Megan Speciale, PhD

Dr. Megan Speciale is an Associate Professor in the Counseling Department at Palo Alto University, where she serves as course lead coordinator for Sexual Issues in Counseling and Counseling Womxn, a course examining intersectional issues in women's mental health. Her research and scholarship focuses on the areas of social justice/critical theory-based perspectives of counseling, pedagogy, and counselor education; sexuality counseling and education; issues related to diverse sexuality populations (e.g., sex work, kink/BDSM, ethical non-monogamy); issues related to women and LGBTQQIA+ populations; and qualitative research methodologies. Megan is also the Editor-in-Chief for The Thoughtful Counselor podcast which frequently explores themes of sexuality, relationships, and sexual health. Through her teaching, research, and service, she aims to increase counselor competence in addressing the sexual selves of clients.