Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, Ph.D., L.P.C.C.

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Advisory Board Member

2024

Mental Health / Sexual Well-Being

Forbes Health Advisory Board Member

Dr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam (she, her, siya) is a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor, a national certified counselor, a certified clinical mental health counselor, as well as a board-certified diplomate and sexologist. Dr. Litam is a nationally recognized and multiple award-winning researcher, speaker, educator, clinical counselor and social justice advocate on topics related to mental health and sexual wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as multicultural concerns. She is an immigrant and identifies as a Chinese and Filipina American woman. Dr. Litam is a highly sought after speaker for organizations and businesses on multicultural topics and she regularly serves as a content expert on various platforms including National Public Radio, podcasts, news outlets, as well as in legislative arenas. With a total of 11 research articles archived in the World Health Organization’s global literature database on COVID-19, she is one of the foremost leading researchers on the pandemic’s impact on the mental health of BIPOC communities, COVID-19’s influence on sex and relationships, as well as the roles of stress, burnout, and moral injury in the workplace. Her clinical work, research expertise and advocacy for supporting BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ folx, as well as human sex trafficking survivors have garnered national praise and notoriety. She is an actively involved member of each of her intersecting communities and she is passionate about ensuring that culturally responsive content is accessible for all organizations in need.

Dr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam (she, her, siya) is a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor, a national certified counselor, a certified clinical mental health counselor, as well as a board-certified diplomate and sexologist. Dr. Litam is a nationally recognized and multiple award-winning researcher, speaker, educator, clinical counselor and social justice ....Read More

Board Certifications and Training

  • The National Board for Certified Counselors, National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • The National Board for Certified Counselors, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
  • Board-Certified Diplomate and Sexologist, American Board of Sexology
  • EMDR Trained, EMDRIA

Education

  • John Carroll University (B.S. Psychology; M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
  • Kent State University (Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision)

Achievements

  • Owner and CEO of SDAL Consultation and Educational Services, LLC
  • Core faculty and assistant professor in the Cleveland State University counselor education program
  • Free Online Therapy: How It Works And Where To Find It

    With health crises and other world events adding stress to people’s lives, maintaining a positive state of mind may be more important than ever. While online therapy can target emotional issues and boost your mental health, it may not be...
  • What Is Stockholm Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

    Pop culture often portrays Stockholm syndrome in scenarios where kidnapping survivors fall in love with, express sympathy for or conspire alongside their captors. One infamous example occurred in 1974 when a group of domestic terrorists kidnapped 19-year-old American media heiress...
  • How To Deal With Stress At Work, According To Experts

    It’s Sunday night, and you’re winding down after a fun-filled weekend. Despite your good mood, feelings of stress start to creep in as you realize another workweek is about to begin. Sound familiar? What you’re feeling is likely work stress,...
  • Do You Need Therapy? The Telltale Signs, According To Experts

    Therapy is an important tool that can help support mental health and well-being. Also known as talk therapy or psychotherapy, the practice involves working with a mental health professional to understand and explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Along with...
  • Trauma Bonding: What You Need To Know—And How To Get Help

    When it comes to making connections with other people, the term “bonding” typically has a positive connotation. In fact, it’s an essential component of human behavior. Trauma bonding, in contrast, describes an unhealthy type of attachment toward a person that...
  • 6 Ways To Practice Self-Love

    Throughout life, we juggle multiple relationships, often with family, friends, co-workers and romantic partners. One relationship we may neglect, however, is the one with ourselves. Self-love can be defined as an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue. That includes...
  • 6 Ways To Build Self-Esteem, According To Experts

    Self-esteem is not only a popular topic in psychology research, it’s something that almost all of us deal with—and even struggle with—at certain points in our lives. The reason for this heightened focus in both research and personal life? Self-esteem...
  • What Is Cognitive Dissonance? Signs, Symptoms And Triggers

    Not everyone practices what they preach—and that could trigger poor mental health. Cognitive dissonance is the psychological conflict a person experiences when they hold simultaneous conflicting attitudes, beliefs or behaviors. If left unchecked, it could lead to anxiety and mental...
  • Roe v. Wade Has Been Overturned: How The Future Of Abortion Care In The U.S. May Impact Mental Health, According To Experts

    Mental health and abortion care has long been a topic of discussion, but with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade on June 24—and effectively eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion—that conversation has become even more timely. But how...
  • When Should You Have ‘The Talk’ With Your Kids?

    For many caregivers, the idea of talking about sex with their kids may be uncomfortable. But talking about it with your kids (which is about more than discussing actual intercourse), is important in order for children to develop healthy sexual...
  • 4 Signs It May Be Time To Seek Professional Mental Health Help

    Stress, anxiety and feeling down are a part of everyday life, but if those emotions linger, it may be a sign of something more. While some negative feelings are to be expected with all that’s happening in the world, it’s...

Health Philosophy

"I am passionate about cultivating brave spaces where mental health and sexual wellness can thrive. I believe in the importance of incorporating a person-first framework that honors the unique intersecting identities of others while conveying curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to journey alongside others without judgment."