Welcome.
With 25+ years of experience and outstanding credentials, I have two goals for my clients: Solve the immediate problem that brings you to therapy, and promote lasting change.
I work with individual adult clients, couples, and at times, larger groups of people in relationships with one another. My primary arenas of work include depression, stress, life transitions, and relationship/family difficulties. I am also an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist and have particular and non-judgmental expertise with sexual issues, including desire problems, infidelity, open relationships, kink/fetish, and the so-called "sexless marriage." I welcome clients from varied sexual and gender backgrounds and communities. I believe that while life-affirming sex can't guarantee a relationship, it does help relationships flourish, and lack of it is a proven risk factor.
I also have extensive training, research, and clinical experience with the problems associated with serious and/or chronic illness. If cancer, MS, diabetes, RA, colitis, Crohn's, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, etc. is upending your life? I can help you AND your well spouse/family.
My work is characterized by warmth, compassion, humor, and especially practicality. Initial 15-minute phone consultations are free. I'd be happy to hear about your situation and discuss whether I might be helpful.
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General issues I work with include:
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Personality disorders
Stress management
Habit change
Conflict resolution
Relationship difficulties
Work and career issues
I have advanced training in:
Couple/Relationship Therapy
Sex Therapy
Health Psychology
Group dynamics
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I specialize in sex and relationship therapy. In my opinion, you can't really do one without the other. Often when I am consulted for a sexual problem, it turns out to really be a problem in the relationship. And when I am consulted about a couples' problem, eighty percent of the time, sex is among the problem issues.
Relationship therapy can be highly effective. It can also be hard work, but it's worth it. I work with all kinds of couples: heterosexual and non-hetero, cisgender and gender non-conforming, conservative and edgy, monogamous and non-monogagmous, young and old, those contemplating commitment and those who have been married for years. Recent issues I have worked with include a couple in conflict about extended family issues; a couple navigating the process of opening their relationship; a couple reeling from the impact of one partner's infidelity; a couple for whom sexual desire has fallen off the table; and a couple in chronic conflict about money. My work with couples is frank, direct, supportive, and aimed at results.
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I have specialized training in Sex and Couple Therapy and am certified in Sex Therapy by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Whether you have an individual problem or an issue that is coming up in your relationship, I can help.
Common reasons for consulting a sex therapist include:
Compulsive sexual behavior
Lack of sexual desire
Sexual pain
Desire discrepancies
Problems with sexual communication
Sexual trauma
Problems getting or staying aroused
Difficulty reaching orgasm
Unusual sexual or relationship desires
Navigating monogamy vs open relationships
Sex therapy tends to be time-limited, targeted, and focused on results. Our first session or two is aimed at thoroughly assessing the problem. We will develop a plan together, which often includes homework for you to complete between sessions, and we assess our progress throughout the therapeutic process.
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I have specialized training in dealing with the difficulties of patients with long-term medical illnesses or injuries. I also counsel well spouses/partners and couples in which one partner is sick.
As a patient, you face problems that may at time feel overwhelming. Although initially after a diagnosis many patients experience an outpouring of support from friends and relatives, over time that support can erode, leading to feelings of isolation. The losses that come with illness, injury, or pain are significant and poorly understood by the healthy and able-bodied. Medical illness can place tremendous pressure on patients' relationships, and the obstacles to finding a place of stability and peace can seem insurmountable at times. I can help you work through these feelings, renegotiate your relationships, and develop a "new normal."
As a well spouse -- or a former well spouse -- the problems you face are cumulative, enormous, and often overlooked by family, friends and community. My work with you will provide both hope and a plan. My approach is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and practical. We will craft new approaches to everything from depression to "rolling grief," from communicating your valid needs to handling conflict, and from family life to sex life.
I am based in Los Angeles, but I do occasionally travel to consult elsewhere. In some cases, I can work by phone or videoconference.
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Over the past twenty years, we have seen an explosion of interest in the concept of sexual addiction in our culture. On the one hand, it can seem like there is a growing epidemic of sex addiction all around us. On the other hand, it can seem like "Sexual Addiction" is a convenient but vague label that can be misapplied and even used as an excuse for destructive behavior.
Many sexuality experts prefer the concept of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB). Truly compulsive sexual behavior does exist, and it can involve compulsive masturbation, destructive use of pornography, infidelity either in real life or online, or other types of problematic behavior. And when it occurs, CSB can be devastating. I've seen clients whose sexual behavior has come close to destroying their lives, families, and careers. But what looks like CSB on the surface can sometimes really be a symptom of depression or anxiety, a reaction to past trauma, a personality disorder, an obsessive/compulsive disorder, or even a way of coping with extraordinary stress. Successful treatment of CSB involves a careful assessment and diagnosis, and a thoughtful, well-planned treatment program that addresses both the behavior itself and the underlying issues. Healing the effects of destructive sexual behavior requires a holistic approach that addresses the needs of not only the client, but also the partner, the family, and sometimes, the community.
