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Poly-friendly sex therapist in Richmond, VA

R.I.S.E. to Intimacy

Trauma Therapy & Couples 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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Struggling to communicate?
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Need help talking about sex or trauma?
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Considering an open relationship?

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

Welcome to RISE!

We help you build the life you want to live...

Richmond Institute of Sexual Empowerment was founded on the belief that no issue is too complex or "taboo"—and that everyone has a right to feel confident and satisfied in their relationships, intimacy, and inner life.

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Our goal as coaches is to create a welcoming and judgment-free space, where you can openly discuss sexuality, trauma, and other sensitive experiences—while we offer trained and empathetic support so you can feel understood, accepted, and empowered.

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Sex therapist in Richmond, VA

Hi, I'm Valerie!

Licensed Psychotherapist and Relationship Coach – Founder of RISE

A decade ago, I became a therapist to help people rise out of sexual trauma—like how my therapist helped me.​ For many years I practiced as a social worker specializing in sex and relationship therapy in Richmond, Virginia...

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Then a year after I started my mental health private practice, I launched the RISE coaching institute in 2020, when everything moved online—to offer a wider array of services; beyond therapy and beyond Virginia (where I'm licensed).

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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.

The Client Journey

1.
DISCOVERY CALL
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BEGIN YOUR SESSIONS
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3.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
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4.
CELEBRATE YOUR PROGRESS
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It couldn't be easier—simply decide that you have something to gain by working with a trained trauma-informed coach. Then decide to begin.

DIY Relationship Coaching Resources

Click image for more info & free 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 your new journey today.

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