About Connections
We are here for you.
Do you have concerns about your sex life or your sexuality?
Is sex painful or dissatisfying?
Are you and your partner having trouble understanding each other?
Are you feeling disconnected from your partner?
Is there a lack of sex or sexual desire in your relationship?
Are you uncomfortable with your assigned gender and wish to explore your options?
Are you ready to make meaningful changes and connect with a happier self and positive sex life?
Connections can help with these concerns and so much more!
How we can help.
You can learn to have enjoyable and pleasurable sexuality without shame or guilt. Maybe your goal is to enhance your sexual connection and intimacy with your partner. Perhaps you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and want support with affirming yourself. Connections is ready to give you a safe space to explore and reach your personal and relationship goals.
Learn more about all of our services here.
Dr. Tracy Carlson
Licensed Psychologist
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
My passion is in sexual health and helping clients reach their sexuality and relationship goals.
Hello! If you are considering working with me, it’s only fair that you get to know me a little better and understand how I approach therapy with clients. I began my career in counseling psychology in 2005, and I have gained experience working in a variety of settings with a wide range of mental health concerns. My passion is in sexual health and helping clients reach their sexuality and relationship goals.
Clients who have worked with me say they felt that I genuinely cared about their mental health and that I looked out for their best interests. Others have said they felt understood, encouraged, positive, and equal in the work that they’ve done with me. I believe these client experiences are, in part, because of my therapeutic approach, which is active, direct, and structured. I’m not going to take your money, stare at you, and nod my head every so often. I use the therapeutic relationship and an integration of CBT as well as other therapeutic techniques to help clients meet their sexuality, gender, and relationship goals. You can expect to be given reading materials and homework assignments to practice in-between sessions.
What’s unique about my practice? I have extensive training in behavioral and health psychology. Through my work in family medicine and outpatient clinic settings, I have developed an understanding of how sexual health is related to other important areas of health and functioning. While I do not prescribe medications, I have knowledge about the ways in which various medications can affect sexual functioning. Furthermore, I believe in collaborating with other providers and specialists (e.g., primary care providers, psychiatrists, gynecologists, or urologists) who treat my clients.
When I’m not working, I enjoy being outdoors and preferably on the water. I also love going to live music concerts and local festivals. Lesse le bon temps roule!
Dr Carlson’s Clinical Interests
Cultural, social, and political influences on sexuality
Medical conditions (e.g., cancer) and sexual health
Sexual pain, genital/pelvic pain disorders
Gender identity and expression
Kink and BDSM
Consensual non-monogamy and polyamory
Couples communication and sexual communication comfort
Dr. Carlson’s Licensure
Louisiana - Licensed Psychologist (LP# 1405)
Texas - Licensed Psychologist with Provisional Status (#38445)
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) - through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) in all enacted PSYPACT states. (E. Passport 7154)
Member of
Dr. Carlson’s Credentials
B.A. in Psychology. University of North Dakota, 2005
Ph.D., Counseling Psychology (American Psychological Association-accredited). Indiana University, 2015
Doctoral Minor. Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, Indiana University, 2015
Additional Training and Certifications
Pre-doctoral internship. New Orleans Southeast Louisiana Veteran Health Care System (SLVHCS)
Research and clinical postdoctoral fellowship. Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota
Certified Sex Therapist (CST). American Association for Sex Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), 2017
Laurie Bonura, LMSW, MEd
Louisiana Licensed Master’s Social Worker, LMSW# 18133
Member and Supervisee with the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
Master’s of Social Work (Council on Social Work Education-accredited). Widener University, 2023
MEd in Human Sexuality (AASECT-approved program). Widener University, 2023
Clinical Interests
LGBTQIA+ experience
Non-monogamy and polyamory
Kink/BDSM
Sexuality within relationships
Sexual health
Sexual functioning
About Laurie Bonura
I am a sex and relationship therapist born and raised right here in New Orleans. I want to help you on your path toward a fulfilling and joyful experience of your relationships and your sexuality. I believe that sexual health, sexual identity, and gender identity are all essential parts of the human experience and that they affect every part of our lives and our relationships. This is what drives my passion for providing sex and relationship therapy. In therapy, I aim to provide the support and skills you need to deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship conflict, or past trauma, which can all affect the experience of our sexuality.
My dual training in clinical social work and human sexuality focused on how our experiences in society, culture, religion, and family shape our narratives around sex, gender, and our bodies. These narratives strongly influence how we approach relationships with others and with our own bodies. Sometimes, these narratives need to be reassessed in ways that allow us to enjoy life to the fullest. I use a collaborative approach with my clients. We work together to design a structure and a plan that suits their needs and their goals. I believe in using the therapeutic relationship to support and strengthen one’s own ability to reach those goals. I am passionate about helping my clients cultivate secure relationships, find comfort in intimacy, and embrace both pleasure and connection with themselves and with others.
Kind Words from Our Clients.
Please note, the source of our client quotes are kept confidential to protect their privacy in compliance with confidentiality and HIPAA requirements.
“Communication - the human connection - is the key to personal and career success.”
— Paul J. Meyer