I have treated CSB successfully and invite you to consult with me on this issue. My aim is a thoughtful, systematic, and holistic approach which results in healing for you and your loved ones, and hope for the future.
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Where I practice
My office is in Encino. I work both in person and via a HIPAA-compliant video platform. I am licensed in California, so I can see clients who live anywhere in the state. I occasionally travel to consult in other areas.
Insurance
I have opted out of Medicare, which means that I do not bill Medicare for my services and do not accept payment from Medicare. If you have Medicare, contact me to discuss fee arrangements. I am also not a participating provider for any insurance plans. Nevertheless, my services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session (PhD-level therapist)?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Cancellation Policy
I ask that clients give me 48 business hours' notice if they need to cancel.
My Services
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I was born on the east coast and attended Barnard College/Columbia University on a scholarship. I majored in literature and psychology, which reflected my lifelong interest in the intersections between culture and the psyche. I moved across the country to the University of Southern California to attend graduate school, where I became very interested in issues relating to health, relationships, and sexuality. I earned my masters degree in 1993 and my doctorate in 1996 from USC, and I completed both a clinical postdoc at UCLA Medical Center and a research postdoc at the UCLA School of Public Health. I began publishing papers on illness, sexuality, and psychology while still in graduate school, and eventually I won grant support for my work from the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Some of that early work forms the basis for patient education materials still distributed by the NCI.
I transitioned from academia to full-time private practice in 2003. About half of my work is with individual clients with a variety of issues, and half is sex therapy and/or couples therapy. Much of my clinical work has touched on issues involving relationships and sexuality. I've undergone specialized clinical training in sex therapy, and advanced training in several approaches to couples therapy. I teach graduate students and lay audiences about various sexuality topics. I also continue to write and present at conferences.
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Curriculum Vitae
Beth Leedham, Ph.D.
16055 Ventura Boulevard #721
Encino, CA 91436
(818) 254-5554
California License #PSY 15656
Professional Activities and Affiliations
Private Practice in Clinical Psychology and Relationship & Sex Therapy, 2003-2023
Past President (2017), Los Angeles County Psychological Association (LACPA)
Board of Directors, LACPA, 2022, 2007-2018
Editorial Board, Los Angeles Psychologist, 2007-2023
Board of Directors, California Psychological Association, 2012-2103
Founder, Sexuality and Sex Therapy Special Interest Group, LACPA
Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Psychotherapists for Sexual Diversity
Clinical Associate Faculty, University of Southern California
Editorial Board, The Los Angeles Psychologist
Member, California Psychological Association
Member, American Psychological Association
Member, American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
Member, EFT Center of Los Angeles
Education
Core Skills Training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), 2020
Externship Training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), 2019
Levels I and II Clinical Training, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, 2015
Sex Therapist Certification, American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), 2012
Certificate in Human Sexuality, Couple and Sex Therapy Program, UCLA, 2010
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Cancer Prevention and Control, UCLA School of Public Health, 1998
Postdoctoral Clinical Fellowship in Adult Health and Behavior, UCLA Medical Center, 1997
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, University of Southern California, 1996
Clinical Internship, UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, 1995
M.A., Psychology, University of Southern California, 1993
A.B., English, Minor Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, Barnard College, 1988
Selected Other Relevant Experience
Associate Member, Roy & Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, 2011-2013 Clinical Supervisor, NEAS West (formerly Robert T. Dorris & Associates), 2004-2006
Psychological Consultation, Organ Transplant Services, UCLA Medical Center, 1994-1996
Psychological Consultation, UCLA Breast Center, 1994-1995
Awards and Honors
Distinguished Service to LACPA by a LACPA Member, 2019
National Cancer Institute/NIH Small Grant Recipient, 1998-2000
Predoctoral Fellow, American Cancer Society, 1993-1994
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, University of Southern California, 1992
All University Merit Scholarship, University of Southern California, 1990-1993
Summa Cum Laude, Honors in English, Barnard College, 1998
W. Cabell Greet Prize for Excellence in English, Barnard College, 1998
Phi Beta Kappa, 1987
Centennial Scholarship, Barnard College, 1986-1988
Selected Teaching Experience
Assistant Professor, Chicago School for Professional Psychology, LA Campus, 2010-2011
Clinical Supervisor, University of Southern California, 2006-2011
Adjunct Professor, University of Southern California, 1996-1999
Selected Clinical Presentations
Leedham, B. (2018, May). Open Relationships: Can They Work? Workshop presented to the Couple Therapy Special Interest Group, Los Angeles County Psychological Association, Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2013, October). Pornstars, Perverts, and Polyamory: Lessons on Psychotherapy from the Erotic Frontier. Workshop presented at the Annual Convention of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2012, November). Women’s Sexual Health Across the Lifespan. Lecture presented at the 12th Annual Southern California Women’s Health Conference. Pasadena Civic Center, Pasadena, CA.
