Valerie has helped me a lot through the years. She really understands what I've gone through and approaches our problem-solving sessions from a place of empathy.
— Georgia
Who We Are
Valerie McDonnell, LCSW
Owner– Psychotherapist & Couples Counselor
Armed with her Master’s in Clinical Social Work, Valerie embarked on her professional journey as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), specializing in the intricate realms of trauma and PTSD. In 2019, she planted the seeds of her practice in the heart of Richmond, VA where her focus evolved toward the nuanced landscape of sex therapy and couples counseling.
Since starting, Valerie has expanded her practice beyond Virginia. She now works with individuals and couples across the country, catering to a spectrum of challenges and issues such as:
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Low sexual desire
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Couples counseling
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Navigating the complexities of non-monogamy and polyamory
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Combating sexual performance anxiety
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Overcoming obstacles in achieving orgasm
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Mitigating the impact of life events on sexual connection
Casey Yenyo, MSW
Supervisee in Social Work; Trauma-informed Coach
Casey Yenyo graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with her Masters in Clinical Social Work and certification in Gender Violence Intervention, specializing in trauma-informed care and treatment.
Casey has worked with kids, teens, and adults experiencing different types of trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
She focuses on providing a safe space and educating clients on trauma—teaching concrete coping skills to help accelerate growth, improve interpersonal relationships, and boost mental wellness.
Casey helps people struggling with:
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Sexual trauma
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Emotional neglect
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Intimate partner violence
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Anxiety and depression
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Couples counseling
RISE Coaching Intern
Thinking about specializing in sex therapy and/or relationship coaching? Gain real-world education and experience, drawing upon many modalities.
Requirements:
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Open-mindedness
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Empathy & respect
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Adaptability & flexibility
Responsibilities may include:
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Psycho-education & presentations
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Social media management
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Training & session sit-ins
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Supervised coaching
What We're About
Richmond Institute of Sexual Empowerment
OUR CONTINUING MISSION:
Whoever you are and whatever gets you off (or turns you off) we're here to help you make sense of it, explore the depths & details, and learn how to talk about it with the people who matter, so you can create the life you want.
RISE to
RE-EMPOWER YOURSELF
At RISE we know from experience what it's like to be unconsenting & powerless in a sexual situation.
And we're all too familiar with the ravages of anxiety, PTSD, the performance pressure, the triggers and emotional entanglements that can jolt people out of sync sexually and otherwise.
The coping mechanisms and self-affirmation strategies that we teach our clients...we developed out of necessity.
RISE to
COMMUNITY LEARNING
Sometimes you just need to hear from other people who are facing the same challenges you are.
We all crave support, affirmation, and experienced perspectives to help us grow.
Through individual and relationship coaching, group workshops, private Facebook communities, and professional trainings, RISE brings people together to share common experiences and learn from each other.
RISE to
PLAYFUL EXPLORATION
Sex and relationships are supposed to be fun! Yes you have to put in some work to get it right—but we believe that everyone can rise to the sexual being they want to be.
We also believe in seeking guidance and wisdom on this ongoing journey of sexual & mental health.
Click below for helpful resources on communication, alternative relationship structures, self-care and toys, trauma, recommended reading, and more.
Follow Us – @RISEtoIntimacy
