Yet our s*xuality starts at birth and doesn’t end until our lives do. Have you ever wondered, is there more to s*x and pleasure? Do you wonder if better fulfillment and being with a partner who is a true match is even possible? Do you need guidance and permission to explore? By mid-life, many people have come to suspect that they are not being their authentic s*xual self yet have little to no idea how to let go of the shame and fear that control them in order to explore and discover themselves. I have worked with many people who have struggled in this same way and understand how to give you the delicate balance of compassion, permission, and knowledge so you can safely and confidently explore your authentic s*xuality. When I began studying s*x therapy, I could see that there was a something missing when I worked with those whose s*xuality and interests were different from what was taught in text books and lectures as “the norm”. In the world of psychology, there is still largely a tendency to pathologize alternative forms of s*xual expression, so I set out to learn more and talk to more people. This journey has lead me to become an expert in:
• B**M
• ABDL
• S*xual orientation
• Polyamory
• Fetishes
• Swinging
• Kinks
• Open Relationships
Discover New Ways of Thinking
Oftentimes, my patients have harshly wondered about themselves if they are “some sort of freak” because they are desiring fun, exciting s*x outside typical norms. I don’t believe there is anything wrong or bad about consensual s*x of any kind, and realize there is more variety than many of us were taught, and this lack of information may be leading some of us to feel depression and lacking in s*xual expression and joy. My s*x-positive, non-judgmental approach allows you to ask and be answered, the questions you may have been too scared to share with others. If this is you and you have a desire for more s*xual exploration and want to talk to someone about it, I am guaranteeing you safe space to question and learn with me. My book, blogs, counseling and speaking engagements will hopefully inspire you to discover new ways of thinking, release shame, and blossom into your own unique form of s*xual freedom. The Journey Towards Discovery
People often ask me how I became a s*x therapist and especially how I ended up specializing in alternative means of s*xual expression. After all, it is not a typical college major. Usually I smile and tell them that it has been a journey. Like many people in my profession, I started out working in clinics that provided contraception, testing, and treatment for s*xually transmitted infections, and abortion services. Many of the women and men I saw were scared, nervous, embarrassed to be there and, as I discovered, sadly undereducated about how the s*xual aspects of their life worked. Often I was not only educating them about how to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy and s*xual infections, I was also helping them to better understand their s*xual lives, desires, and behaviors. I realized that there was a need for more than the short-term, one-visit approach they were receiving in meeting a mostly physical-only need. In studying s*x therapy, I found the old wisdom of psychology was still considering “out-of-the-norm” s*xual expression as pathological in nature- something to be corrected. However, in my professional work, I didn’t see that as true in the people I was working with day in and day out. Instead of judging the things I didn’t initially understand, I explored deeper and discovered there was far more to understand than to judge. S*xuality Is Part Of Our Humanity
In our Western culture, we are still finding simple conversations about s*x to be taboo or at best in poor taste. And, if “normal” s*x is taboo, how much more difficult is it to breach the subject of alternative s*x and s*xuality? For those who are considered different in their s*xual expression and desires, there is even a greater fear resulting in them hiding who they are, denying what they want and questioning themselves, even resorting to calling themselves a freak. Not knowing who or where to turn to with the questions in their heads, they often feel depressed, unfulfilled and questioning what is wrong with them. I seek to change that by sharing new understandings, science, beliefs and resources to bring each person into their happy, healthy, s*xuality. Education and Certifications
• Doctorate in Clinical S*xology, American Academy of Clinical S*xologists, Orlando, FL
• Master of Science in Counseling, Community Counseling, University of Phoenix, Denver, CO
• Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Hamline University, St. Paul, MN
• AASECT Certified S*x Therapist
• ASCH Certification in Clinical Hypnosis
• Post-master’s certificate in S*x Therapy and post-master’s certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy, Colorado School for Family Therapy, Aurora, CO
Professional Memberships
• The American Board of S*xology, (ABS) Board Certified Clinical S*xologist
• American Psychotherapy Association, Board Certified Professional Counselor
• American Association of S*xuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, (AASECT) Certified S*x Therapist
• American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, (ASCH) Certification in Clinical Hypnosis
• Society for the Scientific Study of S*xuality, (SSSS)
• National Coalition for S*xual Freedom, (NCSF)
• Community Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative S*xualities, (CARAS)
Faculty
• Colorado School for Family Therapy: S*x Therapy Certification Program
• Kink Knowledgeable.com
Licensure
• Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Colorado, LPC-5299
Podcasts
Family Affairs
Go to iTunes page: Family Affairs
Dr. Rhoda’s Podcasts:
#004 Adult Babies/Diaper Lovers ABDL
#006 Swingers: Discussion of open relationships
The Crinkle Cast
Go to iTunes page: The Crinkle Cast
Dr. Rhoda’s Podcasts:
#3 Adult Babies/Diaper Lovers, ABDL
No More Hiding
“No More Hiding: Permission to Love Your S*xual Self” is the debut book by Dr. Rhoda Lipscomb. Examining past s*xual understandings and norms and addressing the needed cultural shift, Dr. Rhoda hopes to eliminate the shame associated with alternative s*xual expressions including B**M, Open Relationships, Kink/Fetish and s*xual orientation. This book is designed for the people who wonder about what those with very different s*xual lives are like and ask, “Are they truly happy? Can these kinds of things be done successfully? How do I get there?”
It is designed for the people standing at that fork in the road wondering, “Do I stay on the path I am on, the same path I’ve been on for years and where at least know what to expect, or do I dare take the risk to explore a new path?”
