You miss your partner. The mental load, mounting resentments, and the monotony of daily life make sex feel like a chore. No matter what you do, the same fights keep happening.
Intimacy and sex therapy can help you rebuild the trust, improve communication, and reignite the spark that brought you together in the first place.
One of the most eye-opening lessons I learned in graduate school at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles was this: The biggest factor in a client’s success isn’t the type of therapy, the technique, or even the duration. It’s the strength of the therapeutic relationship.
Don’t let old patterns and past experiences stand between you & your partner. Intimacy & sex therapy will support you to be open and free without fear of rejection. Book a introductory call to start reconnecting with your partner today.
My husband now wants to cuddle and we are enjoying a lot more physical contact naturally. Because we are closer now, we are having more sex!
We’re more authentically connected for the 1st time in our entire relationship, and the entire culture of our family is happier and joyful!
When life in California moves fast, your marriage can start to feel like just another task on your to-do list. You used to feel that rush of excitement when you saw each other… maybe when you first explored Malibu together or cheered on your team at a Giants game, but now you feel more like roommates.
Evidence-based sex therapy and relationship counseling can help you become stronger partners… even if your week is packed with after-school activities, LA auditions, or board meetings in Palo Alto. Reconnect from wherever you are in California.
Being playful and having fun again would be amazing. You want to get the spark back. Yet, the defenses win almost every time. Bring back the ease and intimacy that once felt effortless. The idea of losing each other is heartbreaking. Life is better together.
Married. Engaged. Long-term committed. Straight. Bi. Gay. Neurodivergent. Polyamorous.
Improve your bond no matter what your relationship looks like.
– QUEER COUPLE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
DEBBIE CHERRY, LMFT
Sex therapy helps individuals and couples explore sexuality, intimacy, and communication in a safe environment with a licensed marriage and family therapist. Together, we work through sexual concerns, sexual dysfunction, and relationship challenges such as feeling disconnected, low sexual desire, or difficulty expressing needs.
Through a sex-positive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach, I help you gain a deeper understanding of your patterns, heal from sexual trauma, and build healthier connections that support both mental health and relational well-being.
Whether you’re addressing erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, or sex-related issues, sex therapy offers tools to improve communication, reduce shame, and foster a safe space where you can feel comfortable talking about your personal experiences and the full human experience of intimacy.
Finding the right therapist is key to healing. I offer a free 15-minute consultation for new clients who want to learn more about working together.
Yes. I provide secure, confidential online therapy sessions throughout California — from San Diego to San Francisco and everywhere in between. Online sex therapy allows you to move at your own pace, in a welcoming space, and talk openly about sexual health, or relationship structures that affect your well-being.
Research shows online therapy is as effective as in-person care. Being in your own environment helps you feel safe, lowers defenses, and allows more authentic conversations about sexual identity, relationship counseling, or life transitions. For many clients, online sessions make it easier to discuss sex-related issues and experience healing and support sooner.
Individuals and couples come to sex therapy for a broad range of concerns, including:
Therapy provides a supportive space to improve effective communication, reduce conflict, and build healthier connections grounded in trust, safety, and understanding.
General therapy explores overall mental health and emotional patterns, while sex therapy focuses specifically on sexual health, sexuality, and intimacy struggles. It addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of sexuality — integrating clinical psychology, family systems, and solution-focused therapy.
Unlike generic counseling, sex therapy emphasizes communication, sexual well-being, and creating a safe space for self-expression. You’ll learn practical tools for conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and deeper understanding of your own and your partner’s needs.
Ready to explore your next step?
Build a deeper connection, improve communication, and rediscover pleasure.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today.
Finding the right therapist is a big predictor of positive therapy outcomes. I offer a free 15-minute consultation if you want to talk more about working together.
Not all therapy services are the same. Many couples have tried counseling in the past that felt like “just talking.” My approach is different: it’s a collaborative approach with specialized training in research-backed methods like the Gottman Method and attachment theory.
Marriage counseling is about compassion and understanding. Each spouse has their own journey and sometimes one partner struggles more with low self-esteem, anxiety, grief, or trauma. By combining practical tools with emotional support, I help you both feel safe, discover a greater purpose in your marriage, and create a plan for the future.
You can see client success stories, reviews and results here.
Every relationship is different. Some couples come for just a few sessions to address one issue, while others commit to 3–6 months of regular sessions. Many clients begin to feel relief, support, and a sense of peace after the very first step.
