I've been keeping a blog for almost as long as there has been an Internet. I think I was one of the very first therapists in Orange County to go online. Early on I could see the tremendous potential of creating virtual communities, but I had no idea the Internet would create the explosion that it has.
I recently created a new business, www.LearnSexTherapy.com, a place where psychotherapists and counselors will be able to sign up for live training, and in the near future, take distance learning courses in sex and relationship therapy. Now that I'm "B2B," I'm having to rethink my online presence.
What I am learning is that I need to give my readers more insight into who I am. This is a bit at odds with my training as a psychologist. Traditionally, the psychologist is a "blank slate" onto whom the client projects his or her own ideas. All at the same time, the psychologist can represent a guru, a parent, a wise grandparent, or even an unwanted presence in a client's life.
However, times have changed. Just having a blog gives away some of who I am as a person. It's obvious I am choosing what topics to include, and that I am the creator of the content.
So I'm coming out of the closet and making a more personal connection with you, the reader. I know my readers well. They are potential clients who are trying to see if I know how to help them, current clients who need a booster shot between sessions, or past clients who want to check in virtually. They are also therapists, strong in number, who either come to my blog looking for information on different sexual problems or to see what I might offer to them.
I'll still be offering lots of information, but I'll be more present in the blog. I think you'll like the change. In addition to a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree, I also hold a Master of Professional Writing degree from USC. I love to write, and I have the lack of letters on my computer keyboard to prove it, "a," "s," "c," "l," and "." are all gone!
I also plan to include guest posts from different sex therapists, educators, and counselors whom I know. I am fortunate to have an incredible network of professionals near and far, and I think you will have fun meeting them and learning what they have to offer. And, if you have ideas for me, please feel free to email me at info@thebuehlerinstitute. Also, please sign up for my newsletter. And, if you are a professional, visit www.LearnSexTherapy.com to download a free book "Becoming a Sex Therapist" and to learn more about future course offerings.