About us

Dr. Carolin Klein sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Any kind of sexual concerns, including desire discrepancies in couples; sexual pain conditions; sexual difficulties; sexual anxieties; and problematic sexual behaviours.
• Navigating and exploring new and diverse ways of being sexual (including navigating open relationships; exploring atypical sexual interests; and/or finding new ways of being sexual following physical changes due to a medical condition/medications/surgery).
• Relationship concerns and enhancing non-sexual intimacy.
• Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, grief, dealing with major life changes/stressors, and difficulties regulating emotions.
• Changing problematic behaviours, including problematic sexual and non-sexual behaviours (e.g., suicidal and self-harm behaviours; skin-picking; substance use; problematic eating).

Office Hours:  Mondays through Thursdays during daytime hours

More about Dr. Carolin Klein:
Dr. Klein is a Registered Psychologist and a Director of the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy. She has a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). In addition to her graduate training, she completed a clinical and research fellowship with the UBC Sexual Health Laboratory, as well as a concurrent clinical fellowship with the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Centre of Vancouver in 2010-2011. In addition to her clinical work, she previously served as Director of the Multidisciplinary Vulvodynia Program at Vancouver Hospital, and before that, as Associate Director of the UBC Psychology Clinic.

Dr. Jason Winters sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Problem sexual behaviours, or what is often called sex addiction, porn addiction, compulsive sexual behaviour, hypersexuality, out of control sexual behaviour, etc.
• Unusual or atypical sexual interests, otherwise known as kinks, fetishes, or paraphilias.
• Performance difficulties and anxiety, including erectile dysfunction or early (premature) ejaculation.
• Difficulties with orgasm.
• Low sexual desire or low libido.
• Poor sexual self-esteem, or lack of sexual confidence.
• Sexual anxiety or guilt.
• Sexual OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), such a homosexual OCD and pedophilic OCD.
• Sexual orientation difficulties.
• Sexual pain, including vulvodynia.
• Sexual desire discrepancies.
• Non-sexual problems such as anxiety, depression, OCD, psychosis, emotion regulation difficulties, behavioural problems, etc.

Office Hours:  Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 9:00-4:30

More about Dr. Jason Winters:

Dr. Silvain Dang sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Sexual function and performance concerns, including difficulties with erection, ejaculation, desire, arousal, and orgasm
• Problematic sexual behaviours, including difficulties related to pornography use, infidelity, and “sex addiction”/”hypersexuality”
• Coping with kinks, paraphilias, fetishes, and uncommon sexual interests
• Self-identity, self-esteem, and body image
• Navigating interpersonal and romantic relationships
• Perfectionism
• Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and panic
• Coping with stress, adjustment, and life changes

Office Hours:

Silvain offers virtual and in-person appointments on Monday 9:00am-6:00pm and Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm.

More about Dr. Silvain Dang
As a therapist, my foremost goal is helping people overcome difficulties, achieve personal growth, and live in greater accordance to their values and passions. To achieve this, I use a range of scientifically-supported therapy treatment approaches. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help clients find relief from current difficulties and distress, and psychodynamic treatments to help clients gain more self-understanding and achieve long-term goals.

My approach is collaborative and non-judgmental, with an emphasis on understanding the whole person and creating lasting positive change. I always aim to provide knowledge, insight, and strategies that work in the context of the individual client’s unique life experiences and circumstances.

I provide services for overcoming sexual difficulties and problems, navigating sexuality and sexual identity, and managing unwanted sexual behaviours. I also offer treatment for perfectionism, mood and anxiety, relationship problems, and cultural issues/acculturation.

I have a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of British Columbia, and completed my psychology residency at Vancouver Coastal Health. My training sites have included St. Paul’s Hospital, Burnaby Hospital, Surrey Memorial Hospital, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, and the UBC Psychology Clinic.

I have particular research interests in how culture, family environment, and society intersect with someone’s individual experience to shape their sexuality. I also have extensive specialized expertise in the treatment of perfectionism and its impacts on sexual health, mental health, and interpersonal relationships.

