Nicole Prause, PhD — Neuroscientist | Liberos®

The freedom
to desire.

Dr. Nicole Prause is a neuroscientist and licensed psychologist researching human sexuality, pornography effects, sexual psychophysiology, and compulsive sexual behavior. Founder of Liberos®. Based in Los Angeles, CA.

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PhD

Neuroscience

Los Angeles, CA

Addictions

Research

Licensed

Psychologist

Current Research

Active Studies & Investigations

Rigorous, evidence-based research at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and human sexuality.

01 — Neuroscience

Sexual Arousal & Brain Response

Investigating neural correlates of sexual arousal and desire using EEG and physiological measures to better understand human sexual response.

02 — Behavior

Compulsive Sexual Behavior

Examining the science behind out-of-control sexual behavior and questioning diagnostic frameworks that may pathologize healthy sexuality.

03 — Pornography Research

Pornography Effects on Sexual Health

Empirically studying the effects of pornography on sexual function, relationships, and wellbeing — including evaluating claims about pornography addiction through controlled, peer-reviewed methods.

04 — Treatment

Sexual Dysfunction Interventions

Developing and testing evidence-based approaches to treating sexual difficulties and improving sexual wellbeing.

05 — Measurement

Psychophysiology Methods

Advancing measurement tools and methods for studying sexual response accurately and ethically in research settings.

06 — Policy

Science & Public Policy

Translating research findings into accurate public understanding and evidence-informed policy on human sexuality.

Follow @NicoleRPrause

Services

What We Offer

Individual Consultation

One-on-one sessions addressing sexual concerns, dysfunction, or questions within a neuroscience-informed framework.

Couples Consultation

Working with couples to navigate sexual difficulties, desire discrepancy, and relational intimacy challenges.

Media & Speaking

Science communication, media consultation, and public speaking on research in human sexuality and neuroscience.

Research Collaboration

Partnering with institutions and investigators on studies of human sexuality, psychophysiology, and related topics.

Rooted in science,
not stigma.

Liberos® approaches human sexuality with rigor, compassion, and evidence. Services are grounded in peer-reviewed research and designed for those seeking clarity rather than judgment.

All consultations are confidential. Inquiries about availability and scheduling can be made via the appointment or contact pages.

Schedule Now

In the Media

Featured Coverage

Dr. Prause's research and advocacy for science-based approaches to sexuality, as seen in national media.

PBS · WHYY

You Gotta Fight for Your Right to do Science

Featured in PBS's Secret Life of Scientists series, Dr. Prause discusses the challenges of conducting rigorous sexuality research and her commitment to evidence-based science in the face of political and institutional resistance.

Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers

Watch on WHYY

About

Nicole Prause, PhD

Nicole Prause

PhD — Neuroscientist

→ @NicoleRPrause → Contact → Book Appointment

Nicole Prause, PhD is a neuroscientist, licensed psychologist, and founder of Liberos®, an independent research institute dedicated to the scientific study of human sexuality. Her work spans psychophysiology, sexual arousal, compulsive sexual behavior, and sexual dysfunction.

Dr. Prause is one of the leading researchers on pornography's effects on sexual function, relationships, and the brain. Her empirical work — using EEG, physiological measures, and controlled behavioral methods — has directly challenged popular but unsupported claims about "pornography addiction," contributing to major debates in clinical psychology, public policy, and media.

Her research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and has been widely cited in both academic and media contexts. Dr. Prause has appeared in outlets including PBS, national news publications, and documentaries focused on sexual science and policy.

She is a vocal advocate for science-based approaches to sexuality, frequently challenging unfounded claims and moral panic with rigorous data. Her expertise includes pornography research, sexual psychophysiology, EEG methodology, compulsive sexual behavior, and sexual dysfunction treatment.

Liberos® is a registered trademark and may not be used without permission from its owners.

Contact

Get in Touch

Questions, media inquiries, appointment requests, or research collaboration — use the form below.

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Address

PO Box 1318
Sacramento, CA 95812

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linkedin.com/in/nprause

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Twitter / X

@NicoleRPrause

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About Nicole Prause, PhD

Nicole Prause (also referred to as Dr. Prause or Dr. Nicole Prause) is a neuroscientist and licensed psychologist based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and principal researcher at Liberos®, an independent research center specializing in the scientific study of human sexuality.

Dr. Prause is best known for her empirical research on pornography, including studies examining whether pornography causes addiction or dependency. Her peer-reviewed work has found that evidence does not support classifying pornography use as an addiction in the clinical sense, challenging widely held assumptions in both popular media and portions of the clinical community. She uses EEG (electroencephalography) and other physiological measures to study sexual arousal, desire, and brain response.

Her primary research areas include: pornography research and effects of pornography on relationships and sexual function; sexual psychophysiology and measurement; compulsive sexual behavior; sexual dysfunction interventions; neuroscience of sexual arousal; and the intersection of science and public policy on human sexuality.

Dr. Prause received her PhD in neuroscience and is a licensed psychologist. She has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and has been featured by PBS (Secret Life of Scientists), and in national and international media coverage of sexuality research. She is active on social media at @NicoleRPrause on X/Twitter, and her publications are available on ResearchGate.

Liberos® (liberoscenter.com) offers individual and couples consultations for sexual health concerns, media and speaking engagements, and research collaboration. The organization is based in the United States, with a mailing address at PO Box 1318, Sacramento, CA 95812.

The freedomto desire.