We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul-Roy Taylor, PhD and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Paul-Roy, is there something you believe many others might not?
As a psychologist specializing in sex and relationships, a piece of conventional advice I disagree with – and that I see in various forms – relates to “always work on your relationship.” To the contrary, the best thing you can do to improve your relationship is to work on yourself. Focus on your individual desire to be the partner you want to be: learn to better handle conflict, communicate what you really mean when you mean it, manage your own anxiety around difficult conversations, self-validate rather than rely on the validation of your partner; make sure to nurture your own passions and maintain positive relationships outside of the couple. If both partners are growing individually yet alongside each other at the same time, that’s interdependence. “Working on your relationship” often comes with codependent behaviors that can actually make the issue worse.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After years working in treatment centers and clinic settings, I chose to go into private practice so I could focus solely on my clinical areas of expertise and passion. I enjoy utilizing a goal-oriented, practical, theory-based approach to help individuals tackle issues around sex, relationships, and addiction. My patients have stated they appreciate my direct and no-nonsense style to problem-solving and growth.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a denizen of Hollywood for over 20 years, I enjoy this neighborhood and its surrounding areas most. Franklin Village has many restaurants and a casual vibe. Skip the touristy places like Grauman’s Chinese Theater and go straight to The Arclight Dome, no matter what is playing that day.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to APLA Health. They are a community organization that provides medical, dental, and mental health services.
Website: https://www.drpaulroytaylor.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulroytaylor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulroytaylor/