About Dr. Steen
Erin K. Steen, PhD, LP, CST (she/her) is a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist serving people in Oregon and Alabama.
Dr. Steen earned her MA and PhD from the Counseling Psychology PhD program at Texas Tech University, where she was trained in a scientist-practitioner model. She completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System. Her thesis and dissertation research explored the predictive influence of the romantic partner's sexual and general adjustment on post-surgical outcomes for hysterectomy patients. This research extended another longitudinal study with prostate cancer patients. Dr. Steen has also contributed to: research validating measures of sexual frequency, control, and behavior; qualitative themes in sexual fantasy in a sample of fanfiction writers; relationships between executive dysfunction and out of control sexual behavior; and, the influence of sexual decision-making styles (maximizing v. satisficing) on individual sexual and general satisfaction. All of Dr. Steen's training and educational experiences have been accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Dr. Steen has been a member of the American Association of Sexuality Counselors, Educators and Therapists (AASECT) since 2006 and is certified through AASECT in the provision of sex therapy. Training and requirements for certification are rigorous and ongoing continuing education in sex therapy is a requirement.
CLINICAL INTERESTS
Dr. Steen enjoys working with a number of issues related to sexual health, function, and well-being. Specific clinical interests include general sexuality, desire issues and discrepancies, arousal issues, orgasm difficulties, erection/ejaculatory concerns, sexual shame, difficulty relaxing adequately to enjoy intimacy, reproductive health, sexual and pelvic pain, LGBTQIA+ populations, and age- and disease-related processes that impact sexual health and quality of life. She is a sex-positive provider, affirming towards all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship types.
In addition, Dr. Steen supports clients with concerns that routinely intersect with sexual health and behavior issues, such as: perfectionism, self-esteem, difficulties with focus, spiritual/existential concerns, and life transitions. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all clients, informed by the social, cultural, and contextual factors that shape each person on their life trajectory. To that end, Dr. Steen is comfortable working with a wide array of erotic interest, diversity, and expression, to include variant arousal patterns.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Prior to independent practice, Dr. Steen provided the full spectrum of psychological services in a variety of settings. These include outpatient clinics, VA hospitals and clinics, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, blind rehabilitation, the TTU School of Medicine cancer research and treatment center (bone marrow, infusion, and breast clinics), the John T. Montford Psychiatric Prison, inpatient psychiatry, dual diagnosis treatment centers, and in community-based mental health.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
Oregon Psychological Association - Ethics Committee Chair
Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality
Southern Oregon Association of Psychologists
EDUCATION
PhD in Counseling Psychology, Texas Tech University (2013)
MA in General Psychology, Texas Tech University (2009)
BA in Psychology (magna cum laude), Portland State University (2007)
Erin K. Steen
PhD, LP, CST