Dr. Cara Dunkley sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Sexual concerns, including low sexual desire, desire discrepancies in relationships, sexual anxiety, sexual pain, sexual performance concerns, and orgasm difficulties.
• Problematic sexual behaviours (e.g. “sex addiction”/“hypersexuality”).
• Consensual BDSM/kink-related sexual and relational concerns, such as navigating power dynamics, exploring alternative sexual activities, interests, and relationship dynamics, addressing shame associated with sexual preferences, coping with fetishes and paraphilias, and managing stressors surrounding social stigma.
• Emotional distress resulting from sexual trauma or abuse.
• Sexual difficulties associated with menopause.
• Body-image concerns and the impact of body dissatisfaction on sexuality.
• Intrusive, unwanted, and distressing thoughts, images, and urges relating to sexuality.
• Problematic anxiety, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic, illness anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder
• Insomnia.

Office Hours: Cara offers virtual appointments Tuesday- Fridays during daytime hours, and in-person appointments on Wednesday mornings.

More about Cara Dunkley:
Dr. Dunkley is a Registered Psychologist. She has a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she studied in the UBC Sexual Health Research laboratory. Her doctoral research focused on 1) the association between disordered eating and sexual concerns, and 2) alternative sexual behaviours and interests. She completed her clinical residency at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Ontario, with rotations in the Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, Women’s Health Clinic, Mood Disorders Program, and Sleep Medicine Clinic. Additional clinical training sites include the Vancouver Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the UBC Psychology Clinic. Dr. Dunkley specializes in sex therapy and the treatment of anxiety disorders, predominantly using cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy approaches.

Dr. Kaitlyn Goldsmith sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Women’s sexual concerns including sexual arousal difficulties, sexual pain conditions, body image concerns, sexual anxiety, sexuality in the context of a chronic health or medical condition, and problematic sexual behaviours.
• Concerns related to pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, miscarriage, and infant loss.
• Couple’s concerns including desire discrepancies, enhancing sexual and non-sexual intimacy, and relationship concerns.
• Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, grief, dealing with major life changes/stressors, and difficulties regulating emotions.
• Changing problematic behaviours, including problematic sexual and non-sexual behaviours (e.g., suicidal and self-harm behaviours; substance use; problematic eating).

Office Hours:  Monday and Tuesdays (including evenings).

More about Dr. Kaitlyn Goldsmith
Dr. Kaitlyn Goldsmith is a Registered Psychologist. She graduated with her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2018. She has experience working with a variety of emotional, sexual and relationship concerns including women’s health issues, couples concerns, and chronic health conditions affecting relationships and sexuality. Dr. Goldsmith is also an Instructor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC, Vancouver) and is affiliated with the B.C. Centre for Vulvar Health at Vancouver General Hospital.  She has published several scholarly articles and book chapters in the area of sexual health and well-being.

Dr. Madeline Hannan-Leith sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Uncommon or atypical sexual interests, such as paraphilias, kinks, or fetishes.
• Problematic or unwanted sexual behaviours, sometimes called “sexual addiction,” “hypersexuality,” or “compulsive sexual behaviours.”
• Sexual functioning concerns, including arousal and desire difficulties, erectile dysfunction, and delayed/premature ejaculation.
• Relationship concerns, including desire discrepancies, relationship dynamics impacting sexual desire, infidelity, navigating monogamy/non-monogamy, and enhancing sexual and non-sexual intimacy.
• Exploring sexual orientation and sexual identity.
• Sexual and non-sexual trauma.
• Non-sexual concerns, such as anxiety and mood disorders, psychosis, substance use, personality disorders, perfectionism, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), including sexual-related subtypes (e.g., pedophilic, sexual orientation, and relationship OCD), as well as body focused repetitive behaviours (skin picking, hair pulling).

Office Hours: Appointment on Mondays from 10:00-4:00 and Fridays from 9:00-3:00 (in-person and virtually).

