Ken Lessler, PhD

I have been providing professional psychological services as a teacher, innovator and clinician for over 38 years. I first came to North Carolina in 1962 as clinical and teaching faculty at The University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospital Department of Psychiatry and as part time graduate faculty at the Psychology Department at UNC. In 1965 I was one of the first clinical psychologists in private practice in NC and founded Human Resource Consultants, P.A. (HRC) in 1967. HRC is among the largest clinical practices in the South East. I left HRC on 1 December 1999 and established an independent office in Raleigh and one day a week in Chapel Hill.

My professional work has included a book on psychotherapy outcomes and numerous published papers in various fields of clinical psychology. Professional contributions have included serving as President of the NC Psychological Association and on a number of committees for the national association. My public contributions include helping to begin two area Community Mental Health Centers, participating in the development of the first comprehensive statewide early childhood screening program, opening a learning center (The Learning Facilitation Center in Chapel Hill) for learning disabled children, and starting one of the first Suicide Prevention Centers in the State of NC.

In the last ten years I have emphasized teaching, supervision and clinical practice in the specialty areas of couples (partner) therapy and sex therapy. I am certified as a "clinical provider" and "approved supervisor" by The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and as a "certified sex therapist" and "Supervisor" for The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). In 1997 I was a founder of The Center for Sexual Health that was designed to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of sexual problems.

My work with individuals and couples begins with developing a diagnostic understanding of the problems including a collaborative medical evaluation whenever feasible. The diagnostic phase of the evaluation is followed by developing an efficient, respectful and mutually agreed upon treatment plan that addresses the individual's and couple's concerns directly while focusing on the issues and structures that underlie and fuel the problems. (see treatment philosophy)

Degree

PhD in Clinical Psychology
Michigan State University - 1962

Certifications, Licenses, and Associations

  • NC Licensed Health Services Provider in Clinical Psychology - License No. 16
  • NC Licensed Practicing Psychologist - License No. 16
  • VA Licensed Clinical Psychologist - License No. 689
  • NC Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - License No. 38
  • Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor - American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association Division of Clinical Psychology, Division of Psychotherapy, and the Division of Private Practice
  • Life Member of the North Carolina Psychological Association
  • Member of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sex

Services

  • Individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy
  • The interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of sexual problems
  • Treatment of individuals and couples with relationship problems
  • Consultation, evaluation, referral and collaborative treatment of individuals and couples with relationship and sexual concerns
  • A "stand alone" diagnostic and referral service which provides diagnostic and treatment recommendations for individuals and couples with sexual problems and concerns. This service can provide a second opinion or allow an expert opinion prior to seeking help within one's insurance plan.
  • Crisis evaluation and intervention

Specialties

  • Treatment of couples/partners with relationship problems and concerns
  • Diagnosis and treatment of individuals and couples with problems in sexual functioning or dissatisfaction
  • Treatment of adults with current of long term relationship problems, life crises, stage of life problems, current or long term dissatisfaction with life, problems of low self esteem, and short or long term depression

Guiding Principles and Theoretical and Practical Approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment

Guiding Principles:
The guiding principles which I use when working with individuals and couples to understand and deal with their problems include:

  1. Respect for an individual's values, background, and way of life
  2. Creating a treatment plan that focuses on the person's concerns, that intrudes minimally into a person's life, and that is as brief as possible, while still being able to address the basis of the problems
  3. Awareness of, and respect for, a person's own pace, methods, and preferences for change
  4. Choosing approaches that are both practical and relevant given the person's resources and committments, and that adequately address the problems
  5. Being sure that all aspects of a situation that need to be involved in the solution are addressed during the evaluation process. This may mean that medical consultation and evaluation are recommended, that other family member or important persons are asked to be involved, and that life style issues are addressed and dealt with as part of the solution.

Theoretical Approach:
My theoretical and technical approach includes a medley of approaches and techniques based upon the issues with which we are dealing and my many years of experience and training in interpersonal psychology, psychoanalytic theory, behavioral psychology, systems theory, Gestalt psychology, transactional analysis, and cognitive approaches to treatment.

Stepwise Sequential Approach:
A stepwise sequential approach is used for the understanding and treatment of people's problems.

  1. Early understanding. Assessment of the current problems includes a look at the complex fabric that leads a person or couple to seek help. Areas to be covered include interpersonal, historical, social, biological (medical), life style, work place and time management issues.
  2. Initial focus. During the assessment period efforts are immediately started to lessen the current tensions and bad feelings.
  3. Background and early causes. I deal with the remote causes of current problems to the extent that they interfere with a person's functioning. These may include childhood experiences, family or origin issues, past traumas and hurts, and events in the current or past relationships that have created a negative atmosphere and lack of trust. The emphasis in working on these issues is to inform the treatment, provide understanding and compassion, and to allow the individual to move on to a positive outlook and relationship.
  4. Focus on change. My primary focus in working with couples and individuals is on changing those aspects of behavior, communication, habits and personality that can create enduring positive difference in a person's life.

Collaborative Approach:
I work closely with physicians and other health specialists to provide a multidisciplinary and broad based approach to helping an individual or couple with the issues. In many cases I provide the diagnostic or consultative input while others may lead the overall effort for change.

Personal Profile

I have lived in North Carolina since 1962. I am married and have five children and three grandchildren.



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