy Certificate Program, one of the most respected and evidence-based sex therapy programs in the country for licensed therapists who specialize in relationships and sexuality.

For those unfamiliar, this is a graduate-level, clinical training designed to equip therapists like me with advanced skills to help couples address sexual concerns — not just as “problems in the bedroom,” but as vital expressions of connection, identity, and emotional intimacy.

And if you’ve ever wondered how sex therapy helps couples, this is the perfect time to talk about it.

What Sex Therapy Really Is — and Isn’t

Let’s be honest: sex therapy isn’t about tricks, tips, or quick fixes. It’s not about “spicing things up” or assigning one-size-fits-all intimacy exercises.

It’s about understanding how sexual dynamics reflect relational dynamics — and vice versa. It’s about unpacking the emotional patterns that show up when desire fades, when communication breaks down, or when partners start to feel more like roommates than lovers.

As a sex therapist in Oregon, I help couples explore these deeper layers of intimacy. Sex therapy helps couples:

• Bridge differences in desire and arousal

• Heal from sexual shame, trauma, or infidelity

• Rebuild trust and connection after emotional or sexual distance

• Navigate physical changes from aging, menopause, or medical issues

• Explore sexual identity, orientation, or expression safely and without judgment

Sex therapy isn’t separate from couples therapy — it’s the next level of it. It helps couples reconnect both emotionally and physically, rebuilding passion through honesty and understanding.

Why I Chose the University of Michigan Program

The University of Michigan’s Sexual Health Certificate Program is considered one of the top sex therapy training programs in the U.S. It combines the Medical School’s clinical expertise with the School of Social Work’s relational training.

The Sex Therapy Track includes:

• A Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) — an intensive exploration of personal values, beliefs, and cultural influences around sexuality

• Coursework in sexual health, functioning, development, and diversity

• Advanced clinical training focused on sex therapy techniques and relationship-based interventions

This program also fulfills the educational requirements for certification through AASECT (the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists), which sets the gold standard for clinical sex therapy.

For me, this training builds on my background in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method — two evidence-based approaches that help couples improve communication, resolve conflict, and build emotional safety.

Adding sex therapy training allows me to help couples integrate emotional and physical intimacy, addressing both the heart and the body of the relationship.

How This Helps the Couples I Work With

If you’re a couple in Oregon looking for therapy to improve your relationship or sex life, here’s what this means for you:

• You’ll have a safe, open space to talk about sex — without shame, discomfort, or judgment.

• We’ll approach intimacy challenges through both a psychological and physiological lens, identifying what’s driving desire differences or disconnection.

• I’ll use research-backed tools to help couples increase sexual satisfaction, emotional closeness, and confidence in expressing desire.

• Together, we’ll build a new shared erotic story — one that honors both partners’ needs and fosters a deeper bond.

Because the truth is, most couples aren’t fighting about the dishes or the calendar — they’re fighting about feeling unseen, undesired, or disconnected. Sex therapy helps couples repair those deeper wounds and rebuild intimacy that lasts.

Looking Ahead

I’ve always believed that the best therapists are lifelong learners. My acceptance into this program is part of my ongoing commitment to offering the most advanced, evidence-based care for couples.

Sexual health is relationship health. When couples can talk about their sex life with honesty, curiosity, and compassion, they build stronger emotional safety — and from there, everything else starts to improve.

I’m excited to bring this expanded perspective to my work at Spot on Relationships and continue helping couples reconnect — emotionally, physically, and passionately.

Ready to Reconnect?

If you and your partner are feeling distant, struggling with intimacy, or finding it hard to talk about your sex life, sex therapy can help.

At Spot on Relationships, I offer couples therapy and sex therapy in Oregon that blends proven relationship methods with specialized sexual health training.

Visit SpotOnRelationships.com to learn more or schedule a confidential consultation.

Let’s rebuild your connection — one honest conversation at a time.