Therapists in Merced County, CA
Dan W Prine
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340
Most folks seek professional help in a time of crisis. My initial goal is to help to manage your overwhelming feelings regarding the situation you find yourself in. In many cases, helping you to recognize you may already have the skills to cope and showing you how to access those skills may be enough. Other times, after the crisis has subsided, you may become aware of recurrent patterns resulting in upsetting feelings. I am available to work with those looking for short term interventions, as well as those who want to address problems they have struggled with most of there lives.
Most folks seek professional help in a time of crisis. My initial goal is to help to manage your overwhelming feelings regarding the situation you find yourself in. In many cases, helping you to recognize you may already have the skills to cope and showing you how to access those skills may be enough. Other times, after the crisis has subsided, you may become aware of recurrent patterns resulting in upsetting feelings. I am available to work with those looking for short term interventions, as well as those who want to address problems they have struggled with most of there lives.
Online Therapists
Heather Shannon | Certified Sex Therapist
Counselor
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
Has sex become a bit of a chore? If so, let's talk! I help people in committed relationships who feel stagnant in their sex life to get their passion back and deepen their intimacy. You might be feeling like you've just gotten too comfortable with each other. Or it could be that the perfect storm of caretaking, grief, parenthood, work stress and health struggles have forced your sexual connection onto the back burner. Or maybe you just don't feel super comfortable opening up to each other anymore and need that emotional intimacy to be on point before the physical part can be properly addressed.
Has sex become a bit of a chore? If so, let's talk! I help people in committed relationships who feel stagnant in their sex life to get their passion back and deepen their intimacy. You might be feeling like you've just gotten too comfortable with each other. Or it could be that the perfect storm of caretaking, grief, parenthood, work stress and health struggles have forced your sexual connection onto the back burner. Or maybe you just don't feel super comfortable opening up to each other anymore and need that emotional intimacy to be on point before the physical part can be properly addressed.
Lauren Abasheva
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LMHC, LPCC, CST
Verified Verified
Dublin, CA 94568 (Online Only)
Do you ever feel like you have to monitor, pull back, and even hide yourself from others?. From friends, family, acquaintances, even from yourself? Do you tend to put your needs and wants at the bottom of the list?. Are you ready to commit to you?. Together we will work side by side to help strengthen your confidence, awareness, insight, healing, and make progress within yourself. As a Certified Sex therapist, Kink knowledgeable, Gender affirming, and Trauma therapist I understand that we are all different, and provide a laid back atmosphere.
Do you ever feel like you have to monitor, pull back, and even hide yourself from others?. From friends, family, acquaintances, even from yourself? Do you tend to put your needs and wants at the bottom of the list?. Are you ready to commit to you?. Together we will work side by side to help strengthen your confidence, awareness, insight, healing, and make progress within yourself. As a Certified Sex therapist, Kink knowledgeable, Gender affirming, and Trauma therapist I understand that we are all different, and provide a laid back atmosphere.
Jess Nicholas Laird
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703 (Online Only)
Very few of us were given the tools and affirmation needed to navigate sex, despite it being a fundamental part of our humanity. I am a sex therapist passionate about reducing sexual shame, fostering a lens of curiosity and self-acceptance in sexuality, building a sense of playfulness and confidence, developing a personal acumen of sexual values, and unlearning messages of sex-negative cultures. I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic perspective, which means seeking to understand patterns that shape emotions, thoughts, and behavior and how these things have been influenced by our history, culture, and experiences.
Very few of us were given the tools and affirmation needed to navigate sex, despite it being a fundamental part of our humanity. I am a sex therapist passionate about reducing sexual shame, fostering a lens of curiosity and self-acceptance in sexuality, building a sense of playfulness and confidence, developing a personal acumen of sexual values, and unlearning messages of sex-negative cultures. I approach therapy from a relational, psychodynamic perspective, which means seeking to understand patterns that shape emotions, thoughts, and behavior and how these things have been influenced by our history, culture, and experiences.
Jadelynn St Dre
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
In addition, I am a sex therapist, focused on boundary development, pleasure, intimacy and desire.
