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Poly-friendly sex therapist in Richmond, VA

R.I.S.E. to Intimacy

Sex Coaching & Trauma Counseling

for individuals and partners seeking deeper communication, connection, and self-love

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Dealing with low sexual desire?
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Fighting jealousy or insecurity?
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Considering an open relationship?
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Need help talking about sex or trauma?

I didn't think we'd ever get back to feeling normal about each other, much less have sex again, but somehow Valerie helped us talk things through and rediscover each other.

— Trisha
Sex therapist in Richmond, VA

Hi I'm Valerie!

Sex therapist, coach, and founder of RISE

I became a therapist to help people rise out of sexual trauma—like how my therapist helped me.

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For many years I practiced as a social worker and sex therapist in Richmond, Virginia...

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Then came RISE, a true Covid baby! I launched the Institute in 2020 when everything moved online, to offer a wider array of services beyond sex therapy and beyond Virginia.

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At RISE we're all about empathy, education, and effective practices—we're not stuck on one system or modality: we work with you to find the right solution to your goals.

How sex coaching works

1.
DISCOVERY CALL
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2.
DESIGN YOUR STRATEGY
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3.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
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4.
DISCOVER YOUR POSSIBILITIES
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It couldn't be easier—simply decide that you have something to gain by working with a professional sexologist. Then decide to begin.

DIY Relationship Coaching Resources

Click image for more info & download link

DIY Resources

Decode Desire

Free guided discussion tool for understanding desire and how to communicate your wants & needs:

Sex therapy resource: desire discrepancy

How to Talk About Sex

Conversation guide for discussing your comfort level around various sexual terms & ideas:

How to talk about sex: relationship communication guide

Discuss Non-Monogamy

Considering ethical non-monogamy? Here's a free coaching resource to start the conversation on the right foot.

How to talk about ethical non-monogamy therapist worksheet

Lipservice: DIY Sex Talk Guide

Break through the brain-bed barrier

Get the relationship communication tool everyone's talking about! Get 4 weeks of self-guided coaching exercises & sex therapy techniques.

DIY relationship communication resource
Image by Kristina Wagner

Ready to RISE?

Take the first step on a new journey today.

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