Ready to learn more about pleasure?
Dealing with anxiety around sex?
Want better intimacy communication?
Need more sexual self-esteem?
Valerie helped me understand myself better. She's the reason I wanted to become a social worker, to help other people like me talk about difficult personal topics through empathy and self-discovery.
— Jensina
Richmond Institute of Sexual Empowerment
Welcome to RISE!
I'm Valerie McDonnell, sex therapist and intimacy coach. I help individuals and partners communicate, understand, and explore their sexuality and intimacy needs.
As a LCSW licensed in Virginia, I help people work through trauma, attachment, performance anxiety, and other issues that affect human sexuality.
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As a relationship coach, I teach communication skills, empathy, and sex-positive habits to help partners deepen their connection and intimacy.
But what about outside the therapy room?
Whatever you're dealing with, you're not alone
The RISE team is here for you, to facilitate sharing experiences and insights about sexual topics for women.
Deepen your understanding, enrich your communication, and find an empathy-driven safe space where you can be vulnerable and connected to something bigger than yourself.
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Share successes and setbacks in a nurturing, judgement-free zone. With people who understand what you're going through.
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WHAT IF YOU COULD:
Feel safe discussing your own pleasure
Get multiple views on sexuality topics
Vent about what's bothering you
Build sex-positive habits & mindsets
Improve sexual self-esteem
Manage anxiety around sex & intimacy
Practice sensory mindfulness in the act
Deepen connection with self & others
You can here... Join us
"This group has been life-changing. I learned about positivity around sex, that trauma doesn’t have to be an isolating thing, and that there is a lot of empowerment when women can open up to each other about these subjects."