The Sex Ed you deserve and never had.

Before you read further: It’s important to note that Catharine McDonald is licensed as a mental health provider and trained in sex therapy and sex education. When providing guidance and education about sex and sexual health she is functioning as a Sex Educator, not a licensed therapist. This information is educational in nature and interacting with this Growing Well Educated Sex Ed content does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. This material is for educational purposes and is not medical advice and does not replace sexual medicine healthcare with a licensed medical professional.

I’ve worked in reproductive mental health for quite some time, over a decade, actually!

In my time as first a perinatal mental health advocate, then a perinatal therapist in solo private practice which evolved into a therapist trainer for other aspiring perinatal therapists, and eventually a perinatal group practice owner/Clinical Director I have encountered hundreds of clients who are facing important family planning decisions and scenarios. I have proudly served over 350 clients for 7,000+ sessions of therapy since I founded Growing Well Counseling in 2015.

Time after time, client after client I see the same themes…

When client after client expressed frustration with minimal time and answers in healthcare settings, unpleasant awareness that American Sex Ed did NOT prepare them for real life, and frustration in not fully knowing their bodies or how to problem-solve very normal common real-life sexual challenges that arose when trying to conceive, after experiencing pregnancy or baby loss, or after giving birth, I knew I needed to learn more and help meet this unmet need.

I completed a Sex Therapy Intensive at The University of Guelph out of Ontario Canada in 2022 and immediately knew I needed to learn more! That led me to pursue a Post-Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy through The University of Michigan, and then a Sexual Health Educator Certificate through Options for Sexual Health in British Columbia. To say that I can’t get enough is an understatement- since 2022 I have completed over 300 hours of post-graduate training in Sex Education and Sex Therapy training!

Not only has this education helped me to guide my clients in making more informed personal decisions and problem-solve countless bedroom struggles, but it has completely shifted the way I look at sexuality, sexual health, conception and contraception as a mental health provider. Mental health and sexual health are interconnected in so many ways!

My Vision & Mission

In a landscape where traditional sex education often leaves critical gaps and healthcare providers may not always offer comprehensive guidance, our educational offerings seek to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their reproductive health and make informed decisions about their fertility.

At Growing Well Educated, our mission is to revolutionize the way women understand and manage their reproductive health. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, accessible, and accurate sex education that fills the gaps left by traditional learning and healthcare systems. My vision is to create a transformative learning experience that bridges the divide between what was missed in adolescent education and the complexities of adult reproductive health. I aim to provide women—whether they are considering reproduction or preventing it—with the critical insights necessary for understanding their bodies, their choices, and their interactions with healthcare providers. Most importantly, I want you to enjoy amazing sex, when and how you want it, without unnecessary stress or anxiety about reproduction, because you deserve it.

We will delve into essential topics such as fertility awareness, conception, contraception, and the nuances of reproductive health that are often glossed over or inadequately addressed. By equipping participants with accurate information and practical strategies, I want to foster confidence in managing your reproductive health and enhance your ability to engage in meaningful, informed discussions with medical professionals.

Self-paced education will be available in Early 2025 with promotional pre-order offerings coming soon! I have some exciting ideas cooking around what I’d like to offer, but I also want to hear from you! Please fill out the form below if you have questions you’d like answered on social media or topics you’d like covered in an upcoming educational offering [webinar or in person!].

Sex Ed for Grownups Offerings

NOTE: Pricing for Healthcare and Mental Health Professional CE trainings varies based on several factors, send me a message to inquire about your specific needs.

All reproductive mental health trainings at Growing Well Counseling are PSI/PMH-C renewal eligible or to be reviewed.

What would you like to know?