Leedham, B. (2012, May). Sexuality and Intimacy After Treatment. Lecture presented at Survivor Education Day, UCLA Cancer Survivorship Center, Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2012, April). Reclaiming Sexuality and Intimacy After Cancer. Lecture presented to physicians and staff of Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Burbank, CA.
Leedham, B. (2012, February). Couples, Sex, and Culture: A Sex Therapist Talks from Experience. Lecture presented to the Iranian Psychological Association of America meeting, West Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2011, September). Negotiating Sexuality After Chronic Illness. Lecture presented to the Health Psychology Committee of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, Culver City, CA.
Leedham, B. (2011, October). A Campaign to Recover Sexuality After Illness and Injury. Lecture presented to the Holy Cross Hospital and Saint Joseph's Hospital Departments of Social Work, Burbank, CA.
Leedham, B. (2011, March). Intersex Conditions and Sexual Genetic Variations: A Primer. Lecture presented at the LGBTQ Special Interest Group of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, Encino, CA.
Leedham, B. (2011, February). Intimacy, Sexuality, and Cancer. Workshop presented at the Cancer Support Community -- Benjamin Center (formerly the Wellness Community), Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2011, February). Sexuality and Sensuality at Midlife and Beyond. Lecture presented at Hadassah of San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills, CA.
Leedham, B. (2011, January). Reclaiming Sexuality: A Roadmap for Cancer Survivors and Partners. Lecture presented for the "Insights Into Cancer Series," Simms-Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2010, March). Alternate sexuality: A therapist's guide. CE seminar presented at the Los Angeles County Psychological Association Brown Bag Series, Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2010, April). Treating sexual problems in medically ill patients. CE seminar presented at the Southern California networking meeting of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2009, October). Sexuality and Medical Illness: A Clinical Approach. Seminar presented at the 21st Los Angeles County Psychological Association Annual Convention, Los Angeles.
Leedham, B. (2009, March). Internet affairs. Lecture presented to the Couple Therapy Special Interest Group of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2008). Stress, mind, and spirit. Lecture presented at Hadassah of Southern California conference "Stress and the City," Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2008, November). Live supervision of a psychotherapy case from four theoretical perspectives. Invited presentation at the Los Angeles County Psychological Association Continuing Education Series, Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (2008). Defusing anger in the workplace. Presented at Methodist Hospital, Arcadia, CA.
Leedham, B. (2002, March). Leading your family out of conflict. Presented at the Pressman Academy, Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, CA.
Leedham, B. (1999, June). Breast cancer: Preparing for survivorship. Presented at the UCLA School of Public Health, August, 1999.
Leedham, B. (1998, July). Sexuality, body image, and breast cancer. Presented at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, CA.
Leedham, B. (1998, April). From bad news to good adjustment: Lessons from chronically ill patients and their families. UCLA Department of Psychology Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine Seminar, 1998.
Leedham, B. (1997, February). Sexual Functioning After Breast Cancer. Presented at the Westlake After Breast Cancer Support Group, Westlake, CA.
Selected Publications
Leedham, B. (2022, Summer). Overstaying Our Welcome: When Psychologists Should Stop Working. Los Angeles Psychologist, 36 (2), 6-7.
Leedham, B. (2020, Winter). Helping Men With Sexual Concerns. Los Angeles Psychologist, 34 (4), 10-11.
Leedham, B. (2014, May/June). Thirteen Rules for Novice Clinicians. Los Angeles Psychologist, 28 (3), 14.
Leedham, B. (2011, July/August). Renegotiating Sexuality During Long-Term Chronic Illness: A Case Study. Los Angeles Psychologist, 25 (3), 10-13.
Leedham, B. (2010, January/February). Problematic internet sexual behavior. Los Angeles Psychologist, 24 (1), 10-11.
Leedham, B. (Guest Editor) (2010). The Sex Issue. Los Angeles Psychologist, 24 (1).
Rowland, J.H., Meyerowitz, B.E., Crespi, C.M., Leedham, B., Desmond, K., Belin, T.R., & Ganz, P. (2009). Addressing intimacy and partner communication after breast cancer: A randomized controlled group Intervention. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 118, 99-111.
Stanton, A.L., Ganz, P.A., Kwan, L., Meyerowitz, B.E., Bower, J.E., Krupnick, J.L., Rowland, J.H., Leedham, B., and Belin, T.R. (2005). Outcomes from the moving beyond cancer psychoeducational, randomized, controlled trial with breast cancer patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23, 6009-6018.