More about Madeline Hannan-Leith:

Dr. Hannan-Leith is a Registered Psychologist. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. Dr. Hannan-Leith completed her predoctoral residency through the BC Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission, where she worked with clients presenting with complex concerns related to psychosis, schizophrenia, substance use, and trauma. In addition to her work in private practice, she completed doctoral-level clinical placements in Toronto at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Sexual Behaviours Clinic) and Sunnybrook Hospital, where she received specialized training in the assessment and treatment of problematic sexual behaviours and OCD, respectively.

Dr. Hannan-Leith’s therapeutic style is warm, relational, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed. She adopts a collaborative approach to help her clients identify and work towards meaningful goals, enhance self-understanding, highlight strengths, and learn strategies for improving their quality of life. Her work is grounded primarily in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), along with elements of other evidence-based interventions, including dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

In addition to working at WCCST, Dr. Hannan-Leith holds a Forensic Psychologist position at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam, where she works with individuals found Not Criminally Responsible or unfit to stand trial due to a mental disorder. She has published and presented several scholarly articles in the areas of sexual health, trauma-informed forensic practice, and social support and well-being within LGBTQ+ communities. She is also a member of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR), North American CBT for Psychosis Network (NACBTpN), and American Psychology-Law Society (APLS).

Adrienne sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Sexual concerns including sexual pain conditions, difficulties with sexual arousal or orgasmic function, low sexual desire/discrepant desire, persistent/unwanted arousal, sexual anxiety/shame, sexuality in the context of a chronic health or medical condition, and problematic sexual behaviours.
• Non-sexual mental health concerns including anxiety, grief, difficulty tolerating distress, adjusting to major life transitions/stressors, trauma, lack of confidence/lack of self-acceptance, perfectionism, managing chronic health conditions, substance use
• Relationship challenges including coping with a loved one’s sexual difficulties, exploring new ways of being sexual (e.g. due to medical challenges, discrepant desire, discordant or atypical sexual interests), enhancing both sexual and non-sexual intimacy and satisfaction, concerns with pornography use, affairs/infidelity
• Exploring sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, consensual non-monogamy

Adrienne received an MA in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. As a therapist, she values a holistic approach to addressing personal and relational sexual challenges that considers the individual physical, psychological, social and cultural contexts that influence our sexual expectations and experiences. Beginning from a foundation based on collaboration, trust and safety, she strives to empower individuals and couples to meet their therapeutic goals. Adrienne employs strategies from a variety of therapeutic orientations including narrative therapy and relational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based interventions, motivational interviewing, self-compassion and solution-focused therapy to tailor a therapeutic approach that responds to your individual circumstances.  She is passionate about continuing to develop a culturally responsive and trauma informed practice and supporting individuals and couples of diverse backgrounds, genders and orientations.

In addition to her clinical education and experience, Adrienne has been involved in psychological treatment research examining effective interventions for sexual pain, substance misuse and disruptions to sexual functioning from cancer diagnosis and treatment. Her thesis research focused on the long-term impacts of participating in a psychological group intervention on the lives and relationships of women with chronic genital pain. She previously worked with the UBC Sexual Health Lab, UBC Centre of Sexual Medicine and the BC Centre for Vulvar Health.

Julia O’Loughlin sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Low sexual desire/low libido
• Desire discrepancies in couples
• Enhancing intimacy in couples
• Sexual pain conditions
• Post-partum sexual difficulties
• Sexual anxieties/performance difficulties including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation
• Difficulties with arousal and orgasm
• Exploring new and diverse ways of being sexual (e.g., atypical sexual interests and/or finding new ways of being sexual following physical changes due to a medical condition/medications/surgery)
• Navigating changes to a relationship structure (e.g., opening a relationship, polyamory, etc.)
• Increasing sexual-esteem/confidence
• Exploring sexual orientation (including asexuality), relationship orientation (including aromantic), gender identity, and/or gender expression
• Coping with a loved one’s sexual difficulties
• Non-sexual mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, difficulty regulating emotions, difficulty tolerating distress, struggles related to major life transitions/stressors, poor self-esteem/lack of confidence/lack of self-acceptance

