More About Dr. Robert Roughley

My areas of practice include a variety of mental health areas and presenting concerns. My main area of specialization is sex therapy. Specifically, I work with individuals and couples surrounding a vast spectrum of sexual expression, including medical, psychological, personal, and/or interpersonal factors that impact sexual expression and satisfaction. I adopt a collaborative and culturally-infused approach to counselling, and I strive to provide safe spaces for individuals of all cultural identities, sexual orientations, and gender expressions. I subscribe to a sex-positive approach where personal agency is prioritized and celebrated. I believe in the co-creation of space where my clients can express, explore, and engage in conversations about sex and sexuality, free from moral judgment.

I have been working in the area of mental health and wellness for the past 15 years. My work has included clinical practice, research, and teaching. I have taught for several Canadian Universities and was the Director of Graduate Programs in Counselling for a Canadian University for over eight years. I am published in the areas of human sexuality and inclusive counselling practice. My clinical experience has taken place in numerous settings, including community-based mental health services, university wellness centers, and forensic settings. I completed my PhD in Counselling Psychology in 2014 through the University of Calgary (CPA-Accredited). As part of my graduate program, I completed a PhD Internship with the Correctional Services of Canada.

A QUESTION:

Robert, what is your favourite quote?

My favourite quote is by Ralph Waldo Emerson “What we learn from others becomes our own reflection”.

Qualifications

PhD in Counselling Psychology, University of Calgary

Master of Counselling, University of Calgary

Master of Education, Queen’s University

Bachelor of Adult Education, Brock University

Bachelor of Education (Elementary), Queen’s University

Bachelor of Arts (Music Education), Queen’s University

Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists

Canadian Psychological Association

American Association of Sex Educators, Counsellors, and Therapists (AASECT)

Certifications

Advanced Certificate in Couples and Family Therapy – University of Guelph

Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health

Sexual Therapy Training Intensive Program, University of Guelph

Advanced Skills in Violence Risk Assessment and Report Writing

Same Sex Domestic Violence Workshop

Critical Incident Stress Management: Group Crisis Intervention

Foundations in Motivational Interviewing

Certificate in Advanced Clinical Supervision in Psychology

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – Basic Training

Newfield Certified Coach Training Program

Languages

• English

I specialize in:

Amare (Sex, Intimacy, & Gender)

• Coming Out
• Pornography Issues

Anxiety & Depression

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Anxiety
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Depression
• Food or Eating Issues
• Self-Esteem Issues

Couples

• Dealing with Infidelity
• Marriage and Relationship Concerns

Grief & Loss Care

• Life Transitions

Trauma Care

• Emotional Abuse

I have experience in:

• Alternative Sex Behaviours
• Fetishes and Philias
• Gender Identity
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• LGBTQ2S+ Issues
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Male Sexual Issues
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship Dependence
• Sex Compulsion/Out of Control Sexual Behaviours
• Sexual Arousal Issues
• Sexuality and Intimacy Issues
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Trans Counselling

My treatment approaches:

• Affirmative Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Gestalt Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Person Centered Therapy
• Sex Therapy
• Solution Focused Therapy