During times of struggle, you have an absolute right to support from an attentive, warm, trustworthy witness - someone who believes in your strength and brilliance when you can no longer see it, and who stands by your side as you emerge as the architect of your own healing. My work and my passion is to be that witness. I entered into the field of mental health to uplift the experiences of those who often struggle to find responsive and attuned care. As a queer, biracial, Latinx therapist and advocate, I am wholly dedicated to opening a space with you through which you can experience repair, discovery, growth and transformation.
In addition, I am a sex therapist, focused on boundary development, pleasure, intimacy and desire.
During times of struggle, you have an absolute right to support from an attentive, warm, trustworthy witness - someone who believes in your strength and brilliance when you can no longer see it, and who stands by your side as you emerge as the architect of your own healing. My work and my passion is to be that witness. I entered into the field of mental health to uplift the experiences of those who often struggle to find responsive and attuned care. As a queer, biracial, Latinx therapist and advocate, I am wholly dedicated to opening a space with you through which you can experience repair, discovery, growth and transformation.
Adrian Eric Scharfetter
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
My focus is in sexuality and sexual health/functioning, self-esteem around sex and communicating needs in relationships, issues around sexual abuse, male sexuality and intimacy issues, Poly/Non Monogamy, and Open Relationship Issues, Kink, BDSM, and LGBTQAI ally, and I am a ketamine-assited therapy provider.
I am an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. I work with low sexual desire, infidelity, mismatched desires and needs, erectile dysfunction, delayed or impaired orgasms, ejaculation concerns, LGBTQIA health or curiosity, sexual trauma, embarrassment and anxiety in regard to sex and sexuality. Exploring types of sexual behaviors, relationship configurations and non heteronormative expressions. Singles and couples who may be exploring or approaching issues in alternative relationships and alternative family structures, including ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, living single, co-parenting, and chosen family.
My focus is in sexuality and sexual health/functioning, self-esteem around sex and communicating needs in relationships, issues around sexual abuse, male sexuality and intimacy issues, Poly/Non Monogamy, and Open Relationship Issues, Kink, BDSM, and LGBTQAI ally, and I am a ketamine-assited therapy provider.
I am an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. I work with low sexual desire, infidelity, mismatched desires and needs, erectile dysfunction, delayed or impaired orgasms, ejaculation concerns, LGBTQIA health or curiosity, sexual trauma, embarrassment and anxiety in regard to sex and sexuality. Exploring types of sexual behaviors, relationship configurations and non heteronormative expressions. Singles and couples who may be exploring or approaching issues in alternative relationships and alternative family structures, including ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, living single, co-parenting, and chosen family.
Margo Molina Denison, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Visalia, CA 93291
Institute for Relational Intimacy trained for sex and intimacy issues.
I take an integrative approach which tailors’ psychotherapy with clients’ needs. I draw from my experience; take a client-centered approach; use evidence-based practices which is grounded in research to foster change; use a systemic approach which explores families and those who are engaged in the relationship to foster healing and personal goal setting. I also specialize in psychological evaluations for immigration cases. If you have a need for evaluations, I’d welcome hearing from you. With my approach I tailor the assessment to the particular needs of each case.
Institute for Relational Intimacy trained for sex and intimacy issues.
I take an integrative approach which tailors’ psychotherapy with clients’ needs. I draw from my experience; take a client-centered approach; use evidence-based practices which is grounded in research to foster change; use a systemic approach which explores families and those who are engaged in the relationship to foster healing and personal goal setting. I also specialize in psychological evaluations for immigration cases. If you have a need for evaluations, I’d welcome hearing from you. With my approach I tailor the assessment to the particular needs of each case.
Jose Pinal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tracy, CA 95376 (Online Only)
Providing individual therapy and couple's therapy, I address complex issues related to sex, sexuality, mismatched sexual desires, and sexual dysfunctions. My approach is deeply rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a modality I've embraced to help couples break free from negative patterns and forge stronger, more intimate bonds. Through this method, I guide couples in acknowledging and addressing their emotional needs, ensuring both partners feel seen, heard, and deeply connected.
Providing individual therapy and couple's therapy, I address complex issues related to sex, sexuality, mismatched sexual desires, and sexual dysfunctions. My approach is deeply rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a modality I've embraced to help couples break free from negative patterns and forge stronger, more intimate bonds. Through this method, I guide couples in acknowledging and addressing their emotional needs, ensuring both partners feel seen, heard, and deeply connected.
