John W. Petras, Ph.D.
John W. Petras holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Sociology from the University of Connecticut. He earned his M.A. degree in Counseling from Central Michigan University. Dr. Petras has taken postgraduate work through the Masters and Johnson Institute; the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT); Associate Trainers (Ericksonian hypnosis); National Guild of Hypnotists and The Mediation Training Institute of New York. Dr. Petras, who is Professor Emeritus at Central Michigan University, taught undergraduate and graduate courses in sexuality and sex therapy at CMU. He has written numerous articles and is the author and coauthor of eight books, including Learning About Sex which was named "Outstanding Science Book for Children" by the National Science Teachers Association. He has served as the treasurer of the Michigan Section of AASECT and has conducted workshops for many professional and public organizations on sexual victimization and sexualized children. Dr. Petras was a certified Instructor-Trainer with the National Guild of Hypnotists. Dr. Petras has worked extensively with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. He has expertise in sexual dysfunctions and issues, sexual offenders and sexual issues among the intellectually disabled. Dr. Petras has worked with over three thousand victims of sexual abuse and over three thousand sexual offenders. Dr. Petras is a nationally recognized expert on sexualized children.
Diplomate of Sex Therapy
American Association of Sex Educators,
Counselors and Therapists
Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor
American Association of Sex Educators,
Counselors, and Therapists
Board Certification in Sexual Abuse
American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
Diplomate of Clinical Forensic Counseling
American College of Certified Forensic Counselors
Clinically Certified Sex Offender Treatment Specialist
National Association of Forensic Counselors
Certified Sexual Disorders Diagnostician
National Association of Forensic Counselors
Clinically Certified Sexual Addictions Specialist
National Association of Forensic Counselors
Diplomate
American Psychotherapy Association
Certified Medical Psychotherapist
American Board of Medical Psychotherapists and Psychodiagnosticians
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
State of Michigan, License #6801034726
Licensed Professional Counselor
State of Michigan, License #6401000058
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
State of Michigan, License #4101005325
EMDR Trained
EMDR International Association
Laura C. Gourlay, M.A.
Laura C. Gourlay earned her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology and her M.A. degree in Counseling from Central Michigan University. Ms. Gourlay has worked extensively with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. She has expertise in the areas of women"s issues, relationship difficulties, sexuality, parent/child concerns and adolescent issues. Ms. Gourlay has facilitated graduate level groups in counseling at CMU. She holds a secondary level teaching certificate, and is a counselor in the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. Ms. Gourlay is the former Director of the Student Assistance Program, Mt. Pleasant High School. In 1989, Ms. Gourlay was named "Outstanding Educator" by the Michigan Alternative Education Organization. In 1993, she received a National "Heroes In Education" Award from the Readers Digest Foundation. She is currently teaching mindfulness in the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. Her specialties include working with conflicts between children and their parents/caregivers. Ms. Gourlay welcomes Spanish speaking clients.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
State of Michigan, License #6801063168
Licensed Professional Counselor
State of Michigan, License #6401000010
EMDR Trained
EMDR International Association