In visiting this page sometimes people are looking for my credentials, other times they are looking for information about my working style, and maybe they just want to get to know a little bit more about who I am. I’ve tried to touch on all of that, but I invite you to connect with me if you’re left wondering or have more questions.
One of the first things people often ask me when they find out about my work is how did I become a sex therapist. While I have the educational and professional background to back-up this role, I believe that the work I get to do in helping people heal sexual wounding, restoring themselves to a place of integrity, and find vibrance within their relationships is intrinsic to my being and has been a calling for as long as I can remember. Having completed and excelled in traditional therapeutic training while weaving in more holistic and alternative-medicine modalities, I have the unique opportunity to provide professional and sound care that is able to be holistic and whole healing.
My interest and work in sexuality began far before my educational journey. I was engaged in HIV/AIDS prevention work and research, was involved in community work that assisted in improving women’s sexual health, and did outreach for reproductive health programs. Having always been interested in human sexuality and the strong role that sexuality plays in our life and feelings of personal wellbeing, my work goes beyond the walls of my therapy office. I have spoken internationally at conferences, seminars, and academic institutions. It is important to me that I regularly engage in community outreach and speak within public forums on issues related to sexual health, HIV prevention, talking with teens about developing a healthy sexuality, and women’s issues. Having attended University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and Alliant International University (AIU), I have extensively studied reproductive health, the physical and psychological facets of human sexuality, how traumatic sexual experiences both mentally and physically impact future sexual relationships, and the realms of clinical treatment for sexual dysfunctions.
As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY28164), AASECT trained sex therapist, and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), I have extensive experience working with couples and individuals in healing ruptures within their relationship, overcoming sexual dysfunction, deepening their intimacy, and (re)building a strong foundation within their relationship. Although broadly trained in treating an array of mental health concerns, I specialize in working with individuals and couples on issues related to sex, intimacy, and trauma. Having been trained in various modalities and theories, when I work with clients I develop a treatment plan that is customized to their unique needs and goals, and one that integrates the therapeutic model that is most clinically appropriate.
I have been blessed to have lived on multiple continents, and grown up internationally. After a brief family holiday visit to Bali when I was young, my parents fell in love with the island and decided to move us there. I had the blessing to grow up on an island that is not only beautiful, but has healing of the mind, body and spirit interwoven through it’s culture. Growing up in Bali I experienced first hand the power of wellness on all of these different levels. It is because of my experiences growing up in Bali that I ended up in a helping profession. While attending university and graduate school in the US, I would return to Bali to visit my family and each time I would experience a sense of reboot and renewal. I found myself feeling healthier because of the food I ate there, had a clearer mind because of the slower pace, and renewed spirit because of the culture. As my work continued, specifically as a sex and sex addiction therapist, I would wish that my clients could experience the sense of healing and renewal that seems intrinsic to the island.
From these wishes for my clients, the Bespoke Retreats were born. I took years to develop these retreats for no other reason than I wanted to ensure the planning and programming of each retreat was done with the utmost consideration of supporting our guests and offering an experience that they cannot find elsewhere. I really believe that my ability to work with individuals through some of their most trying times, needs to be held with utmost respect. From this I take incredible care and consideration when tailoring each retreat, ensuring that they weave together therapeutic support, cultural experiences, and time for relaxation, thus giving each guest mind-body wellness. These retreats are not about work for me, but rather a very intimate opportunity to offer healing and growth in place that is very special to me.
I am passionate about my work and honored to work with people through their most challenging situations, helping them find resolution and growth. If you are looking for support as you strive to create change and enhance your life, I look forward to joining you in that journey.