As a psychologist practicing in several states throughout the country, I consult and present on issues related to adolescence, sexuality, and technology for health professionals, educators, and parents. 

This work has grown from my years of working with parents, kids and my own life experience. Talking about sex seems to be just as awkward for kids as it is for the parents. Both parties seem eager to get through the discussion and quick to forget the inevitable discomfort. I can still recall my father’s loving, but horribly failed, attempt at trying to talk to a 12-year-old me about masturbation. Admittedly, I can’t recall much of the conversation other than the soul-crushing awkwardness but that may be because I was low-grade traumatized by the talk. I remember my dad coming into my room and uncomfortably fumbling through the conversation using words like privacy, masturbation, and making sure your door is locked. He was out of my room so fast I’m amazed he didn’t leave a plume of smoke like the Road Runner cartoon. My hope is that this work can help us learn to have honest, open conversations that help kids and parents build trust, create positive self-images, emotional security and keep kids stay safe in our new, digital world.

This work has grown from my years of working with parents, kids and my own life experience. Talking about sex seems to be just as awkward for kids as it is for the parents. Both parties seem eager to get through the discussion and quick to forget the inevitable discomfort.

I can still recall my father’s loving, but horribly failed, attempt at trying to talk to a 12-year-old me about masturbation. Admittedly, I can’t recall much of the conversation other than the soul-crushing awkwardness but that may because I was low-grade traumatized by the talk. I remember my dad coming into my room and uncomfortably fumbling through the conversation using words like privacy, masturbation, and make sure your door is locked. He was out of my room so fast I’m amazed he didn’t leave a plume of smoke like the Road Runner cartoon.

My hope is that this work can help us learn to have honest, open conversations that help kids and parents build trust, create positive self-images, emotional security and keep kids stay safe in our new, digital world.