Debra L Winegarden, PhD-Achievements Unlimited
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Clovis, CA 93612
I treat a wide range of people, have taught graduate students psychological assessment, developmental psychology, and human sexuality.
Balance in body, mind, and spirit are central to wellness and happiness. In addition I believe that humor and compassion can help you reach your full potential and specialized goals. I can help you with enhancing performance at work/sports/school, feelings of depression such as lack of energy and worrying, especially at night. I can help with motivation and time management, relationships, sexuality and couples issues. Fresno and Clovis first and only AASECT Certified Sex Therapist.
I treat a wide range of people, have taught graduate students psychological assessment, developmental psychology, and human sexuality.
Balance in body, mind, and spirit are central to wellness and happiness. In addition I believe that humor and compassion can help you reach your full potential and specialized goals. I can help you with enhancing performance at work/sports/school, feelings of depression such as lack of energy and worrying, especially at night. I can help with motivation and time management, relationships, sexuality and couples issues. Fresno and Clovis first and only AASECT Certified Sex Therapist.
Noelle Clason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I am currently a doctoral student in Human Sexuality with a research focus on trans/cis relationships, a sex educator endorsed by San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI), as well as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
I am currently a doctoral student in Human Sexuality with a research focus on trans/cis relationships, a sex educator endorsed by San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI), as well as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
Salvador R Resendez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95110 (Online Only)
I also have experience working with stigmatized groups, including LGBTQ+, sex workers, poly, kink, and other diverse sexual orientations.
I strive to build a safe and caring therapeutic relationship to help you find relief from mental and emotional suffering. Beyond my training, I bring compassion and empathy from my own recovery to support your healing and growth. My style is active and I will collaborate with you to tap into your identity, strengths, values, and interests in our work together to respond more skillfully to your life’s challenges and achieve your goals.
I also have experience working with stigmatized groups, including LGBTQ+, sex workers, poly, kink, and other diverse sexual orientations.
I strive to build a safe and caring therapeutic relationship to help you find relief from mental and emotional suffering. Beyond my training, I bring compassion and empathy from my own recovery to support your healing and growth. My style is active and I will collaborate with you to tap into your identity, strengths, values, and interests in our work together to respond more skillfully to your life’s challenges and achieve your goals.
Dani Beckerman, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Soquel, CA 95073
Dr. Dani Beckerman is a leading expert specializing in intimacy, desire, sexuality & self-care. She is a well-being specialist working with individuals, couples, groups, communities & corporations helping them grow, thrive & execute holistic health. Client centered; very astute; keen analytical abilities; provocative, evocative, experiential approach. Courses:nonverbal communication meditation & emotion well-being & self-care for clinicians. Certified: How to prepare for surgery & heal quicker
Dr. Dani Beckerman is a leading expert specializing in intimacy, desire, sexuality & self-care. She is a well-being specialist working with individuals, couples, groups, communities & corporations helping them grow, thrive & execute holistic health. Client centered; very astute; keen analytical abilities; provocative, evocative, experiential approach. Courses:nonverbal communication meditation & emotion well-being & self-care for clinicians. Certified: How to prepare for surgery & heal quicker
Shirley Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT , MA, CYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I primarily work relationally with clients and thinking about psychotherapy through the lens of integral, gestalt, multicultural, psychodynamic, and sex-positive lenses.
Carl Jung said, "I would rather be whole than good." Very often we put pressure on ourselves to "be" a certain way, so much that life can start to feel like acting versus living. This pressure tends to place stress on individuals and can often lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. I believe that therapy can be a tool to take off the masks we have learned to put on and begin to live from our whole self; finding freedom and our creativity. I believe that through compassion for all the parts of ourself we step closer to freedom.
I primarily work relationally with clients and thinking about psychotherapy through the lens of integral, gestalt, multicultural, psychodynamic, and sex-positive lenses.
Carl Jung said, "I would rather be whole than good." Very often we put pressure on ourselves to "be" a certain way, so much that life can start to feel like acting versus living. This pressure tends to place stress on individuals and can often lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. I believe that therapy can be a tool to take off the masks we have learned to put on and begin to live from our whole self; finding freedom and our creativity. I believe that through compassion for all the parts of ourself we step closer to freedom.
