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:

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

• Problematic sexual and non-sexual behaviours (e.g., self-harm, substance use, online behaviors).
• Emotional distress, including: trauma, sexual abuse, bullying, self esteem, acculturation, prolonged grief and adjusting to major life transitions.
• Sexual concerns, including: erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation, desire discrepancies in couples, genital pain conditions, female genital mutilation, preserving intimacy following physical changes due to a medical condition.
• Couples and relationship therapy.

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
• Relationship concerns, including enhancing both sexual and non-sexual intimacy and satisfaction
• 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.

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

• Problematic sexual behaviors (sometimes referred to as “sexual addiction” or “hypersexuality”), including difficulties with pornography or infidelity.
• Sexual and non-sexual trauma.
• Sexual function concerns for all genders, including difficulties with arousal, desire, erection, ejaculation, and orgasm.
• Sexual orientation (support with exploring orientation).
• Coping with distress related to fetishes, paraphilias, or uncommon interests.
• Gender identity (hormone support letters, support with gender exploration and/or transition).
• Coping with a loved one’s sexual difficulties.
• Sexual and relationship concerns impacted by difficulties with anxiety, mood, or psychosis.
• General (nonsexual) treatment related to psychosis, personality disorders, substance use, anxiety, or mood difficulties.

More about Dr. Tricia Teeft
Dr. Tricia Teeft is a Registered Psychologist. She has a Psy.D. degree in clinical psychology from the Memorial University of Newfoundland. She completed training rotations in clinical sexology, inpatient psychiatric health, outpatient care, and community psychology. Dr. Teeft completed her predoctoral residency at BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services in forensic psychology.  She has conducted research in the area of Mindfulness.

She has worked with inpatients in the provincial forensic service around complex difficulties related to substance use, psychosis, personality, mood, anxiety and effective functioning in relationships.

Dr. Teeft’s approach prioritizes a warm and trusting working relationship.  She strives to build a sense of empowerment and enhance your self-knowledge by helping you feel understood. She is strongly committed to strategies supported by scientific evidence, and draws from a number of different approaches to craft a treatment plan that best fits your needs and resources. Therapy is collaborative, non-judgmental, validating, and considers you the expert of your own experience.

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 afternoons.

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 practices in the Women’s Health Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital.  She has published several scholarly articles and book chapters in the area of sexual health and well-being.

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:  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, mornings through evenings

More about Ashley Howard
Ashley Howard is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). He holds a Master’s in Addiction Psychology and Counselling and is currently in the final stages of completing his 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. 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: Mondays, Tuesday mornings, Thursday mornings

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.

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

• Relationship therapy.
• 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:
Wednesdays, 12-8.

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.

Julia O’Loughlin 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; sexual pain conditions; sexual difficulties; and sexual anxieties.
• 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).
• Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and dealing with major life changes/stressors.

Office Hours:  Ms. O’Loughlin is on internship and not currently seeing clients.

More about Julia O’Loughlin:
Julia is a PhD student in the counseling psychology program at the University of British Columbia. She recognizes that sexuality is complicated, and in order to understand and treat sexuality, it needs to be understood from multiple perspectives, including biological, psychological, and social. Julia’s clinical work has focused on helping those with low arousal or desire, as well as desire discrepancies within partnerships. Her experience doesn’t stop there: She has also worked with individuals whose sexual difficulties are related to body image and health issues like cancer.

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

Relationship concerns.
Concerns and/or exploration related to sexual orientation or gender.
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 pregnancy, postpartum, parenthood, miscarriage, and infant loss.
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 working on a PhD in Counselling Psychology 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.

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

• • Problematic sexual behaviours (including what people often call “sexual addictions”)
  • Performance-related sexual concerns, including concerns with erectile function, early ejaculation, experiencing pain during sex, and difficulties with orgasm
  • Diverse relationship structures and sexual practices, including non-monogamy, kinks, and fetishes
  • Emotional distress that may or may not impact sexual performance and satisfaction
  • Gender and sexual identity exploration

More about Mathew Gendron:
Mathew is a PhD student in Counselling Psychology at The University of British Columbia. Through his graduate research and community advocacy, Mathew has explored how restrictive social norms can pose challenges in individuals’ pursuits toward enjoyable and empowering sex. He has supported clients in exploring a range of topics, including non-monogamy, kink, gender and sexual identity, concerns with erectile function, and worrisome relationships with pornography. He has extensive experience working alongside Vancouver’s LGBTQ2SIA+ community and strives to provide affirming support for individuals of all genders and sexualities.

