If you’re searching for a certified sex therapist who provides private online sessions that are truly safe, nonjudgmental, and grounded in clinical expertise, you deserve care built on trust, expertise, and compassion. At Cushing Counseling, our mission is to make high-caliber, evidence-based sex therapy accessible to adults and couples across Virginia, Florida, Maryland, DC, and the greater DMV area—all from the privacy and comfort of your own home.
We know how difficult it can feel to take the first step. Issues with desire, intimacy, sexual function, shame, trauma, or relational conflict touch people from all backgrounds. What makes a difference is finding a space where your story is respected, and your goals are met with skill and humanity. Cushing Counseling is an industry leader in sex, couples, and trauma therapy; our team is distinguished by rigorous credentials, deep specialty training, and a culture rooted in integrity and empathy. Every session—whether on video or in-person—prioritizes safety, privacy, and your pace, ensuring every client is genuinely seen and heard.
What Is Certified Sex Therapy?
Certified sex therapy is a specialized branch of psychotherapy focused on helping individuals and couples understand and resolve issues related to sexual wellness, intimacy, sexual dysfunction, trauma, shame, and communication. At Cushing Counseling, every clinician brings advanced, research-backed methods tailored to your needs. Our founder, Vanessa Cushing, is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, and additional certification from the University of Michigan. This means your care is grounded in the highest clinical standards, informed by best practice in the field.
Sex therapy with us goes far beyond surface talk. We use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness practices. We tailor therapy to untangle the unique interplay of biology, beliefs, culture, past experiences, and relational dynamics affecting your sexual health.
Why Choose Online Sex Therapy?
Online therapy is a private, practical way to seek specialized support without adding the stress of commuting or concerns about being seen. Our HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform ensures confidentiality, so you can focus fully on your needs in a familiar, comfortable space. Many clients find it easier to open up about sensitive or vulnerable topics when they are in control of their environment.
- Safety and Nonjudgment: Every interaction centers dignity and sensitivity. You are never shamed or rushed; our clinicians offer honest feedback with full respect.
- Expertise: Our clinicians are specialty-trained and certified, so clients receive the most current, ethically sound support available.
- Trauma-Informed and LGBTQ+ Affirming: We are recognized for deeply informed trauma care and affirming therapy for all identities, orientations, and relationship structures.
Step-By-Step: How to Begin Private, Expert Online Sex Therapy with Cushing Counseling
- Schedule a Free Confidential Consultation: Call (703) 544-7081 or use our online scheduling tool. This first, low-pressure phone call is your chance to share your goals and learn if we’re the right fit. There’s no obligation to commit.
- Personalized Therapist Match: We take care to match you with the clinician whose experience fits your needs—whether that’s Vanessa Cushing, expert in sexual functioning and trauma, or another highly credentialed specialist (see team expertise below).
- Easy Intake and Flexible Scheduling: Complete intake paperwork securely online. Choose the appointment times that work for you—our therapists offer flexible hours, including mornings or evenings.
- Weekly or Bi-Weekly Virtual Sessions: Sessions are typically 50 minutes, held over secure video. You can connect individually or as a couple/partners. All sessions are trauma-informed and paced for your comfort.
- Therapy Tailored to You: Together, we develop a customized treatment plan. Interventions may include psychoeducation, communication tools, mindfulness and body awareness exercises, cognitive restructuring, and practical skill-building. Sessions are a collaborative space, never judgmental or standardized.
- Progress and Ongoing Support: Throughout therapy, we track progress toward your goals—whether you’re seeking more intimacy, healing from trauma, ending sexual avoidance, or fostering authentic connection. You grow at your own pace, supported by clinical expertise and human warmth.
Meet the Team: Core Experts for Your Sexual Wellness
- Vanessa Cushing, LPC, NCC, MS, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist: Specializes in low desire, desire discrepancy, sexual dysfunction, intimacy, LGBTQ+ care, reclaiming sexuality after trauma/infidelity, and couples/sex therapy integration. Known for a direct and no-nonsense style balanced with compassion and accountability.
- Alexandria Da Ponte Cheatham, M.Ed., M.Div.: Resident in Counseling (Virginia), trauma-informed therapist with experience in sexual wellness, intimacy, identity, religious/cultural impact, and support for diverse backgrounds. Integrates person-centered, narrative, mindfulness, and CBT tools.
- Noelle Harris, LMSW: Supports people and couples seeking deeper connection, sexual wellness, non-traditional relationship styles, and premarital or BDSM/kink issues. Draws from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), ACT, and Gottman approaches.