Anna Davidson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I am trained in the expressive arts as well as energy healing & utilize a somatic, holistic, & sex therapy orientation from a lens of liberation.
Do you feel lost or stuck? Disconnected from your body or emotional needs? Perhaps unfulfilled or as if you can't seem to break free from a relational pattern? I see you. You're not alone & I'm passionate about supporting you back home to your truest self. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, or are experiencing obstacles in your relationships, I want to work with you to gain more clarity & confidence around communication, needs, boundaries & intimacy. I believe that healing happens in relation- whether to self, other, or the environment & I am intentional about creating a conscious, trusted relationship with my clients.
I am trained in the expressive arts as well as energy healing & utilize a somatic, holistic, & sex therapy orientation from a lens of liberation.
Do you feel lost or stuck? Disconnected from your body or emotional needs? Perhaps unfulfilled or as if you can't seem to break free from a relational pattern? I see you. You're not alone & I'm passionate about supporting you back home to your truest self. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, or are experiencing obstacles in your relationships, I want to work with you to gain more clarity & confidence around communication, needs, boundaries & intimacy. I believe that healing happens in relation- whether to self, other, or the environment & I am intentional about creating a conscious, trusted relationship with my clients.
Jonathan Grammatico
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Modesto, CA 95354
I am a sex +, kink +, non-monogamous/poly +, sex-worker, queer & trans-affirming therapist.
Do you ever feel not accepted for who you are? Do you sometimes feel lost, isolated or confused? That you step into a world that doesn't feel built for you, that forces traditions and norms that can leave you feeling like "this just isn't me!" Sometimes you feel that you need to take on roles & identities that are at odds with your authentic self. Do you feel like your family & friends just don't understand aspects of the true you? Has this led to feelings of disconnection & discontent? Do you strive for more community and calm in your life or simply just to wake up and feel like you really belong?
I am a sex +, kink +, non-monogamous/poly +, sex-worker, queer & trans-affirming therapist.
Do you ever feel not accepted for who you are? Do you sometimes feel lost, isolated or confused? That you step into a world that doesn't feel built for you, that forces traditions and norms that can leave you feeling like "this just isn't me!" Sometimes you feel that you need to take on roles & identities that are at odds with your authentic self. Do you feel like your family & friends just don't understand aspects of the true you? Has this led to feelings of disconnection & discontent? Do you strive for more community and calm in your life or simply just to wake up and feel like you really belong?
Stefanie Schlief
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, and welcomes humans of all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships, both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes or realizations. Together we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us.
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, and welcomes humans of all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships, both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes or realizations. Together we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us.
Desiree Hedberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
We provide a safe, sex-positive space for everyone, especially LGBTQ+ and gender-expansive individuals and the people in their lives.
Affirming Relationship Therapy provides a judgement-free space to work on helping people create more balance and calm in their lives and within their relationships. We help you connect with your authentic self and guide you on that journey. Together, we will work through changes, anxieties, or other stressors in a way that focuses on emotional well-being and growth. We'll use mindfulness, person-centered therapy, coupled with an attachment approach and emotionally focused therapy that fits your style - let us help you to get to where you envision yourself and your relationships at their best.
We provide a safe, sex-positive space for everyone, especially LGBTQ+ and gender-expansive individuals and the people in their lives.
Affirming Relationship Therapy provides a judgement-free space to work on helping people create more balance and calm in their lives and within their relationships. We help you connect with your authentic self and guide you on that journey. Together, we will work through changes, anxieties, or other stressors in a way that focuses on emotional well-being and growth. We'll use mindfulness, person-centered therapy, coupled with an attachment approach and emotionally focused therapy that fits your style - let us help you to get to where you envision yourself and your relationships at their best.
J J Julian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
I am a queer artist, activist and therapist. I believe deeply in healing, and my practice as a therapist is one way I use my own healing journey to inform and create space for others to explore theirs. I seek to center my work on empowering and supporting people in the LGBTQIA+ community navigating all the emotional work it takes to exist in an oppressive culture - anxiety, depression, relationships, sex, gender, substance use, family, housing, employment, etc. Whether directly or indirectly through my practice, I also work to uplift and center the empowerment of queer, trans*, Black, indigenous and people of color (QTBIPOC).