For some, sex therapy is short-term crisis repair; for others, it’s an ongoing journey of growth, healing, and discovery that leads to a more fulfilling relationship.
Yes. I offer flexible scheduling, including weekend appointments, to accommodate the diverse lives of California clients. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional, or caregiver, therapy can fit your schedule and give you room to prioritize connection and healing.
In your first session, you’ll share your history, current sexual concerns, and goals for healing and support. Together, we’ll explore your personal experiences, relationship challenges, and the various forms of intimacy that shape your well-being.
My goal is to create a safe, down-to-earth, supportive space where you can begin discussing sexual health and relationship dynamics openly, without judgment.
Yes. You’ll receive simple, evidence-based practices to help you and your partner connect emotionally and physically. These may include:
These tools are designed to help you move toward healing, emotional balance, and renewed connection. Want a sneak peek? Download the Connected Communication Toolkit here.
Absolutely. I work with individuals and couples of all genders, orientations, and relationship structures. My sex-positive approach welcomes exploration of sexual identity, consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, and other expressions of the human experience.
I provide a welcoming space where everyone can feel seen, safe, and supported while working toward personal growth and healthier relationships.
No. A licensed family therapist remains neutral. The goal is not to push toward divorce or take sides, but to help you understand each other, reduce pain, and build the foundation for a healthier future with compassion for both partners.
No. Many couples begin counseling proactively, not just when dealing with trauma, depression, or divorce threats. Proactive counseling is about strengthening connection, preventing future crises, and making your marriage more fulfilling so both spouses feel supported and deserve to thrive.
Sometimes. Insurance may cover sessions when linked to a mental health diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. However, most therapy focused primarily on sexual health, intimacy, or relationship counseling is not covered.
Many clients choose private pay to preserve privacy and focus on growth, healing, and personal well-being without medical labels.
Sessions range from $175–$350 per 50-minute session depending on your benefits. Many couples see this as an investment in their future, far less costly than the pain of ongoing disconnection or the process of divorce.
Coverage depends on your provider. Some will reimburse if counseling addresses mental health struggles such as anxiety or depression. Others will not cover therapy focused primarily on the relationship. Always check before beginning.
I accept credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. Payments are handled automatically for convenience.
Yes. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am legally bound to confidentiality, with rare exceptions for safety. Many couples prefer private pay to avoid having a mental health diagnosis attached to their records, ensuring their therapy services stay private.
Look for a licensed clinical or marriage family therapist with advanced training in sexual health, intimacy challenges, and relationship counseling. You want someone who offers both evidence-based practices and empathy — a therapist who helps you feel comfortable talking about sex-related issues in a safe space.
With 20+ years of experience helping Californians strengthen communication, heal from sexual trauma, and grow in intimacy, my goal is to help you build healthier connections and feel fulfilled in your relationships.
Ready to explore your next step?
Build a deeper connection, improve communication, and rediscover pleasure.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today.
Yes. California clients come from a broad range of cultural, personal, and relationship structures. I honor your background, values, and beliefs while supporting your healing and growth. My practice is inclusive, sex-positive, and trauma-informed.
Yes. I support relationships where one or both partners are neurodivergent, and also offer affirming counseling for couples exploring consensual non monogamy or other nontraditional structures.
California clients come from a broad range of cultural, personal, and relationship structures. I honor your background, values, and beliefs while supporting your healing and growth. My practice is inclusive, sex-positive, and trauma-informed.
That’s very common. Many start therapy alone to explore sexual health, relationship challenges, or personal experiences. As trust builds, your partner often becomes more open to joining sessions. Healing can begin with just one person taking the first step.
Many couples just try one session and take it from there. You might be surprised how much clarity and hope you can gain right away. Book your free consultation here and let’s take the first step together.
Yes. I provide affirming, sex-positive, trauma-informed therapy for LGBTQ+ clients and couples. Whether you’re exploring sexual identity, relationship structures, or intimacy challenges, you’ll find a welcoming space that celebrates diversity and supports the human experience in all its forms.
That’s okay. Relationship therapy can provide clarity, even if separation or divorce is on the table. Counseling offers support and compassion while helping you both discover whether your future is best shared together or apart.
If there’s active violence, untreated crisis, or immediate safety risks, individual therapy or crisis care may be recommended before starting sex therapy.
Otherwise, this work welcomes anyone ready to explore sexual health, communication, and emotional connection in a safe, supportive space.