Office Hours: Monday 10:00-6:00 and Friday 11:30-3:00 and  Saturday 9:00-4:00 

More about Julia O’Loughlin:
Julia holds a PhD Counseling Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and has received both generalist training and specialized training in sex therapy. Julia draws from a wide variety of evidence-based treatment approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based treatment, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), self-compassion, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing. Her clinical style is collaborative, personalized and relational—all work is built upon trust, safety, authenticity, and non-judgment. She strives to support her clients to gain greater insight into the factors that contributed to, and are maintaining, the difficulties being experienced and empowers them to translate these insights into actionable change.

In addition to her clinical work, Julia conducts research at the UBC Sexual Health Research Lab and has co-authored several research papers on topics including biological and psychological correlates of low sexual desire in women, the impact of trauma on sexual desire in women, and treatment of sexual difficulties in men following prostate cancer treatment.

Julia is Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in good standing with British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Dr. Veronica Li sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Sexual concerns, including low sexual desire, sexual anxiety, sexual shame or guilt, erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation, desire discrepancies in couples, sexual pain conditions, preserving intimacy following physical changes due to a medical condition, disability, or chronic health issue.
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, grief, trauma, sexual abuse, self-esteem, acculturation, and adjustment to major life transitions.
• Problematic sexual and non-sexual behaviours (e.g., self-harm, online behaviours, difficulties with pornography).
• Gender and sexual orientation (support with exploring orientation).
• Consensual BDSM/kink-related sexual and relational concerns, including navigating power dynamics, exploring alternative sexual activities, and addressing shame.
• Sexuality concerns related to disability (e.g., supporting those with traumatic brain injury).

Hours:

Veronica only offers virtual appointments. She sees clients on Wednesdays from 8:00- 4:00 and Fridays from 9:00-2:00.

More about Veronica Li:

Dr. Li is a Registered Psychologist and holds a  master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and a PsyD (Doctorate of Psychology) in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Li has supported clients struggling with a variety of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, trauma, grief, cultural concerns, and sexuality-related issues. Veronica has training in the area of traumatic brain injuries and her research focused on exploring the intersection between brain injury and sexuality. She strives to create a safe space for her clients to overcome sexual concerns, explore sexuality, and better understand and manage unwanted behaviours. Her approach is open, non-judgemental, and she works in collaboration with her clients to support them in self-growth and making changes towards creating a more fulfilling life.

Dr. Li uses therapeutic approaches and interventions that are flexible and tailored to her clients’ unique needs and goals. She primarily draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-based approaches to work with her clients in tackling the challenges they are facing.

Dr. Roanne Millman sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Sexual concerns including low sexual desire; desire discrepancies in couples; difficulties with arousal and orgasm; sexual pain conditions; and sexual anxieties
• Exploring new and diverse ways of being sexual in the context of a chronic health or medical condition
• Consensual kinks and fetishes
• Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, grief, navigating major life transitions (i.e., pregnancy/postpartum, menopause, chronic illness), dealing with major life changes/stressors, and difficulties regulating emotions

More about Dr. Millman
Dr. Millman is a Registered Psychologist. She completed her PhD in clinical psychology at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Millman completed rotations in psychosocial oncology, chronic pain, and couples therapy during her residency, followed by a specialized clinical and research fellowship in sexuality and oncology through the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Dr. Millman has co-authored and presented research on topics including sexual and relationship satisfaction, sexual communication, mindfulness-based treatment for sexual concerns, and interventions for vaginal and sexual health following cancer treatment.

Dr. Millman integrates a number of evidence-based approaches (e.g., cognitive behavioral, mindfulness) in collaboration with her clients to meet their unique needs and goals.

Olivia Fischer sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Sexual and/or gender identity.
• Relationship concerns.
• Challenges related to a partner’s gender identity.
• Sexual function concerns for all genders, including difficulties with arousal, desire, erection, ejaculation, and orgasm.
• Consensual atypical sexual interests, otherwise known as kinks, fetishes, or paraphilias.
• Exploring sexuality in the context of a chronic health or medical condition.
• Concerns related to prenatal and postpartum experiences (e.g., trying to conceive, pregnancy, miscarriage, new parenthood)
• Non-sexual problems including navigating life transitions, meaning and purpose, anxiety, depression, grief, emotional regulation, etc.

Olivia Fischer (she/they) holds a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and is currently in the PhD Counselling Psychology program at the University of British Columbia. Olivia has extensive research and work experience related to supporting individuals from LGBT2SQ+ communities. For over five years, she has educated service providers on intimate partner violence within this population. Her research has focused on trans and nonbinary pregnancy and parenthood, sexuality and cancer, and the impact of a partner’s gender transition on sex and sexuality. Olivia believes that sexuality is a unique experience for everyone and is passionate about providing a non-judgemental atmosphere that fosters self-awareness and growth.

Dr. Mathew Gendron (he/him) sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Problematic sexual behaviours (e.g., perceived loss of sexual control, harmful sex practices)
• Anxiety and its impact on sex and general functioning
• Challenges with sexual interest (e.g., sexual orientation, kink, fetish)
• Partnered communication
• Concerns related to monogamy/non-monogamy (e.g., establishing agreements, working through broken agreements)

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30am – 4pm, in-person or virtual from a satellite office in downtown Maple Ridge.

My name is Mathew – I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and I hold a PhD in Counselling Psychology from The University of British Columbia. I maintain a sex-positive and affirming therapeutic space with clients of all genders and sexualities, and am particularly practiced with self-identified gay, bisexual, and queer men.

I have received advanced clinical training in the areas of sex and sexuality and primarily draw from person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, and emotionally-focused approaches in my practice. Past experiences moving through shame as a young queer person has further informed my compassionate approach to fostering healthier and more pleasurable sexualities. Together, I blend my training and experiential learning to offer a therapeutic experience that is both connecting and informed.

Should we have the opportunity to work together, I would join you in considering how your current challenges came to be. I would then work alongside you to explore preferred ways of being with or moving through your concerns. Although this work can be difficult at times, my hope is that we can greet these challenges with non-judgmental care and respect. We might even share some laughs along the way!

Dr. Ashley Howard sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Problematic sexual behaviours, often referred to as sex addiction, porn addiction, compulsive sexual behaviour, hypersexuality, out of control sexual behaviour, etc.
• Sexual function difficulties, including erectile dysfunction or early (premature) ejaculation.
• Low sexual desire which includes: low libido and desire discrepancies.
• Fear/anxiety in relation to sex.
• Alternative sexual interests, known as kinks, fetishes, or paraphilias.
• Infidelity or relationship dynamics that impact sexual desire.
• Navigating complex relationships, open, polyamory, swinging, or other relationship variants.
• Non-sexual problems which includes: Emotional distress, depression, anxiety, grief, dealing with major life changes/stressors, and difficulties regulating emotions.
• Suicidal and self-harm behaviours.
• Substance use and other habitual processes/addictions.

Office Hours: Ashley offers virtual appointments only. He sees client on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays.

More about Dr. Ashley Howard
Dr. Howard is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). He holds a Master’s in Addiction Psychology and Counselling and a PhD in Psychology. Originally from the U.K., he has spent the past 7 years working as an associate therapist in an outpatient clinic, treating individuals with problem sexual behaviours (what’s commonly known as “sex addiction”). His background is working with individuals that have substance misuse and other addictive/habitual behaviours. He has extensive experience working with process addictions, trauma and mental health related issues and has developed his skills in both individual and group psychotherapy.

Dr. Samantha Dawson sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Any kind of sexual concerns, including low sexual desire, desire discrepancies in couples, problems with orgasm and arousal, sexual pain conditions; and changes or difficulties related to sexuality in the context of a chronic health or medical condition.
• Sexual concerns related to pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.
• Couple’s concerns including desire discrepancies, enhancing sexual and non-sexual intimacy.
• Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, grief, dealing with major life changes/stressors, and difficulties regulating emotions.

