Shari Derksen, Ph.D., Registered Psychologist
Dr. Shari Derksen is a registered psychologist and American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) certified sex therapist with more than 15 years of experience providing individual and couples therapy. She holds a master’s degree in counselling psychology with a specialization in holistic studies from John F. Kennedy University and a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality from the California Institute of Integral Studies.
Dr. Derksen’s practice focuses on healthy relationships, sexual well‑being and freedom in authentic expression. She offers a holistic, trauma‑informed approach that is sensitive to neurodivergence and affirming of 2SLGBTQ+ identities, polyamory, consensual non‑monogamy, kink and diverse relational structures. She supports clients in addressing concerns related to intimacy, desire, arousal, orgasm and performance anxiety, and helps individuals cultivate greater embodiment, confidence and ease in their relational and erotic lives.
Drawing on her understanding of erotic desire and non‑traditional relational dynamics, Dr. Derksen founded Jouissance Sanctum—an academy and gathering place devoted to erotic truth, relational imagination and personal growth beyond inherited norms. Having grown up in a conservative religious environment, she brings deep insight into how sexually restrictive contexts and religious trauma can shape experiences of shame, pleasure, body and identity.
Dr. Derksen is also an internationally recognized expert in children’s sexuality and behaviour. Her doctoral research examined normative pre‑pubescent sexual experiences with peers, and she brings a developmental lens to understanding how early experiences and emotional tensions can influence adult eroticism. Her research interests include childhood sexual development, children’s rights and sexual citizenship and narrative inquiry.
At CRUX, Dr. Derksen provides individual therapy and couples therapy services online through easy-to-use technologies like Zoom. She works with adults (19 years of age or older). Dr. Derksen is a licensed psychologist registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Psychologists who are fully registered in other Canadian jurisdictions (such as Alberta) can provide online services to residents of other provinces. Dr. Derksen works with clients from Alberta, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. For a copy of Dr/ Derksen’s CV, click here.