It wasn’t such a switch, really. In comedy one also undertakes an examination of human behavior, just like in the field of psychology. I simply began to approach it from a different angle.
Why did you change?
I ran out of challenges. I had done everything I set out to do in comedy: the major TV shows on both sides of the Atlantic (Not The Nine O’ Clock News and Saturday Night Live), as well as movies and solo shows all round the world. I fell out of love with it, and it was time to move on.
How did you come to be based in Los Angeles?
Ten years ago, my husband landed a contract with Warner Brothers to do TV shows (he took over the lead in Head of the Class and then had his own show, Billy). We relocated to facilitate his work, and it was at that point that I decided to embark on a Ph.D. course in Psychology.
Why did you decide to specialize in sexuality and sex therapy?
The area of human sexuality is one of the least explored in the field of psychology. For example, we still do not fully understand the mechanisms involved in the psychological formation of gender. It is interesting and challenging to be working in a field where comparatively little research has been done in a number of key areas. In addition, our notions of sexuality constantly change, for human sexuality is partly a function of current social mores and beliefs in any given country. To me, the field seems fresh and alive.
Hypnosis is another of your specialty fields. What interests you about it?
I consider hypnosis (Eriksonion self-hypnosis) to be a wonderful therapeutic tool. I use it for the treatment of many problems, including anxiety, sleep disorders, pain problems and self-esteem issues. I have found it particularly helpful for treating trauma and habit-control.
What is your new book Bravemouth about?
It is another somewhat personal psychosocial essay, this time the story of my husband’s sixtieth year. It is a celebration of his triumph over the traumatic early life I described in Billy.