Office Hours:  Mon-Fri 9:00-5:00pm

More about Dr. Samantha Dawson:
Dr. Dawson is a Registered Psychologist. She graduated with her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Queen’s University in 2018 followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Dalhousie University from 2018-2020. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia where she directs the Sexuality and Well-being (SWell) Lab (https://swelllab.psych.ubc.ca/). For the last 15 years she has been conducting research into risk and protective factors associated with individuals’ and couples’ sexual well-being with the goal of developing novel evidence-based interventions. She has experience working with a variety of emotional, sexual and relationship concerns including women’s health issues, couples’ concerns, and sexuality during periods of vulnerability such as the transition to parenthood. She has published over 50 scholarly articles and book chapters in sexual health and well-being.

Lauren McRae sees individual and couple clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Sexual concerns (e.g., low sexual desire, lack of sexual confidence, difficulty reaching orgasm, pornography use, atypical sexual interests)
• Individual concerns (e.g., trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, challenges in emotion regulation, suicidal thoughts)
• Concerns related to prenatal and postpartum experiences (e.g., trying to conceive, pregnancy, miscarriage, new parenthood)

Office hours: Tuesday 8:00am – 12:00pm (virtual or in person), Tuesday 3:30pm – 5:30pm (virtual), Wednesdays from 12:00pm – 7:00pm (virtual or in person).

More about Lauren: 

Lauren McRae (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), and holds a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Psychology and Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Simon Fraser University (SFU). Lauren is currently completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology under the mentorship of Dr. Rebecca Cobb in SFU’s Close Relationships Lab. Lauren’s dissertation research focuses on the ways that individuals in consensually non-monogamous relationships construct boundaries and communicate about their sexual experiences.

Lauren is trained in Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural (DBT), and Humanistic approaches. She will often incorporate mindfulness, acceptance, and existential strategies into sessions when appropriate.

She believes that therapeutic change is most powerful when clients have the opportunity to investigate how their past might be linked to their current behaviour, to develop new compassion for themselves, and are able to learn and practice new skills. Lauren is interested in building strong and supportive relationships with her clients, and she hopes that they experience her therapy style as warm, non-judgmental, and lighthearted.

Aleesa Sutton sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Relationship therapy.
• Clarity/discernment coaching to determine future of relationship.
• Concerns with low sexual desire/libido.
• Concerns about pornography use.
• Affairs/infidelity.
• Sexual anxiety/low sexual self-esteem.
• Sexual shame (including conflicts between sexuality and religion or cultural values).
• Non-monogamy/polyamory.
• Dealing with major life changes or stressors.
• Anger management.
• Difficulties regulating emotions.
• Perfectionism.
• Rebuilding trust.

Hours:
Mondays & Wednesdays 1:00-7:30,

Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30- 6:30

More about Aleesa Sutton:
As a therapist, I am calm and gentle yet firm when needed. I work from a place of curiosity and compassion. My philosophy is that all emotions and feelings are a-ok; it’s the way people respond to their emotions that can be problematic. Diversity and inclusion are key values of mine. I aspire to be an ally of LGB2TQIA+ and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) folks. Black Lives Matter. I use the pronouns she/her.

I help couples and individuals improve communication, learn to manage conflict, restore intimacy, recover from affairs, rebuild trust, build boundaries and figure out whether to stay or go. I use science-based strategies including Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy. I am particularly passionate about helping women empower themselves and learn to express their sexual selves and desires. My graduate research explored how religion can impact women’s abilities to do so.

I have worked with individuals, families and couples at Best Marriages, the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC and various non-profit agencies. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology.

