Renate Stendhal, Ph.D. (born Renate Neumann, January 29, 1944) is an interpersonal counselor, writing coach, and author of nonfiction, fiction, and self-help books exploring feminist, erotic, and lesbian themes, including three co-written with therapist and author Kim Chernin, her life partner. Many of her books focus on the erotic and creative empowerment of women. Born in Germany, she has lived in northern California since the 1980s.