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

• Sexual concerns including low desire, sexual anxiety, sexual performance concerns, low sexual self-esteem, low body image, and sexual pain
• Problematic sexual behaviours (including what people often call sex or porn addiction)
• Other behaviours that cause long-term problems (e.g., self-harm, substance use, disordered eating)
• Exploring sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression
• Emotional concerns including depression, anxiety, and difficulties regulating emotion
• Perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive disorder (including unwanted and distressing thoughts or mental images)
• Traumatic experiences

Office hours: Monday daytime

More about Carly Parsons:
Carly is a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Carly has worked with clients of all ages during her training, which has included work at BC Children’s Hospital, the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre, and the DBT Centre of Vancouver. She is currently completing training at the UBC Sexual Health Laboratory, where she helps facilitate treatment groups for individuals with cancer histories who are experiencing sexual difficulties. Carly is interested in how sexuality and sexual functioning are impacted by development, relationship factors, and life events or transitions (e.g., medical illness or treatment, hormonal changes). Her research explores the motivations and emotional consequences of various types of internet and social media use.

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, substance use, online behaviours).
• 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.

Hours: Tuesday daytime

More about Veronica Li:
Veronica is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).  She holds a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Adler University. Veronica 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 focuses 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 manage problematic 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.

Veronica 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), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-based approaches to work with her clients in tackling the challenges they are facing.

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

• Exploring their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression
• Fears and anxiety about sex
• Guilt or shame about sex
• Other sexual thoughts and/or behaviours that are causing distress
• Sexual and non-sexual trauma
• Kinks, fetishes, and other diverse interests
• Anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, substance use issues, and other mental health concerns

Office hours: Friday afternoons

More about Melissa Jonnson:
Melissa is a PhD student in the clinical psychology program at Simon Fraser University. She has worked with clients who are exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and those seeking gender affirming medical care. She has also helped clients navigate distressing sexual thoughts or behaviours (e.g., sexual anxiety, shame, guilt, fetishes, addiction). More generally, she has supported clients with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Melissa is passionate about helping clients improve their self-knowledge and achieve a greater sense of mental and sexual wellbeing. She uses a collaborative, affirming approach and draws from a variety of evidence-based techniques to create a unique treatment plan for each client.

Dr. Terri-Lynn MacKay sees clients through the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy who are looking for assistance with:

• over involvement with sexual behaviours (often referred to as sex addiction, porn addiction, compulsive sexual behaviour, hypersexuality).
• infertility or sexual concerns that may arise through fertility treatment.
• sexual performance difficulties, including erectile dysfunction or early (premature) ejaculation.
• dealing with infidelity or relationship dynamics impacting sexual desire.
• fear/anxiety about sex.
• navigating open relationships, polyamory, swinging, or other relationship variants.
• low sexual desire, or desire discrepancies.
• sexual anxiety or guilt.
• concerns with gender identity or sexual orientation.
• unusual or atypical sexual interests, otherwise known as kinks, fetishes, or paraphilias.
• non-sexual problems such as anxiety, depression, phobias, addiction concerns including behavioural addictions (e.g., gambling, internet use), emotion regulation difficulties, and behavioural problems.

More about Dr. MacKay
Dr. Mackay is a Registered Psychologist in the provinces of British Columbia and Manitoba with a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a Masters degree in Behavioural Neuroscience. She formerly held a position as an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she specialized in the treatment of addictive behaviours, including hypersexual behaviour. Her research has been featured in journals such as Canadian Psychology, Neuropsychologia, Computers in Human Behavior and International Gambling Studies. She is an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia where she taught the Psychology of Human Sexuality course and provides guest lectures in the area of addiction and mental health. In addition to her clinical work, she previously served as the Associate Director of Counselling Services at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Mackay currently practices out of Winnipeg, Manitoba but offers telepsychology (on-line) sessions to clients within the province of BC.

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

• Sexual concerns including sexual pain, low desire, desire discrepancies, sexual anxiety, sexual performance concerns, orgasm difficulties, low sexual self-esteem, and problematic sexual behaviours.
• Consensual BDSM/kink-related sexual and relational concerns, including navigating power dynamics, exploring alternative sexual activities, addressing shame, and managing issues surrounding social stigma.
• Relationship concerns, including relational issues concerning the consensual practice of non-monogamy, such as polyamory and open relationships.
• Infidelity.
• PTSD relating to sexual trauma or abuse.
• Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, illness anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
• Depression

Office Hours: Ms. Dunkley is on internship and not currently seeing clients.

More about Cara Dunkley:
With a master’s degree in clinical psychology, Cara is currently completing her PhD at the University of British Columbia. Cara trained at the BC Centre for Sexual Medicine and at the UBC Sexual Health Laboratory and specializes in sex therapy and mindfulness-based approaches to depression and anxiety. Her research and clinical interests include sexual pain, sexual desire, alternative sexual interests and behaviours (BDSM), mindfulness, body image, and eating disorders.

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.