Psychologist & Sex Therapist

Teresa Johnson, PhD CST

Dr Teresa Johnson sex therapist & psychologist

I am a clinical psychologist and AASECT-certified sex therapist who works with individuals and couples seeking greater emotional, relational, and sexual wellbeing.

My work is grounded in the belief that healing and growth happen when we are able to be with ourselves through curiosity, compassion, and authenticity. I help clients better understand the patterns that shape their lives and relationships, develop greater trust in themselves, and create meaningful change that aligns with their values.

I am honored to accompany clients as they heal from painful experiences, strengthen their relationships, and move toward lives that feel more authentic, connected, and fulfilling.

Credentials

Licensed Psychologist NC4778 HSP-P

Counseling Psychology PhD, 2011

AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, 2016

ASPPB Credentialed PSYPACT

ABS Certified Clinical Sexologist

Telehealth Locations

I am credentialed to provide therapy via telehealth to clients in 40+ US states.

My clients may be located in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and D.C.

Clinical Areas of Focus

Individual Therapy

  • anxiety, trauma and overwhelm

  • body image and self-worth

  • authenticity and identity exploration

  • self-criticism and shame

  • self-compassion and embodiment

Relationship Therapy

  • communication and conflict patterns

  • rebuilding trust and emotional safety

  • attachment and relational dynamics

  • desire discrepancy and intimacy concerns

  • navigating changing relationship needs

Sex Therapy

  • persistent pelvic pain

  • anticipatory anxiety around intimacy

  • healing from sexual trauma and shame

  • pathways to desire and connection

  • communicating boundaries and needs

Working Together

I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, self-criticism, relationship concerns, and challenges related to sexuality and intimacy. Together we explore ways of responding to difficult thoughts and emotions with greater flexibility and self-compassion, helping clients feel more present, empowered, and connected in their daily lives.

I also work with couples who want to strengthen communication, deepen emotional connection, navigate differences in sexual desire, heal from relationship injuries, and create healthier and more equitable relationship dynamics. My approach emphasizes understanding, attunement, and co-creation, helping partners build relationships rooted in trust, respect, and authenticity.

As a sex therapist, I support individuals and couples in exploring their evolving sexuality, and clarifying their desires and boundaries. I provide guidance to support clients in only engaging in sex that they want and creating sexual experiences that feel genuine, meaningful, and aligned with who they are.

My approach to therapy is integrative and collaborative. I draw from evidence-based practices while tailoring therapy to each client's unique experiences, strengths, and goals. In our work together, I offer thoughtful questions, compassionate reflection, and a space where all aspects of your experience are welcome.

Additional Training

EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate - Embody Lab

Kink-Affirming Professional Certificate - Stefani Goerlich, PhD

Embodied Relational Sex Therapy 30 hrs - Stella Resnick, PhD

The Gift of Intimacy 16 hrs - Gina Ogden, PhD

Highlight on Clinical Work

Over 14 years of experience in individual and couples sex therapy

Over 14 years of experience supporting transgender clients through medical transition

Co-facilitated support groups for transgender individuals

Facilitated therapy groups for women with persistent pelvic pain

Professional Affiliations

American Psychological Association (APA)

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)

American Board of Sexology (ABS)

Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality (GLMA)

International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS)

International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)

National Vulvodynia Association (NVA)

New Hampshire Psychological Association (NHPA)

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)

Invited Speaking Engagements

Applying Your Clinical Skills to Treat Sexual Concerns in Individual and Couples Therapy. Continuing Education through New Hampshire Psychological Association. Online Event. 2025

Top Surgery for Transgender Patients. Co-facilitated informational event with Dr. Anthony Wilson. AW Plastic Surgery, Portsmouth, NH 2019.

Trans-affirmative Care: Providing Compassionate and Competent Therapy to Transgender Clients. Continuing Education at New Hampshire Psychological Association Annual Conference. Concord, NH. 2018.

Queer Sex Therapy: Helping LGBTQ Clients Improve Their Sexual Relationships. Guest speaker for a class at University of New Hampshire Social Work Department, Concord, NH. 2017.

Healthcare Concerns for LGBTQ Patients. Medical staff meeting at Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NH. 2016.

Creating a Safe Environment for Transgender Patients. Medical staff training at Garrison Women’s Health Center, Dover, NH. 2016.

How to See and Treat Transgender Patients. Co-facilitated Continuing Education at New Hampshire Osteopathic Association Summer Conference, Greenland, NH. 2016.

Meeting the Healthcare Needs of the Transgender Community with Compassion. Continuing Education at New Hampshire State Society of Medical Assistants’ Spring Conference, Concord, NH. 2016

Meeting the Healthcare Needs of the Transgender Community with Compassion. Paneled workshop at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Dover, NH. 2016.

Women and Their Sexual Health Across the Lifespan. Workshop at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Dover, NH. 2015 & 2014.

Publications

Horne, S., Johnson, T., Yel, N., Maroney, M. R., & McGinley, M. (2021). Unequal rights between LGBTQ parents living in the U.S.: The association of minority stress to relationship satisfaction and parental stress. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000192

Wheeler, E. E., Horne, S. G., Maroney, M, & Johnson, T. (2017). “Everything that we can do”: A content analysis of the protective strategies used by GLBTQ parents. Journal of GLBT Family Studies, doi: 10.1080/1550428X2017.1325812

Levitt, H. M., Horne, S. G., Herbitter, C., Ippolito, M., Reeves, T., Baggett, L. R., Maxwell, D., Dunnavant, B. & Geiss, M. (2016). Resilience in the Face of LGB Minority Stress: “Choices” between Authenticity and Self-Determination. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, 28, 67-91. doi: 10.1080/10538720.2016.1126212

Horne, S. G., Levitt, H.M., & Reeves, T. (2014). Group work with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning clients. In Janice DeLucia-Waack, Cynthia Kalodner, & Maria T. Riva, (Eds.), The Handbook of Group Counseling and Psychotherapy (2nd ed.) (pp. 253-263). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

Puckett, J., Horne, S. G., Levitt, H. M., & Reeves, T. (2011). Out in the country: Issues related to rural sexual minorities. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 15(2).

Reeves, T., Horne, S. G., Rostosky, S. S., Riggle, E. D. B., Baggett, L. R., & Aycock, R. A. (2010). Family members’ support for GLBT issues: The role of family adaptability and cohesion. Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 6(1), 80-97.

Reeves, T., & Horne, S. G. (2009). A comparison of relationship satisfaction, social support, and stress between women with first and prior same-sex relationships. Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 5(3), 215-234.