Amy R. Marsh, Ed.D., DHS, CH, CI, CSC, ABS

Hello there! Thanks for visiting this site. Here are the qualifications I have to support you in your desire to experience more pleasure and sexual self-confidence and agency in your life. I combine sexuality counseling and coaching with hypnosis and adult sex education. Though I only work online, my “office” is a safe, “no-shame zone.” I strive to create an atmosphere of warmth, humor, and “unconditional postitive regard” (quote from Carl Rogers).

I’ve been in practice since 2009 as a clinical sexologist, sexuality counselor, and hypnotist.

Here’s how it all happened

In 2006, I began studying sexology at an unusual private graduate school: the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS) in San Francisco. I earned two degrees in human sexuality: first a DHS (Doctor of Human Sexuality, 2008) and then an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education in Human Sexuality, 2011). Though IASHS is no longer in existence, you can find a description of those degree programs courtesy of the Wayback Machine.

After earning the DHS in 2008, I was board certified by the American College of Sexologists (now defunct). I am currently a board certified Diplomate of Sexology through the American Board of Sexology (ABS). In 2008 I also became a certified hypnotist (CH) through the National Guild of Hypnoststs (NGH), having trained with Marilyn Gordon in Oakland, CA. In 2012, I became a certified hypnosis instructor (CI) through the NGH. (See the Office Wall, below.)

Clinical work PLUS curriculum development and teaching

At IASHS I also served as part-time, adjunct professor, giving occasional lectures. From 2012-2015, I developed and taught Intimate Hypnosis: Sexological Hypnosis Skills, a hybrid certificate course based on my Ed.D. project. For a brief time in 2014-2015 I also worked as Dean of Students, until it became clear IASHS was no longer able to meet new legal requirements for granting degrees through the auspices of the CA Bureau of Private Post-Secondary Education. IASHS is no longer in existence.

After leaving IASHS, I began teaching an updated, online professional training–based on my original course–called Hypnosis for Sex Problems via my Intimate Hypnosis Training Center. You can find a list of my graduates, plus testimonials, here.

All of the above has enabled me to confidently combine hypnosis methods with sexuality counseling and adult sex education, striving to keep up with new developments and studies that can assist my students as well as my clients.

Personally speaking

I enjoy writing about a range of human sexuality topics. From mid-2023-April 2026, I’ve written 110 articles–mostly about sex tech and AI–for FutureofSex.net (see a list of articles at that author page link). I’ve also written about a range of sexology topics for Scarleteen (2025), Kinkly.com (2024), Carnal Nation (2009-2010), YourTango.com, and other sites. My four nonfiction books are on Amazon.

For the last several years, I’ve identified as a nonbinary femme and my pronouns are ze/zir and she/her. I also live with cats and enjoy a thrilling relationship with my human partner.

As for all those initials after my name? That’s how I spell “mid-life crisis!” I did sexology instead of a sports car and shoes.

“The Office Wall”

Professional Organizations

• AASECT – American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
• American Board of Sexology
• National Coalition of Sexual Freedom (Listed in Kink Aware Professionals Directory).
• National Guild of Hypnotists.

Conferences & Presentations

• 1st International Symposium on Trauma and Sexuality, Sept. 5, 2025. Brazil. Virtual.
• Soft Cock Appreciation Week, 2024. Watch the presentation and listen to a hypnosis demo here. Virtual.
• Love and Sex with Robots Conference, 2023. Two presentations. Virtual.
• Pacific Rim International Conference on Disabilities and Diversity, Honolulu, HI (2016, 2009).
• CatalystCon West, Los Angeles, CA (2015).
• AASECT, (2014). Monterey, CA.
• Gender Spectrum (2013, 2012, 2010). Berkeley, CA.
• The EcoSex Symposium (2011). San Francisco, CA.
• The American Counseling Association Pre-Conference Learning Institutes (2011, 2010). New Orleans, LA & Pittsburgh, PA.
• Gender Odessey (2009), Seattle, WA.

Guest Lecturer & Community Presentations

• Mills College (3x).
• Berkeley City College (4x).
• Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (4x).
• Community presentations include the Janus Society in San Francisco.

Press – See This Page

Publications – See This Page

☽☆☾

Serving clients across Portland, Oregon, and the United States via secure telehealth. Though based in the US Pacific Northwest, I also offer international sessions, training, & classes.