Talk Therapy that welcomes your sexuality. No shame, just respect.
Sex-Positive Sex Therapy
online in ca • in-person & online in va
Our Sexuality is one of the most vulnerable Parts of us.
People often wait years before seeking help, carrying unnecessary suffering because they think their concerns are too embarrassing or unusual. The truth is, sexual struggles are common and a natural part of human learning and exploring.
Whether you're dealing with mismatched desires in your relationship, struggling with changes in your body, or questioning aspects of your sexuality, sex therapy is a rare space where these topics are welcomed with warmth and expertise.
Therapy can help with:
Desire differences create distance and hurt
Difficulty with desire, arousal or orgasm
Recovery from sexual trauma or abuse
Navigating consensual non-monogamy or power exchange, kink, etc.
Body image issues or conditions that interfere with pleasure
Porn use that causes problems for your life or your relationship
"We know by now that there's no such thing as normal—or rather, that we're all normal."
— Dr. Emily Nagoski
How Sex Therapy
Can Help
Imagine being able to talk about your desires without shame…
Ask for what you want without fear of judgment. Understand your body and its responses with curiosity rather than criticism. Sex therapy makes this possible by combining education, emotional support, and practical strategies.
You'll find out how bodies and arousal actually work (spoiler: it’s not like the movies), learn how to talk about sex and intimacy together, heal the shame messages you've internalized, and discover what authentic pleasure means for you. For partners, you'll learn to navigate differences with compassion rather than criticism, creating space for both partners' needs and desires.
The transformation isn't just about improving sex — it's about developing a healthier relationship with your whole self, including your sexuality.
› Talk about sex and desires together
› Understand Your Body better
› Navigate Sexual Differences
All genders, orientations, relationship structures, and sexual expressions are welcome here.
Whether you're asexual or highly sexual, vanilla or kinky, experienced or just beginning to explore, your sexuality is valid.
Dr. Anne Karcher
My Approach
Sex is part of being human — it shouldn't be shrouded in shame or whispered about in code.
I talk about sex the way I talk about anything else important in your life — directly, warmly, and without judgment. Whether you're dealing with desire differences, struggling with orgasm, navigating kink, or working through sexual trauma, you deserve someone who will really listen. You also deserve accurate information instead of the myths and misinformation most of us grew up with.
With over 15 years of clinical experience and AASECT certification in sex therapy, I use talk therapy, education, and body awareness work to help you better connect with your sexuality. We'll explore how past messages about sex might be affecting you now, understand your physical responses, and learn skills for communicating about intimacy. I work with all sexual orientations, relationship configurations, and expressions of sexuality: you are welcome here.
Sex should be a source of connection and joy.
As we work together to untangle shame from pleasure and replace myths with facts, you'll start to feel more at home in your body. That inner critic that judges your desires? It gets quieter. Those conversations with partners that used to feel impossible? They become do-able.. You can rediscover sex and intimacy as a source of connection, pleasure, and authentic self-expression.
This is how therapy works!
My clients often come to me feeling stuck, misunderstood, and disconnected from themselves and others. After our work together, they feel seen, empowered, and confident in creating authentic relationships.
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"Sex was good, then we agreed to explore more things. But now my partner wants to try more and more things...and I don't. I get resentful when I feel 'pushed'--But I hate disappointing him! Now he doesn't even want to ask me...and I'm afraid I'll lose him!"
In relationships, we get stuck when we believe important things can't be talked about. When we believe what we have to say would hurt our partner, it's a dilemma, and it feels vulnerable and risky. In therapy, we practiced how to "keep the guardrails on" so they could be honest and share what was real. They discovered that when they really understood each other, neither felt alone or defensive. And that's when they could find a new path together. Learning to have these conversations takes work (it really does!), but these are the skills to keep your relationship for a lifetime!
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"Every time I think about sex, I worry it will be the same problem. I've been avoiding it. Now I don't have any desire! I don't have a partner--and now I'm afraid I never will!"
We approached his dilemma on multiple levels: what's 'working?'/what's not, his past experiences leading to now, and a close look at what happens with a partner. We looked at his expectations and his "self talk." Together we designed experiments to manage anxious thoughts and stay present and in his body. Then we worked on how to interact with a new partner to connect with them and take the "performance" out of intimacy and sex. His confidence has returned, and he has met a new person he is excited to ask out.
Ready to embrace your sexuality?
Common Question
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Never. Sex therapy is talk therapy. Any exercises or homework happen privately, in your own space, and are always optional.
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i’m not kidding when I say you really can tell me anything. I do this work because I believe ALL parts of you are welcome here - even the parts that feel scary, ashamed, or "unacceptable." I've heard it all, and my job isn't to judge but to understand and help you feel truly seen and heard. That's actually where healing begins.
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In my years of practice, I've heard it all. Your concerns are valid, and you're likely not as alone as you think.
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For all things fee & insurance related, please see the fee & insurance page.
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For California clients, I offer online sessions through a HIPAA-compliant video platform. Virginia clients can choose between in-person sessions at my Virginia Beach office or online sessions using the same secure platform.
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I work with people who feel their sexual behaviors are out of balance, using a non-pathologizing approach that addresses underlying needs rather than shaming the behavior.
Start your sexual wellness journey.
I’m here to listen without judgement.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we'd be a good fit.
No pressure, just a chance to connect and see if my approach resonates with you.
Virginia Beach, VA (in-person & online)
California (online only)