- Radiance Sanneman, MS, LCPC, NCC, CCMHC: IFS trauma specialist, expert in complex/relational trauma, LGBTQ+ challenges, and spiritual/religious crossroads. Works with adults in individual or group settings.
Each therapist is deeply committed to upholding our core values of integrity, expertise, and compassion. Our clients consistently describe us as trustworthy, insightful, and authentic. For instance, one client wrote: “Working with Vanessa helped me reconnect with parts of myself I thought were lost or broken. She holds space without judgment, brings deep insight, and makes vulnerable conversations feel safe and empowering.”
What Makes Our Online Sessions Safe and Stigma-Free?
At Cushing Counseling, safety goes beyond confidentiality. We intentionally create a therapeutic relationship where you can let down your guard. Sessions are nonjudgmental and affirming, even for those navigating shame, religious trauma, anxiety, or complex grief. We let you set the pace—no topic is too sensitive, no goal too small. Your confidentiality is strictly maintained, and every clinician follows the ethical guidelines of their licensing boards and AASECT.
“Vanessa is a compassionate and extremely knowledgeable sex therapist who creates a safe, judgment-free space.” – Paula Caras, Google Review
We also support clients whose partners are hesitant to join therapy, or who fear embarrassment discussing sexual topics. Individual sessions are always an option and can foster remarkable change within relationships as well.
Common Concerns Addressed in Online Sex Therapy
| Concern | How We Help | Common Results |
|---|---|---|
| Desire discrepancy, low libido | Psychoeducation, communication coaching, intimacy exercises | Mutual understanding and improved desire balance |
| Painful sex/dysfunction | Mind-body and trauma-informed techniques, medical referrals if needed | Increased comfort, pleasure, and sexual satisfaction |
| Sexual shame, anxiety, or trauma | Narrative therapy, CBT, somatic work, gradual exposure, validation | Restored trust, healthier self-worth, reduced anxiety/PTSD |
| LGBTQ+ related concerns | Affirming support for identity, relationship structure, and sexual exploration | Confidence and authentic connection |
| Partner reluctance | Individual support, motivational and system-oriented approach | Progress even with one partner attending |
To explore more on specific sex therapy topics, including qualification of sex therapists, what to expect in your first session, or fixing low libido in marriage, explore our detailed blogs linked here.
Best Practices for Finding a Certified Sex Therapist for Safe, Private Online Sessions
- Verify Certification and Licensure: Prioritize clinicians certified by credible organizations such as AASECT. All Cushing Counseling therapists meet or exceed these standards and are state-licensed.
- Assess Clinical Fit: Look for demonstrable experience working with your specific challenges—whether desire issues, trauma, or relationship dynamics. Read team bios or ask during consults.
- Ask About Confidentiality and Technology: Ensure therapy is conducted over HIPAA-compliant, secure platforms. At Cushing Counseling, we uphold strict digital and privacy standards.
- Evaluate Cultural Competency: Affirming, stigma-free care is vital. Our team is LGBTQ+ affirming and well-versed in multicultural contexts.
- Look For Trauma-Informed, Evidence-Based Pedagogy: Therapy should incorporate current interventions tailored to individual and relational needs. We draw from CBT, narrative, mindfulness, sensate focus, and more.
- Request a Free Consultation: This is your chance to ensure the fit is right, risk-free, and obligation-free.
What to Expect from Your Online Sessions
Sessions are a collaborative exploration. You’ll set goals, reflect on what’s working and what’s hard, learn practical tools, and experiment with new skills (like body awareness or communication exercises). Whether you want to overcome performance anxiety, resolve persistent shame, recover from betrayal or loss, or simply reconnect with your body, we support you every step.
We also handle practical barriers—such as out-of-network insurance claims—by partnering with Thrizer to simplify reimbursement and reduce your out-of-pocket cost. For details about payment, scheduling, or insurance, see our FAQ.
Client Feedback: What Real People Say About the Process
- “The best sex therapy in Miami. So incredibly helpful for myself and my partner!” – Travis Stephens
- “Vanessa is a compassionate and thoughtful therapist. Her practice is filling a much needed gap.” – Susan Klemmer
- “I work closely with clients navigating sexual function, intimacy, and emotional well-being; Vanessa is the go-to person! She’s a certified sex therapist with a wealth of trauma experience… creates a stigma-free environment where clients feel safe to explore difficult topics.” – TJ Janicky
- “Compassionate, knowledgeable, truly transformative… Highly recommend.” – Chris L