Ganz, P.A., Desmond, K.A., Leedham, B., Rowland, J.H., Meyerowitz, B.E., & Belin, T. R. (2002). Quality of life in long-term, disease-free survivors of breast cancer: A follow-up study. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 94, 39-49.
Meyerowitz, B.E., Formenti, S.C., Ell, K., & Leedham, B. (2000). Depression among Latina cervical cancer patients. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 19, 352-371.
Leedham, B., & Meyerowitz, B. (2000). Loss, adjustment, and growth after cancer: Lessons from patients' children. In Harvey, J.H., & Miller, E.D. (eds.), Loss and Trauma. Routledge, 166-182.
Leedham, B., & Ganz, P.A. (1999). Psychosocial outcomes and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Cancer Investigation, 17, 342-348.
Leedham, B., & Meyerowitz, B.E. (1999). Responses to parental cancer: A clinical perspective. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 6, 441-461.
Meyerowitz, B.E., Richardson, J., Hudson, S., & Leedham, B. (1998). Ethnicity and Cancer Outcomes: Behavioral and Psychosocial Considerations. Psychological Bulletin, 123, 47-70.
Leedham, B., & Meyerowitz, B (1995). The mind and breast cancer risk. In Stoll, B.A. (ed.), Reducing Breast Cancer Risk in Women. Springer,223-230.
Formenti, S.C., Meyerowitz, B.E., Ell, K., Muderspach, L., Groshen, S., Leedham, B., Klement, V., & Morrow, P.C. (1995). Inadequate adherence to radiotherapy in Latina immigrants with carcinoma of the cervix: Potential impact on disease free survival. Cancer, 75, 1135-1140.
Leedham, B., Meyerowitz, B.E., Muirhead, J., & Frist, W.H. (1995). Positive expectations predict health after heart transplantation. Health Psychology, 14, 74-79.
Muirhead, J., Meyerowitz, J., Leedham, B., Eastburn, T.E., Merrill, W.H., & Frist, W.H. (1992). Quality of life and coping in patients awaiting heart transplantation. Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, 11, 265-267.
Selected Research Presentations
Leedham, B., Meyerowitz, B.E., Rowland, J., Belin, T., Desmond, K., & Ganz, P.A. (1999). Brief group treatment to enhance sexuality and intimacy among breast cancer survivors. Poster presented at the 20th annual meeting of the Society for Behavioral Medicine, San Diego.
Leedham, B., Ganz, P.A., Rowland, J., & Meyerowitz, B.E. (1999). Psychological well-being among long-term breast cancer survivors. Poster presented at the Cancer Survivorship: Research Challenges and Opportunities for the New Millenium workshop, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
Leedham, B., Ganz, P.A., Rowland, J., & Meyerowitz, B.E. (1998). The lingering sequelae of breast cancer: In-depth interviews with long-term survivors. Poster presented at the Research Issues in Cancer Survivorship meeting, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
Leedham, B., & Meyerowitz, B.E. (1996). Family communication predicts later adjustment in children of cancer patients. Poster presented at the eighth annual meeting of the American Psychological Society, San Francisco.
Leedham, B., & Meyerowitz, B.E. (1994). Responses to parental cancer. Poster presented at the American Cancer Society 10th Annual Conference for Postdoctoral and Predoctoral Fellows, Riverside, CA.
Leedham, B., Meyerowitz, B., Muirhead, J., & Frist, W.H. (1993). Optimism predicts adherence and health in heart transplant recipients. Poster presented at the fourteenth annual meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, San Francisco (recipient, Editor's Citation).
Leedham, B., & Meyerowitz, B.E. (1993). Chronic illness in the context of people's lives; Converging evidence from diverse populations. Paper presented at the 101st annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, Ontario.
Muirhead, J., Meyerowitz, B.E., Leedham, B., Eastburn, T.E., Merill, W.H., & Frist, W.H. (1992). Quality of life and coping in patients awaiting heart transplantation. Presented at the Eleventh Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the International Society for Heart Transplantation, Paris, France (recipient, Nursing Research Award).
Leedham, B., Meyerowitz, B., Muirhead, J., & Frist, W.H. (1992). Optimism and adjustment to heart transplantation. Paper presented at the second annual Leibovitz Clinical Psychology Research Meeting, University of Southern California.
Leedham, B., Meyerowitz, B., Muirhead, J., & Frist, W.H. (1991). Medical adherence in heart transplant patients: Optimism as a predictor. Poster presented at the third annual meeting of the American Psychological Society, Washington, D.C.
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I work with a range of diverse clients. These include those from diverse political, racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, as well as neurodivergent clients. They also include members of sexual minority groups, non-monogamous clients, and those from a variety of gender and sexual spectra. When I encounter a client who possesses aspects of identity or history with which I am unfamiliar, I seek out education and consultation, or I refer the client elsewhere, depending on the client’s needs.
