About McKenna Paulsen, MA, LPC, LMHC, TLHT, LMHC

Sex & Couples Therapy

Let's Talk about conflict

Hi! I’m McKenna Paulsen, MA, LPC, LMHC, TLHT (She/Her), and I am a licensed counselor in Colorado, Washington, and Florida. To start, I love love. I am most passionate about empowering clients, raising self-awareness, and helping them deepen their relationships. Throughout my work with couples, I have helped clients navigate infidelity, parenthood, sexual and intimate desire discrepancy, sexual dysfunction, divorce, and various life stressors. I am an active counselor who will interact with you, provide feedback, and help you create new behavioral patterns in session.

I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Eastern Washington University and later earned my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Gonzaga University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with advanced training in sex therapy and am currently completing certification through AASECT. I am also completing certification in integrative health care through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

My training allows me to help couples with all aspects of their relationship, including emotional connection, intimacy, sexuality, communication, and life transitions. I also have education in divorce mediation and birth doula work, which deepens my understanding of family systems, partnership transitions, reproductive experiences, and the many ways relationships evolve over time. For couples who enjoy a more practical approach, I am also Gottman Level One certified. I would consider myself a straightforward and structured couples therapist. I will approach both of you with warmth and compassion while also being directive when emotions and reactions have taken over. This is where the work truly begins.

In addition to my clinical work, I serve on the board of ISSWSH, where I advocated for women’s sexual health care and access to comprehensive, evidence-based treatment and education.

My ideal clients are couples who deeply love each other yet struggle to create the relationship they dream of. They are motivated by their commitment to each other and seek to understand one another better. They are ready to address the difficult parts of their relationship in order to make it stronger.

I believe the quality of our relationships has the biggest impact on our quality of life. Helping couples build stronger and healthier relationships impacts everyone in their immediate community, including their children, family members, and friends. I also believe healthy relationships can increase longevity, enhance work performance, and improve overall public health.

My work is also informed by a holistic understanding of wellness. I am a certified yin yoga instructor and believe deeply in the connection between emotional health, the nervous system, movement, nutrition, sleep, and overall physical well-being.

Expect me to be warm, authentic, and nonjudgmental. Therapy isn’t always easy, but I am here to help empower and encourage you to live the life that is most rewarding for you.

Outside of sessions, I spend my time training my two German Shepherds, enjoying stand-up comedy, and Pilates . I’ve also been known to win a few fantasy football leagues. I believe in living a healthy life and enjoy studying the interrelationship between emotional health, relational health, and physical health.

If you are motivated to create change, contact me to schedule our first session. If you are feeling a bit nervous about starting, reach out and we can set up a free consultation. Sessions are virtual, allowing you and your partner to participate in therapy from anywhere. I am excited to work with you and support your journey together.

Sex & Couples Therapy

Resolve & Reconnect

My counseling style is direct, intuitive, and goal-directed. I believe in creating a warm and safe space while also challenging you and facilitating change. I am not afraid to address conflict head-on and love teaching couples how to navigate points of conflict in a healthy way. I am deeply passionate about helping people transform their relationships. Through our work together, you will feel more connected to your partner, communicate more effectively, and create a better sex life. You will learn foundational habits that support healthy, fulfilling, long-lasting relationships. Many of my techniques focus on addressing your emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and nervous system. You will walk away with greater self-awareness, tools for emotional regulation, and a deeper connection to both your body and your partner.

My Specialties

1 Relationship counseling & Dating

Learn how to improve communication, create change and resolve reoccurring conflict. Learn to unite through life’s difficult life transitions, while creating teamwork built on understanding and forgiveness.

2 Sex Therapy

I help couples and individuals explore sex and sexuality in the context of self empowerment, pleasure and connection. I am a sex positive and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist. Cultivating a judgment-free zone to explore your sexuality, gender and intimate relationships. Whether your worries stem from desire discrepancies, insecurities, lack of boundaries, or sexual functioning, we’ll work to uncover your values and beliefs around sex in order to move toward a space of healing.

3 Pregnancy & Parenthood

I can support you and your partner in navigating the pressures, fears and excitement of pregnancy and parenthood. Clients will learn how to feel more prepared, supported and understood through this very impactful right of passage.