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– Licensed Psychotherapist & Relationship Coach

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:

  • Low sexual desire
  • Trauma and attachment wounds
  • Couples counseling including improving sexual intimacy
  • Navigating the complexities of non-monogamy and polyamory
  • Combating sexual performance anxiety
  • Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation
  • Overcoming obstacles with achieving orgasm
  • Mitigating the impact of life events on sexual connection

RISE Curated Trainings

RISE offers in person and virtual trainings on topics such as:

  • PTSD
  • Polyamory and non-monogamous relationships
  • Strategies for discussing sex and sexual health (for therapists and healthcare providers)


All RISE trainings can be curated for your unique audience. If you have a specific topic in mind for a training that's not listed, please reach out to us and we'd be happy to create one for you.


Group discounts are offered for groups of 15 or more.


Click "Book a Training" to schedule a complimentary 30 minute consultation with Valerie McDonnell, LCSW to discuss your specific needs and how we can best serve your community.

RISE Coaching Intern

Got what it takes? Want to learn with the team?

Thinking about specializing in sex therapy and/or relationship coaching? Gain real-world education and experience, drawing upon many modalities.


Requirements:

  • Open-mindedness
  • Empathy & respect
  • Adaptability & flexibility


Responsibilities may include:

  • Psycho-education & presentations
  • Social media management
  • Training & session sit-ins
  • Supervised coaching​

What We're About

RISE Relationship Therapy & Training Services

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, and 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.

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 educational and support groups, private Facebook communities, and professional trainings, RISE brings people together to share common experiences and learn from each other.

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.


Check out our helpful resources on communication, alternative relationship structures, self-care and toys, trauma, recommended reading, and more.