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.

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.

LGBTQIA+, Sex Therapy, Sexuality, SexologyDenise RenyeOctober 11, 2024aromantic, aromance, aromanticism, aseual, asexual, asexuality, ACE, bi, bisexual, lgbtquia+, bay area therapist, bay area sex therapist, bay area psychologist, san francisco bay area PTSD treatment of dissociation

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.

Sexuality, Trauma Healing, Psychology and Spirituality, For CliniciansDenise RenyeOctober 1, 2024marin county sex therapist, Marin county EMDR therapist, marin couples thearpy, marin couples counseling, marin county couples therapy, marin county psychedelic therapist, marin county sexologist, marin county psychologist, bay area sexologist, bay area sex therapist, bay area psychologist, bay area therapist

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.

EMDR, Trauma Healing, Somatic Psychology, Sex TherapyDenise RenyeSeptember 29, 2024marin county sex therapist, Marin county EMDR therapist, marin couples counseling, bay area psychologist, bay area therapist, bay area sex therapist, marin county sexologist

A Bay Area Sex Therapist’s Guide to Understanding Foot Fetishes

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.

Sex Therapy, Sexuality, SexologyDenise RenyeJuly 31, 2024foot fetish, marin county sex therapist, bay area sex therapist, bay area therapist, bay area psychologist, Marin county EMDR therapist, fetish, kink, kinky sex

Marin County Sexologist Reveals 8 Tips for Sex Positivity

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.

Sex Therapy, SexualityDenise RenyeJuly 3, 2024marin county sex therapist, Marin county EMDR therapist, marin county sexologist, marin county, marin county CA, sexology, bay area sexologist, bay area psychologist, bay area therapist, san francisco bay area PTSD treatment of dissociation, trans rights, lgbtquia+

Two Powerful Themes for Pride Month: Solidarity and Progress

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.

LGBTQIA+Denise RenyeJune 17, 2024marin county sex therapist, Marin county EMDR therapist, marin county sexologist, marin county, marin county psychologist, maring couples therapy, marin county CA, bay area sexologist, bay area psychologist, bay area therapist, lgbtquia+, pride month, pride month 2024

How Deepfakes Affect Relationships

Consent is the crucial element in this discussion. None of these women and girls (because deepfake pornography is also being created about young girls) said “yes” to having their faces splashed across the internet engaging in sexual acts. In an era where privacy is increasingly compromised, the ability to obtain someone's image or voice without their knowledge and then manipulate it for malicious purposes poses a serious threat. These women, because it’s almost exclusively women, are victimized by the unauthorized use of their likeness, leading to emotional distress and strain on their relationships.

For Clinicians, Sex Therapy, SexualityDenise RenyeMarch 21, 2024sex therapy, bay area sexologist, bay area psychologist, bay area therapist, san francisco bay area PTSD treatment of dissociation, san francisoc, san francisco, deepfake, sexual trauma, sexuality, PTSD and sexual assault, PTSD, betrayal, marin county sexologist

Regular Therapists Don’t Get Enough Training on Human Sexuality

I am more than happy to consult, of course, but this gap in training on human sexuality can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and couples. They may not receive the specialized support they need to navigate sexual and relational challenges and enhance their sexual health. Addressing sexual concerns requires a nuanced understanding of cultural, psychological, and physiological factors, which a general therapist may not be equipped to handle from the training they received. Consequently, this omission in training is a disservice to patients and hinders their access to the holistic care necessary for a fulfilling and healthy life.

Denise RenyeMarch 16, 2024sexuality, psychologists need more training in sexuality, human sexuality, therapy, bay area therapist, bay area sexologist, bay area psychologist, san francisco bay area PTSD treatment of dissociation, trauma informed therapist, marin county sexologist, marin county sex therapist

Exploring the Synergy: The Roles of Psychologists and Marriage & Family Therapists

Marriage and family therapy and psychology are both invaluable fields in the mental health arena, each offering a unique set of skills and approaches. The choice between these professions depends on the specific needs of the individual or family seeking help.

Denise RenyeOctober 16, 2023bay area sexologist, bay area therapist, bay area psychologist, san francisco bay area PTSD treatment of dissociation, trauma healing, MFT, psychologist, marin county psychologist

The Often Unacknowledged Grief of Miscarriage

Miscarriage is a profound and often silent form of grief that extends beyond the parent who physically miscarried. The grief experienced by partners, extended family, and friends is equally real and deserves recognition and support. By acknowledging and addressing disenfranchised grief, society can help those affected by miscarriage navigate their loss and find healing and solace in the company of empathetic and understanding communities.

Denise RenyeOctober 16, 2023pregnant, pregnancy and sexuality, pregnancy, miscarriage, grief, sexology, sexologist, bay area psychologist, bay area therapist, bay area sexologist

The Identified Patient: Unraveling the Dynamics and Finding Healing

The identified patient is a complex phenomenon that can have profound effects on a family's dynamics. By understanding the roles, dynamics, and underlying issues associated with the IP, families can embark on a journey of healing and growth. By acknowledging the shared responsibility and committing to open communication and professional support, families can move towards healthier, more harmonious relationships. Remember, true healing occurs when all family members actively participate and work together towards a more fulfilling future.

Denise RenyeMay 24, 2023addiction and recovery, addiction, love addiction, alcoholism, family systems, whole person healing, family trauma, trauma, ptsd, PTSD and sexual assault, san francisco bay area PTSD treatment of dissociation, bay area therapist, bay area psychologist, san francisco, marin county, marin county psychologist

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