Dr. Catherine Dukes, LCSW
Areas of Specialization
Sex Therapy for Individuals or Couples, Couples Counseling, Psychotherapy for Adult, Couples, Folks from Sexually-Marginalized Communities (LGBTQ, queer, kinky, poly & sex-worker individuals) through telehealth across Delaware & Maine.
Hi, I'm Catherine Dukes
I’m so glad you found our website. I’m the CEO of the Center as well as a licensed therapist, an educator, a professional trainer, and a consultant. I’m deeply passionate about our work which focuses on mental health, wellness, sexuality, identity, and relationships.
As a Therapist
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with any individuals or couples with a sexual concern or relationship difficulty and I also provide psychotherapy to folks from Sexually-Marginalized Communities (LGBTQ, queer, kinky, poly & sex-worker individuals). My goal is to help my clients feel more connection in their relationships, to their bodies, with the sexuality and address shame, disconnection, or conflict. My first objective is to support you and create the trust you need to get you started toward your goals of growth and change.
My Journey To Becoming A Therapist
I’m no different from the clients I see. Like everyone else, I'm human. I've been through both wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help.
I am passionate about serving my community members who experience sexuality and relationship issues because I have also been deeply impacted by growing up in a culture which largely treats sexuality negatively and with shame and silence.
My life experiences are what lead me to become the therapist and Educator I am today and I have always been passionate about being able to serve my community.
Helping People is What I am Deeply Grateful For And Passionate About
Being a therapist is an honor. I love guiding people towards positive changes and witnessing them connect with their heart's desire. The most rewarding thing about being a therapist is celebrating when my client's make progress. I am committed to supporting you and guiding you toward your goals of growth and change.
I am nonjudgmental, warm and supportive And Bring An Open, Non-judgemental Presence To Sessions
I have a natural ability to:
- Understand people's experiences
- Help people feel comfortable
- Collaborate with people to set goals and help them reach them
- Help my clients understand what's led to the challenges they're experiencing and how they might change their lives
People who know me often say that I am nonjudgmental and a good listener who can help people feel heard and understood which helps people feel seen and start to heal.
Our Sessions Are Focused On You
Sessions will provide you with the space to be understood and heard. In feeling safe and comfortable, you'll be able to figure things out about yourself and explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals.
It's important to me to provide a non-judgemental space where you can be yourself and focus on setting goals and working collaboratively toward meeting them. There isn't a "one size fits all" approach to Sex Therapy, Couples Therapy, or Psychotherapy . Our sessions are designed to fit your specific needs and concerns.
As A Therapist, I Embrace The Following Philosophies
- I believe that you are worthy of love and care
- I believe that transformation can happen when you ask for help
- I believe that we can do hard things like going to therapy and we can do them and live better for it
- I believe that loving and accepting ourselves for who we are, scars and all, is one of the most courageous things we can do
- I believe that we can stop feeling shame when we share our story with someone who can hear it with empathy and understanding
As an Educator, Professional Trainer & Business Consultant
I have been an educator, professional trainer and program developer for over 25 years. My expertise is in sexuality, LGBTQ+, mental health, self-care, strategic planning, and program development. My first love is teaching, especially adults and professionals. Check out our Professional Services to see more about what we offer and where you can find us.
My Professional Background
I am a licensed therapist (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in Delaware specializing in sex therapy, couples therapy with all populations and psychotherapy with sexually-marginalized communities (LGBTQ, kinky, poly, and sex-worker folks).
I have been a professional sexual health educator and professional trainer for over 20 years. I served as the VP of Education and Training leading Planned Parenthood of Delaware’s 'Sexuality Education Training Institute' from 2006-2019. In that time, I led her department in winning three national Planned Parenthood education awards. I hold a PhD in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality and a Masters in Social Work from Widener University.
I have published lesson plans in the curricula “Teaching Safer Sex” and “Sex Ed in the Digital Age” and “Sexual Orientation” curriculum and have published articles in the Delaware Journal of Public Health.
Let’s Discover How I Can Help
Start to feel more comfortable with yourself, to enjoy your sexuality, to deepen your connection with your values and your relationships. Reach out and let us know if you think I might be your best fit therapist.
When you reach out, you'll talk to one of our office staff and, you can share what’s going on for you, ask any questions you may have, and get scheduled for your first session with me.
Email us today at [email protected] We’re here for you.