Natalie Brown sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Sexual concerns including low sexual desire/low libido, sexual pain conditions (including vaginismus), sexual anxiety/shame, performance concerns including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, and difficulties with arousal and orgasm
• Exploring gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation (including asexuality)
• Non-sexual mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and insomnia

Natalie Brown (she/her) is a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of British Columbia. She completed her BA (Honours) at Queen’s University and her MA under the mentorship of Dr. Lori Brotto, director of UBC Sexual Health Research. Natalie’s dissertation examines the therapeutic potential of virtual reality for the treatment of vaginismus.

Natalie has received training in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as mindfulness- and psychodynamic-based approaches. Alongside sexual and relational difficulties, Natalie has experience treating a variety of psychological concerns, including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. She believes that a trusting relationship between practitioner and client is the foundation from which meaningful therapeutic change can grow. Natalie strives to provide a warm, inviting environment and describes her therapeutic style as evidence-based, empathetic, and fun.

Jessica Ferreira sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Couples sex and relationship therapy, including desire discrepancies, difficulties with sexual and emotional intimacy, and  monogamy/non-monogamy concerns, and infidelity
•  Sexual function and performance concerns, including difficulties with desire, arousal, erectile function, ejaculation, orgasm, sexual anxiety or shame, sexual pain, and sexuality in the context of a chronic health condition
•  Alternative sexual interests such as paraphilias, kinks, or fetishes
• Problematic sexual behaviours, including difficulties related to pornography use, “sex addiction,” or “hypersexuality”
•  Exploring sexual and/or gender identity
•  Sexual and non-sexual trauma
• Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and difficulties regulating emotions

Office Hours: Thursdays 9:00-4:00, and Fridays 9:00-12:00

More about Jessica Ferriera:

Jessica is completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Simon Fraser University (SFU) under the mentorship of Dr. Rebecca Cobb in SFU’s Close Relationships Lab. She also completed her Bachelor’s degree (Hons.) and Master’s degree at SFU. Her dissertation research focuses on how couples’ emotional expressions and communication behaviours during sexual problem discussions affect relationship and sexual satisfaction.

Jessica completed a yearlong predoctoral residency at Vancouver Coastal Health, with rotations in the BC Centre for Vulvar Health, the Operational Stress Injury Clinic, the Transitional Pain Clinic, and the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic.

Drawing primarily from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches, she works collaboratively with clients to tailor her approach to meet clients’ unique needs.

She believes that the foundation for meaningful therapeutic change starts with building a supportive and trusting relationship. With a combination of warmth and humour, she strives to create a non-judgemental and empathic environment where clients can feel comfortable exploring themselves and developing new skills to meet their goals.

David Jennings sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• Sexual concerns including low sexual desire/low libido, sexual pain conditions, sexual anxiety/shame, performance concerns including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, desire discrepancies, and difficulties with arousal and orgasm
• Exploring gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation (and various other concerns related to LGBTQ2SIA+ identities)
• Non-sexual mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and insomnia
• Couples sex therapy

David Jennings (he/him) is currently completing his PsyD (Doctorate of Psychology) in Clinical Psychology at Adler University. He completed his bilingual BA in Psychology from the University of Alberta and his Masters of Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary.

David has received training in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, humanistic-based approaches and mindfulness-based approaches. David is a certified 200-hour yoga teacher, which also informs his approach in therapy. David has experience treating a variety of psychological concerns, including depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, and psychosis.

David identifies within the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and strives to create a safe space for clients of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and abilities. David believes that a trusting relationship with his clients is foundational to therapeutic change and invites compassion, warmth, non-judgment and, when appropriate, humor into his sessions.

Yvonne has a Master’s degree in Clinical Counselling from UBC, and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. She has worked in the areas of women’s health and sexual health as the Lab Coordinator for the UBC Sexual Health Lab, the VGH site Research Manager for the UBC Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and the Program Coordinator at the Multidisciplinary Vulvodynia Program.

Brynn graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Critical Studies in Sexuality, from UBC in 2017. Since then, she has been working for the UBC Sexual Health Lab as a Research Assistant and Social Media Coordinator. She has also volunteered for Options for Sexual Health and BLUSH under Vancouver Coastal Health. She plans to pursue her Master’s in Counselling Psychology.