With over 20 years of clinical experience, you can feel safe and confident in my care.
As a seasoned therapist, I know how to balance directness with compassion. I know it’s hard. I know it’s uncomfortable. And I know change is possible with honesty, hard work, and commitment.
Sex addiction, porn addiction, and betrayal trauma prevent us from living lives that are values-aligned. These disorders keep us from participating in life fully, engaging in healthy and fulfilling relationships, and from being the partners, parents, and people who we have the potential to be. I work closely with all my clients to build trust and attempt to chip away at the deep shame and trauma that often results from sex and intimacy disorders.
I specialize in treating sex & porn addiction and cyber addiction as well as acute and complex trauma, codependency and enmeshment, and partner betrayal trauma. I have over 20 years of direct clinical experience in behavioral health care at various levels of care.
I formerly held the position of Deputy Chief Clinical Officer for the largest addiction treatment group in Asia, The Cabin, where I oversaw staff and services for a 120-bed residential program as well as six internationally located intensive outpatient clinics. My time abroad greatly informed my current therapeutic philosophy and outlook, and I often integrate aspects of mindfulness into my work with clients.
I am extremely passionate about my work and my clients, and I have dedicated my life to it. I am most interested in working with individuals and loved ones who are motivated for change and are willing to do the hard work.
education, credentials, & certifications
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (SW 12366) recognized by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (C018190) recognized by the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist recognized by the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR I/II)
Qualified LCSW Supervisor recognized by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling
Certified Addiction Professional recognized by the Florida Certification Board
Veteran Ready Healthcare Provider certified through PsychArmor Institute
advanced trainings
Advanced training in Crisis Prevention Intervention
Advanced Training in Psychological First Aid
Advanced Training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
media and press
Addictions to phones, social media, cyber-sex, online shopping, and gaming bigger now than drug addiction counselors say, South China Morning Post, July 16, 2018
Psychedelic drugs could radically improve Asia’s mental healthcare- if it wasn’t for stigma,
Forbes Magazine, May 2018The secret lives of sex addicts with the phantom diagnosis, The Sydney Morning Herald, July 2017
Why loot boxes can be as addictive as gambling, The Straits Times, December 2017
Does sex addiction exist? Sex and Life with Doctor Nikki Goldstein Podcast, aired October 2017
Hooked, Radio 3 Hong Kong, aired April 2018
a little more about me
I recently moved back to Florida from Thailand, where I was living for five years. There I was exposed to meditation and mindfulness as well as other Eastern influences that have greatly informed my personal and professional practice.
When I’m not seeing clients, I enjoy watching (and sometimes participating in) martial arts, spending time with my partner and two dogs, collecting and reading comics, and completing various therapeutic workshops and trainings.