Vanessa Cushing, LPC, NCC, MS
Owner and Founder of Cushing Counseling & Sex Therapy Pro™
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, I specialize in helping individuals and couples improve emotional connection, communication, and sexual wellness. My approach is both compassionate and direct—I create space for clients to explore challenges safely while encouraging meaningful growth, healing, and self-awareness.
Through my work at Cushing Counseling, I guide clients toward greater confidence and fulfillment in their emotional and relational lives. My mission is to help clients break free from shame, understand their patterns, and rebuild healthy, authentic intimacy—whether with themselves or their partners.
As a generalist practitioner, I am trained and competent in working with adults facing a wide range of emotional, relational, and sexual concerns. I hold a Certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan and specialize in helping clients navigate challenges related to sexual functioning, intimacy, and desire.
My advanced training in sex therapy allows me to work with individuals and couples experiencing:
Low sexual desire or desire discrepancy
Erectile dysfunction and premature or delayed ejaculation
Female orgasmic disorder and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder
Sex addiction and out-of-control sexual behaviors
Reclaiming sexuality after trauma or infidelity
I also provide integrative couples and sex therapy, helping partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen intimacy. As an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor, I offer inclusive, affirming care for clients of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship structures.
My Therapeutic Style
I am known for being a direct, no-nonsense therapist—I challenge clients to work intentionally and consistently toward their goals. My approach balances compassion with accountability, ensuring that progress is both measurable and meaningful.
Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a feminist orientation, I focus on the psychological, relational, and social dimensions of sexuality. This perspective allows us to address not only the mental and emotional aspects of sexual health but also the broader cultural influences that shape desire, confidence, and connection.
For trauma survivors, I integrate mind-body interventions designed to promote safety, emotional regulation, and embodied healing.
Inclusive, Affirming, and Growth-Oriented
My office is an inclusive, judgment-free environment where all individuals and couples are welcomed with respect and authenticity. Whether we are addressing trauma recovery, sexual dysfunction, or relational challenges, my goal is to create a space where every client feels seen, affirmed, and empowered to live and love fully.
Education, Credentials & Memberships
Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
Dual bachelor’s degrees from University of Virginia in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies
Certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan
Member of American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
Member of Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society (CSI)
Member of and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society (ΦΒΚ)
More about me:
I have a mini golden-doodle named ginger she is the love of my life.
I live in Miami but my family still lives in Virginia.
I am a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor and a passion of mine is to empower women in the fitness world.
I am an avid runner x3 marathoner and attempting to complete my six star journey for sexual trauma survivors
I recently learned how to make sourdough bread and have been obsessed with baking bread every weekend. Also ask for my brownie recipe its fantastic (brown butter included).
As seen on…
Publications
'Cat Person' and the problem with having sex with someone just to 'get it over with'
Yes, people are seeking out sex therapy. It's nothing to be ashamed of.
Sick of having boring sex? There might be a fix to spice things up in the bedroom.
Using counterattitudinal advocacy to change drinking: A pilot study