Brief Bio
Amy Marsh, Ed.D., DHS, CH, CI, is a dedicated sexuality professional and hypnotist, however ze is not mainstream and never has been. Ze identifies as a nonbinary femme (pronouns ze/zir) and has been living with the physical and logistical constraints of multiple chemical sensitivity and environmental illness (EI/MCS) for over thirty years. For this and many other reasons, Dr. Marsh has a unique background and views.
Dr. Marsh’s private practice is eclectic: combining clinical sexology and sexuality counseling with hypnosis, guided imagery, adult sex education, sand tray play, and attention to social justice activism and community wellness. Though online only, Dr. Marsh’s “office” is a “no-shame zone.” You are invited to share in an atmosphere of warmth, humor, and “unconditional postitive regard” (quote from Carl Rogers).
In 2021, Dr. Marsh will pursue certification in Dr. Gina Ogden’s “4-D Wheel” approach to sex therapy and counseling, weaving deeper connections to “spirit, mind, heart, and body” in client work. Certification entails completing required coursework, 10 hours of supervision, plus co-teaching and teaching a workshop based on Gina Ogden’s work, plus final approval of the above before certification is complete. To gain proficiency, Dr. Marsh will begin to incorporate the 4-D Wheel method into most counseling and hypnosis sessions as of Feb. 14, 2021. The 4-D Wheel is a suitable framework for adding more physical movement, intuitive methods, ritual, and other elements–if and when this is appropriate to the work and acceptable to the client.
“The Office Wall”
Professional Memberships
AASECT – American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists
4-D Network (carries on the pioneering work of Dr. Gina Ogden)
National Coalition of Sexual Freedom (Listed in Kink Aware Professionals Directory)
National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) (member and instructor)
Conferences & Presentations
Dr. Marsh has presented at the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disabilities and Diversity (2016, 2009); CatalystCon West (2015); AASECT (2014); Gender Spectrum (2013, 2012, 2010); The EcoSex Symposium (2011); The American Counseling Association Pre-Conference Learning Institutes (2011, 2010); and Gender Odessey (2009).
Dr. Marsh has been a guest lecturer at Mills College (3x), Berkeley City College (4x), and the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (4x). Community presentations include the Janus Society in San Francisco.
Media, Interviews and Podcasts
Listen to Dr. Marsh and co-host M. Christian on the Love’s Outer Limits podcast on Anchor.FM (formerly on BlogTalkRadio).
Major television appearances include Australia’s Channel 7 Sunday Night show, which aired May 18, 2019. Good Morning America and Tyra Banks in 2009, and twice on National Geographic Taboo (2010). More info on this page.
Publications
Two articles in the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality: “Le’ale’a o na Poe Kahiko: Joy of the People of Old” (2011) and “Love Among the Objectum Sexuals” (2010). Three entries to The Cultural Encyclopedia of the Penis (ed. Kimmel, Milrod, & Kennedy), and an essay to Transitions of the Heart – Stories of Love, Struggle and Acceptance by Mothers of Transgender and Gender Variant Children (ed. Rachel Pepper). Selections from Marsh’s “Love’s Outer Limits” columns for Carnal Nation (2009-2010) are collected in Sex Squicks.
Amy Marsh, Sexologist & Hypnotist 