David Khalili, LMFT
(He/Him)
Founder, Clinical Director
Thank you for checking out our center! I am a Licensed Marriage and family therapist and board-certified sexologist focusing on working with men, couples therapy, and multi-ethnic individuals. I founded Rouse Relational Wellness in 2021 to address the shame and anxiety that show up all too often in sex and relationships. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Golden Gate University and a Master’s degree in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University, where my work focused on Middle Eastern queer folks and kink and trauma. I also specialize in working with multiheritage couples and those who have immigrated recently or are first-generation American-born.
Issues I have focused on include, but are not limited to:
Sex and Sexuality
Polyamory, Open Relationships and Kink
Sexual Disorders
Accessing Emotions
Trauma/PTSD
I focus on helping you improve your insight and awareness on how you relate to yourself and your life in order to help reach the goals you desire.
Studies show that the key to effective therapy is the person's relationship with the therapist. Set up a consultation to find if we are a good fit.
Contact me to set up a free 20 minute phone consultation.
Education:
MA in Sexuality Studies, San Francisco State University, 2008
MA in Counseling Psychology, Golden Gate University, 2011
Licenses:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California, LMFT #89087
Florida TPMF 1439
Training:
UCSF AIDS Health Project, San Francisco, 2010-2011
The Psychotherapy Institute, Berkeley, CA, 2011-2013
Longfellow Middle School, Berkeley, CA, 2012-2013
Berkeley Technology Academy, Berkeley, CA, 2013-2015
Completed Level 1 Training Gottman Method Couples Therapy, 2018
Competed Level 1 Relational Life Therapy for Couples, 2020
Graduate-Level Instruction:
Lecturer at San Francisco State University Counseling Psychology Masters of Science Program, Spring 2019 & 2020
COUN 859 - Counseling Aspects of Sexuality
COUN 827 - The Consultation Process
Affiliations:
The Psychotherapy Institute, Berkeley, CA
Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Publications
Khalili, D.F. (2013). Case Study. Javier: HIV-Focused Psychotherapy. In D. Maller, K. Langsam, & M.J. Fritchle. The Praeger Handbook of Community Mental Health Practices. 1: Working in the Local Community. (pp. 120-124). Santa Barbara: Praeger.
Mental Health Workbook for Men: Exercises to Improve Your Emotional, Psychological, and Social Well-Being, Rockridge Press, (2023)
Past Speaking Engagements
Sex Ed Lectures
UCSF Alliance Health Project
The Psychotherapy Institute
Wright Institute
UC Berkeley
Press Mentions:
Sex Therapists Reveal What They Get Asked the Most (Reader's Digest, 2018)
Should I Have an Open Marriage? (POPSugar, 2018)
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy? (Vice, 2018)
Questions About Sex - What Sex Therapists Get Asked the Most (Well For Joy)
9 Best Suction Cup Dildos (Glamour, 2021)
20 Super Bowl Sex Positions for an Orgasmic Touchdown (Cosmopolitan Magazine, 2021)
Reignite your sexual desire: 40 sex therapists share their advice (2022)
23 Best Sex Toys for Couples (Good Housekeeping, 2023)
How Sex Therapy is Helping Men Move Through Shame & Find Empowerment (DatingNews.com, 2024)
Podcast Interviews:
Contact for a consult:
Please note: We cannot ensure confidentiality through email communication. We advise you keep email correspondences to scheduling and providing vague information on what you are looking for in therapy. We can discuss the details during the consult.
