Dr Anne Karcher

CST (She/They)

Licensed Clinical Psychologist
AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist
California License PSY 21898
Virginia License 0701002299

I see you as a whole person, complex and dealing with many challenges,

facing the world even when it's scary as hell. (And sometimes it's actually best to "face the world" from in bed under the covers! I get it.) I am a personal coach and consultant for those who want to connect more deeply with their authentic self and parts that are estranged or lost, and with the people they care about.

I identify as neurodivergent (ND) with ADHD traits. My pronouns are (she/they) and I don't identify as either straight or vanilla. I've always felt "different," like I didn't really fit in anywhere. Part of this feeling was seeing myself as "not living up to my potential," an underachiever, and chronically unable to do what "everyone else" was doing. But recognizing aspects of my identity clarified who was "my tribe." And once you know that, you can go anywhere!

ALL parts are welcome here — even the scary, terrified, unloved, shamed parts.

That's what makes us beautifully human.

I became a therapist because I've always been fascinated by how we humans get 'stuck' in life, and how we get 'unstuck.' I have a passion for making a difference for people who feel different, "not enough," excluded, or unwanted. My mission is about finding connection and easing the isolation for people to strengthen their belief in themselves.

I am an IFS therapist because I deeply believe that ALL parts are welcome here—they may be scary, terrified, unloved, shamed, neglected, wounded, our "worst," angry, rejected, sad, or despairing. And other parts can be happy, excited, adventurous, loving, playful, or open-hearted. They are valuable! That's what makes us human.

You Deserve Someone to listen, understand, and see you for all that you are.

I welcome ALL people - including folks who are neurodiverse, LGBTQI+, polyam, CNM, kink+, trans and alt lifestyles.

My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, non-pathologizing, and sex positive. While I can diagnose and work with medications when needed, my focus is on your unique goals, struggles, strengths and abilities.

Many of my clients are on the edgier side. While I don't want to scare anybody (well, not too much), my folks may be pretty energetic and often really "out-there," and passionate about being their authentic selves (and maybe that’s really you, and you are still “growing into” it!) Also, I'm one of those can-be-hard-to-find therapists who work with "Littles"/Age Regression/AB-DL clients, and I want to make sure the invitation is clear to folks in alternative sexuality communities.

From staring at a closed door to seeing new doors open — that's the magic of discovering who you really are and what's truly possible.

I love this work most when someone discovers a new perspective that "flips their dilemma on its head": suddenly, they can see new possibilities they can reach! From closed doors and walls, they now see new doors open to move forward. Or when partners who want to connect but can't start to feel heard by each other—they often discover that what they thought was their partner not caring actually was hiding a vulnerable love. Creating safety allows them to reach for each other.

Working together, we explore the stories of your life to uncover new understanding and meanings—they reveal paths to the connection and healing you long for. Let's play!

Professional Background

Education

PhD & MA Clinical Psychology - Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA
MA Human Organization Development - Fielding Graduate University
MA Psychology - Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
BS Materials Science Engineering - Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

Certifications & Training

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (CA License: PSY 21898, VA License: 0701002299)
AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, & Therapists)
IFS (Internal Family Systems) Level 1 Therapist
Emotionally-Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) Advanced Training
RTM - Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories - Certified Practitioner
Gestalt Institute of Cleveland - Graduate of Post Graduate Training Program & Specialty Tracks in Physical Process and Intimate Systems.

Professional Involvement

WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) member
NCSF - National Coalition for Sexual Freedom: KAP / Kink Aware Professionals Directory of Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Mind The Gap - Gender therapists support and education network
A Home Within - Volunteer therapist for foster care youth/adults
Give An Hour - Volunteer for military, veterans & families
VACP - Member of Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists
IFS-DC - Google group member