I am a queer artist, activist and therapist. I believe deeply in healing, and my practice as a therapist is one way I use my own healing journey to inform and create space for others to explore theirs. I seek to center my work on empowering and supporting people in the LGBTQIA+ community navigating all the emotional work it takes to exist in an oppressive culture - anxiety, depression, relationships, sex, gender, substance use, family, housing, employment, etc. Whether directly or indirectly through my practice, I also work to uplift and center the empowerment of queer, trans*, Black, indigenous and people of color (QTBIPOC).
Hope Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Felton, CA 95018 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy helping both individuals and couples to navigate the multi-directional obstacle course of life in order to help you feel more confident and connected. As a non-binary, gender expansive, masculine person I walk the middle ground of societies claim of male and female roles and intentions. I offer my experience to others to find their specific and unique understanding of their gender and sexuality. I am offering my lifetime of experience and intuition to assist others in finding their own path for living authentically.
I enjoy helping both individuals and couples to navigate the multi-directional obstacle course of life in order to help you feel more confident and connected. As a non-binary, gender expansive, masculine person I walk the middle ground of societies claim of male and female roles and intentions. I offer my experience to others to find their specific and unique understanding of their gender and sexuality. I am offering my lifetime of experience and intuition to assist others in finding their own path for living authentically.
Jonathan Boland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, MPH
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Online Only)
I work with all populations, but I specialize in trauma, EMDR, sexuality, and LGBTQ.
Are you struggling to reach your full potential? Do you feel like a prisoner of your past? Have traumatic events taken over your life? You're not alone. Life doesn’t have to be this way. I can guide you through the transformation of becoming who you were meant to be, stepping fully into your joy. I'll give you the courage you need to be your true authentic self, always. I’ve helped hundreds of people just like you radically transform their lives, including those healing from trauma and people who desire a healthier sexual relationship with themselves and with others. I’m passionate about assisting others reach their full potential.
I work with all populations, but I specialize in trauma, EMDR, sexuality, and LGBTQ.
Are you struggling to reach your full potential? Do you feel like a prisoner of your past? Have traumatic events taken over your life? You're not alone. Life doesn’t have to be this way. I can guide you through the transformation of becoming who you were meant to be, stepping fully into your joy. I'll give you the courage you need to be your true authentic self, always. I’ve helped hundreds of people just like you radically transform their lives, including those healing from trauma and people who desire a healthier sexual relationship with themselves and with others. I’m passionate about assisting others reach their full potential.
See more therapy options for Merced County
Sex Therapy
Who is sex therapy for?
Sex problems are common in relationships. Many people want a better sex life and want to feel loved and desired by their partner. It is difficult for couples to resolve sexual problems on their own because people often feel ashamed to talk about their sexual desires fearing they are not normal, when in fact a very broad range of preferences and behaviors are normal. A sex therapist can help clarify this and other matters.
Why do people need sex therapy?
Many people do not know how to talk about their erotic needs or their emotional needs, both of which are addressed in sex therapy. Couples often live with sexual difficulties for years before seeking help, and in that time, partners may experience so much disappointment and alienation that they may fear their problems mean they are incompatible. Once people experience disappointment, it is difficult to find resolution without help.
What happens in sex therapy?
People have many misconceptions about what takes place in sex therapy. First, it is a form of talk therapy in which partners discuss their sexual concerns; it does not involve touching or physical exploration of any kind. Sex therapy typically helps couples get comfortable talking to each other about sex so that, in the privacy of their home life, they can openly discuss their sexual desires and make decisions about what they want to do. Couples are typically assigned activities to do at home that build intimacy skills.
What kinds of problems do sex therapists treat?
Very often, partners differ in their degree of sexual desire and struggle over how often to have sex. Or they may have fights about porn use or have difficulty connecting sexually after one partner is unfaithful. Men may have problems with premature ejaculation. Women may find themselves struggling to become aroused or to achieve an orgasm. Sometimes partners feel like they have lost the sense of attraction to their partner. These are all common issues dealt with in sex therapy.