Quick – think of someone who you think embodies sexuality. What are some characteristics they might have that lead you to believe they do? Sexuality is not merely an act; it’s a fundamental aspect of our identity that can be embraced and celebrated. Here are a few ways our experts can guide you through exploring and accepting your sexual nature. Self-Acceptance: This is one of the toughest things we struggle with as people in modern society. This journey towards loving yourself involves recognizing and embracing your sexual desires, fantasies, and preferences without judgment because you under ..read more

In any intimate relationship, it’s natural for partners to have varying levels of desire for sexual intimacy. This phenomenon, known as desire discrepancy, is a common and often challenging aspect of many relationships. This blog delves into what desire discrepancy is, how to identify it, and how consulting a sex therapist can provide valuable guidance and solutions.     Understanding Desire Discrepancy     Desire discrepancy refers to the situation in which one partner has a higher or lower level of desire for sexual intimacy than another. This difference can lead to feel ..read more

Lisa Garland MPH, Clinical Intern (she/her)         Lisa Garland brings a comprehensive educational background to her role as a sex therapy intern. She has extensive experience working with individuals of all ages, assisting them through various traumas and health challenges, both sexual and non-sexual. She also offers gender affirming services as an inclusive ally of the LGBTQ+ community.           Her Experience Drawing on over 13 years in the sexual health field, Lisa’s journey as a health educator and community health organize ..read more

Lisa Garland MPH, Clinical Intern (she/her)   Lisa Garland brings a comprehensive educational background to her role as a sex therapy intern. She has extensive experience working with individuals of all ages, assisting them through various traumas and health challenges, both sexual and non-sexual. She also offers gender affirming services as an inclusive ally of the LGBTQ+ community.       Her Experience Drawing on over 13 years in the sexual health field, Lisa’s journey as a health educator and community health organizer fueled her passion for the counseling aspec ..read more

Kate Rice Clinical Intern (she/they)   Kate Rice has training focused on the intersections of sexual wellness, substance use, trauma, and mental health challenges. Kate chose sex therapy to co-create a space for clients to explore their sexuality with care, recognizing its significance in overall well-being. What sets her apart is her queer perspective, social work background that considers oppressive systems, and a specialty in substance use and addiction.   Her Experience Kate is currently pursuing a master’s degree at UNC’s School of Social Work, specializing in Substance ..read more

Davis Hodge MSW, LCSWA (he/him) Davis uses a relational, person-in-environment approach to empathically connect with clients within the context of their individual lives and experiences. As a clinical social worker, he offers a unique perspective as a Queer, Trans, Southerner from a working-class background. His therapeutic approach integrates ACT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and compassion-based therapies.     His Experience Davis holds a Master of Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill and a Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies from UNC Greensboro. Prior to his t ..read more

Life can be stressful when juggling commitments to loved ones, jobs, school, and community. There are many experiences or circumstances that can make enjoying sexual intimacy feel difficult. In particular, being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be a scary and traumatic experience. Sometimes diagnosis leads people to believe their sex life will be forever impacted.  We are taught many myths about STIs and stigma that are often at the forefront of misinformation. This stigma can be devastating. It can prevent people from accessing important care, cause isolation an ..read more

  A question I often get asked when meeting a new client is: “I have ____ issue affecting my sex life. Am I normal?”.  The answer? Yes! Concerns and issues related to sex and sexuality are very common. A recent international study found that about 34% of men and about 46% of women reported experiencing one or more sexual problems over the previous year (Briken et al., 2020). When it comes to specific sexual concerns, about 30% of women report experiencing chronic low desire and up to 72% of women report experiencing orgasmic problems or difficulty orgasming during their lifetime (AP ..read more

Paraphrasing the words of Robert Fulghum from his best-selling book published in 1990, it is indeed ironic to consider that the basic elements of a satisfying sexual relationship are rooted in our earliest lessons.  Though Fulghum describes one essential skill learned in kindergarten as “Share Everything,” I will paraphrase it again as “Taking Turns.” Over the years it takes for an intimate relationship to develop and mature, time takes its toll on trust and vulnerability, as partners sometimes keep score on the bottom line of needs met or disappointments noted… ultimately settled at the ..read more

It’s not about me.  This can sometimes be a difficult awareness to digest at times. In my existence, I always matter. With my level of privilege, my needs, thoughts, feelings, and voice all matter. While this is important for me to know, it is also important for me to know when to willingly put aside my needs, thoughts, feelings and voice and open up space for others. This is how I think about my role as an ally of my friends and family under the LGBTQIA umbrella. (LGTQIA = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual.) Some people think “A” is also for “ally.” Allies do ..read more