In 2011, I earned my Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling, at the University of New England (UNE) in Armidale Australia. I then completed a two-year Post-doctoral fellowship position at UNE, with the focus on Sexual Healthcare and inclusion. This was followed by an Honorary Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Health, University of New England, for a period of seven years. Prior to that, I received a Master of Science Degree in Counseling – Option: Marriage and Family Therapy, from California State University Northridge, Northridge, California. I have presented my research topics and findings locally and abroad at various conferences, plus lectured at workshops throughout Europe and the United States. Also, I have written and published articles and book chapters in numerous scientific journals and books. I have been an invited guest at several television programs, and hosted podcasts.

I am best known for my research and clinical work on the impact of culture on human sexuality. Committed to sexual healthcare and mental well-being research, I have focused on the enhancement of relationships and sexual enrichment over the past 25 years. As a sexuality educator and sex expert, I have  developed The Rashidian Female Sexuality Questionnaire (TRFSQ), a self-administered questionnaire, designed to address concerns about women’s sexual health and pleasure. It’s a valuable tool for women, helping them to openly communicate with their healthcare provider when discussing sensitive topics that many women and healthcare providers find difficult to bring up. Together with my colleague, mentor, and dear friend of 20 years, Robert Jaffe, Ph.D., LMFT., we have developed a new method of treatment, which we call Multidimensional Relational Psychotherapy (MDRT), in order to enhance individual self-esteem as well as the quality of couples relationship and sexual concerns. My passion is to help all people achieve and experience joy and fulfillment with their partners, and to educate individuals and couples, to let them know that sex should be safe, pleasurable, and consensual. We all want everlasting happiness in our lives, and in spite of the ups and downs that we all go through, I believe that this is achievable.

In addition to my clinical and research pursuits, I possess an enduring passion, and (in all modesty?) a remarkable talent in the art of painting. Being passionate about culinary art, I developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for the food diversity of other cultures. I love gardening, and have a strong commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through mindful eating, and regular exercise habits and meditation. Further information about my clinical and research work can be obtained at Psychology Today and ResearchGate.