Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Zeising.
Hi Kristin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a licensed psychologist since 2003 and a certified sex therapist since 2013. From early on, I was fascinated by human behavior — why we do what we do, how we connect, and what gets in the way. That curiosity led me to major in psychology and sociology in college, and then head straight into graduate school to earn my doctorate in clinical psychology.
My early years were spent working in hospitals and community clinics, where I gained invaluable experience helping people through acute crises and life transitions. But I always knew I wanted to build a space where people could explore their inner worlds more deeply. So in 2004, I rented my first private office. I’ve been in private practice ever since.
Over time, my work naturally centered around adults navigating the stresses of work, identity, and relationships — depression, anxiety, burnout, and emotional disconnection were common threads. As my practice evolved, I became increasingly drawn to the heart of those struggles: intimacy.
Talking about sex always felt natural to me. I would routinely ask clients how they felt about their sex lives — and they’d often respond with surprise, saying no therapist had ever asked them that before. It became clear how much healing was being left out of the conversation.
During graduate school, I had a human sexuality course with an incredible professor who made the topic open, grounded, and comfortable. That experience planted a seed. Years later, I decided to pursue advanced certification in sex therapy so I could address not only the emotional and relational aspects of sexuality, but the physical and psychological ones as well.
Today, my work blends all of those dimensions – helping individuals and couples cultivate connection, communication, and pleasure in ways that feel real and sustainable.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but I think that’s true for most meaningful paths. Earning a doctorate in clinical psychology required four years of full-time, year-round training. It was an intense, immersive experience that demanded focus, discipline, and a lot of humility. Later, I spent another two and a half years completing my certification in sex therapy, which deepened my understanding of the complex interplay between mind, body, and desire.
Building a private practice was another major undertaking. Running a business while holding space for people’s deepest struggles isn’t something they teach you in graduate school. And talking about sex — even today — still carries a degree of taboo. Many people want help but feel embarrassed to ask for it, so part of my work has always been about creating a sense of safety and normalization around those conversations.
One of the biggest turns in my journey came when I moved to Hong Kong to support my partner’s career. Starting over in an entirely new culture was both challenging and transformative. I worked with expatriates from all over the world. They were couples and individuals navigating the complexities of living and working in Hong Kong, intimacy, and cross-cultural dynamics. That experience expanded my perspective profoundly. It taught me to see relationships, communication, and sexuality through many different cultural lenses — something that continues to inform and enrich my work today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dr. Kristin Zeising, PsyD, CST?
I run a private practice in San Diego that focuses on relationships, intimacy, and sexuality. I work primarily with adults and couples who want to feel more connected, alive, and authentic in their relationships, both emotionally and sexually. I take a straightforward, compassionate approach and offer tools that help people make real and lasting change in their relationships and their lives. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I’m grounded, easy to talk to, and unafraid to explore the topics most people avoid.
I’m known for helping couples move past long-standing patterns of distance, resentment, or mismatched desire, and for helping individuals reconnect with their own pleasure and confidence. My work sits at the intersection of emotional intimacy and erotic vitality because those two are inseparable.
What sets my practice apart is the way I bridge the psychological and the practical. I don’t just help people understand why things happen; I help them actually feel and live differently. That might mean teaching emotional communication tools, addressing sexual pain or performance anxiety, unpacking cultural or religious messages about sex, or rebuilding trust after betrayal. It’s about creating a space where people can reclaim parts of themselves they’ve hidden or forgotten.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that my message has stayed consistent: healthy sexuality is a normal, essential part of wellbeing, not something to be ashamed of. Whether I’m working with clients, giving talks, or creating online content, I want people to know that intimacy can evolve and deepen at any stage of life.
At its core, my work is about helping people feel more alive and connected—in their relationships and within themselves.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding the right mentors has been one of the most valuable parts of my career. My advice is to look for people whose way of being you admire, not just their professional achievements. Skills can be taught, but integrity, presence, and emotional intelligence are modeled.
When I was early in my career, I reached out to clinicians and educators whose work truly resonated with me and asked thoughtful questions. Most people are more generous than you think when they sense genuine curiosity. Over time, I built relationships that became reciprocal — where I could both learn and give back.
Networking, for me, has never been about collecting contacts. It’s about connection. I’ve found the most meaningful professional growth through consultation groups, advanced trainings, and honest conversations with colleagues who challenge me to think differently. The best mentors don’t just give answers — they help you find your own.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy 50 minute Zoom session $225
- Couples Therapy 50 minute Zoom session $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Drzeising.com
- Instagram: @drkristinzeising
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkristinzeising
Image Credits
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