Judy Tiesel-Jensen '87, '91, '94
Marriage & Family Therapist Emeritus, Psychologist Emeritus, Owner Family Therapy Resources and Author
B.A. ’87 (UMN - Morris), B.A. '91, Ph.D. '94 (College of Education and Human Development)
Alumni Association Member
About Invitation to Intimacy book
Invitation to Intimacy: What the marriage of two couples therapists reveals about risk, transformation, and the astonishing healing power of intimacy, published by Et Alia Press, is a memoir that has won multiple awards and received widespread praise as a riveting page turner. It has been described as wrenchingly honest, funny, poignant, and one which readers can’t put down. The book is appropriate for those who dare to take a deep dive into relationships and enjoy all the accompanying “feels” ranging from joy to anger to heartbreak and back to joy.
About Judy
Judy Tiesel-Jensen pursued a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy to fulfill a long-held interest in couple relationships. A therapist for over thirty years with a private practice of over twenty years specializing in couple/marriage therapy and trauma, she is now a Marriage & Family Therapist Emeritus and Psychologist Emeritus. She taught marriage and family therapy students for over twenty years, was lead researcher for the Minnesota Family Strengths Project, and served on boards locally and nationally for family organizations. She has published in the family area, spoken at local and national conferences, and been a resource for media inquiries regarding couple relationships.
After her husband (also a therapist) of 35 years died, she began writing for personal value, which eventually resulted in an award-winning book -- Invitation to Intimacy: What the marriage of two therapists reveals about risk, transformation, and the astonishing healing power of intimacy.
Eventually Judy met Peter Jensen, who is responsible for moving them to Arkansas. Happily ensconced by the life-filled river in Little Rock, they are exploring and defining their meaning of retirement. Together they have eight adult children,16 grandchildren, and a mini Goldendoodle.
