C. Shawn Oak, PHD is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Kentucky and Indiana, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Indiana, a Certified Sexologist, a Kink Knowledgeable Professional (CKP), and a Sex and Alternative Relationship Coach. He earned a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a PHD in Social Work with research interests in gerontology, human sexuality, intimacy, relationships, Kink/BDSM, and masculine studies, from the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville, where he was also an adjunct professor.
He believes his life’s work is to assist humans find success and be content; to cultivate their ability to live inter-connected, rich, deeply intimate, powerful, and pleasurable lives, with a special emphasis on personal and sexual authenticity. As a sex positive clinician, relationships expert, coach, educator, mentor, and trainer he honors his beliefs and his values bringing authenticity, curiosity, practice, commitment, integrity, connection, and synergy to his work.
Dr. Oak is an experienced provider of services for individuals, couples, and families coping with emotional, behavioral, and relationship issues. His areas of expertise include infidelity; anxiety; depression; grief and loss; isolation and loneliness; life transition; self-esteem; stress management; sexual issues, premarital counseling, and alternative lifestyles (Kink, BDSM, consensual non-monogamy, open-marriage/relationships, and polyamory). He practices from an integrative therapy approach (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused, Person-Centered, Structural, Strategic) utilizing methods such as hypnosis, visualization, meditation, psycho-spiritual tools, aromatherapy, acupressure, Hoshin-Do, naturopathy, and journal writing, tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals.
His inspiration comes from many traditions including power dynamics, mysticism, Tantra, and the paths of Christianity, Buddhism, Deism, and Native American spirituality. These diverse spiritual paths bring a uniquely wide-range and depth of perspective to his practice which allows clients to openly and freely access their own inner resources and wisdom.
With his diverse training and background, Dr. Oak can address the key issues in people’s lives and to assist them in creating a life with more peace, joy, and fulfillment.
Licenses and Certifications
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – KY Lic. # 104010
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – IN Lic. # 35001769A
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker – IN Lic. #34008114A
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist– FL MT4255
- Certified Clinical Sexologist
- Certified Prepare/Enrich Pre-Marital Counselor
- Clinical Fellow, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
- Certified Prepare Enrich Facilitator
- Gottman Level 3 Trained
