Valerie McDonnell, LCSW

Valerie McDonnell, LCSW Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Valerie McDonnell, LCSW, Therapist, 2567 Homeview Drive, Richmond, VA.

RISE Relationship Therapy & Training Services provides inclusive trauma-informed s*x therapy to individuals and couples as well as professional trainings virtually and in person.

A lot of couples don’t fall out of love.They fall into logistics mode.In Episode 5 of The RISE to Intimacy Podcast, I sh...
02/12/2026

A lot of couples don’t fall out of love.

They fall into logistics mode.

In Episode 5 of The RISE to Intimacy Podcast, I share the RISE model - the framework I use to help couples rebuild emotional closeness and s*xual connection after things have felt off for a long time.

Because here’s the truth:

When your nervous system is overwhelmed, desire doesn’t disappear because something is wrong with you.

It shuts down because your body is in protection mode.

If you’ve been feeling more like roommates instead of lovers, or if s*x now feels awkward and you’re unsure how to start reconnecting, then this episode is for you.

🎙️ Listen now to Episode 5!

*xtherapy

Secure attachment isn’t built overnight.It’s built through consistency. When your partner shows up steady, attuned, and ...
02/03/2026

Secure attachment isn’t built overnight.

It’s built through consistency.

When your partner shows up steady, attuned, and responsive, your nervous system starts to relax.

Not because everything is perfect - but because it’s predictable and safe.

That’s how trust is relearned.

That’s how intimacy becomes possible again.

🎙️ Episode 4 breaks down what secure attachment actually looks like in real relationships - and why nervous system regulation matters more than most couples realize.

Listen now!

🔗 Link in bio

In Episode 3 of The RISE to Intimacy Podcast, I break down:S*xless relationships The difference between consent and coer...
02/01/2026

In Episode 3 of The RISE to Intimacy Podcast, I break down:

S*xless relationships

The difference between consent and coercion

Why emotional regulation is the missing piece no one talks about

How avoidance, fear, resentment, and pressure quietly kill desire

Healing s*xual disconnection doesn’t start with s*x.

It starts with safety.

🎙️ Episode 3 is live now!

*xlessmarriage *xtherapy

Consent requires more than words. It requires a regulated nervous system and the capacity to stay present when emotions ...
02/01/2026

Consent requires more than words.

It requires a regulated nervous system and the capacity to stay present when emotions rise.

*xtherapy

S*x therapy isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about understanding what your nervous system, your body, and your relationshi...
02/01/2026

S*x therapy isn’t about “fixing” you.

It’s about understanding what your nervous system, your body, and your relationship have been trying to say all along.

Avoidance becomes a habit that’s all too easy to pursue.

It may feel safer in the moment.

But turning toward every part of yourself and changing the patterns that keep you stuck, takes real courage.

❤️

01/30/2026

When s*x feels like pressure, obligation, or performance, your nervous system will protect you by shutting desire down.

Trauma-informed s*x therapy helps the body relearn safety first, because pleasure and connection can’t exist where fear lives.

Check out episode 2 of The RISE to Intimacy podcast to learn more about trauma-informed s*x therapy.

If s*x feels stressful or disconnected, it’s not because you’re broken or destined to be a “bad lover.” It’s often becau...
01/27/2026

If s*x feels stressful or disconnected, it’s not because you’re broken or destined to be a “bad lover.”

It’s often because your nervous system learned to stay guarded long before it learned how to relax into pleasure.

In episode one of The RISE to Intimacy Podcast, I break down:

Why low desire isn’t a personal flaw.

Why erectile issues are almost never about attraction.

How social conditioning quietly shapes our capacity for s*xual expression.

And what actually helps couples reconnect, without pressure or performance.

This is where we stop blaming ourselves and start understanding what’s really happening.

🎙️Episode 1 is live now.

Link in bio.

The RISE to Intimacy podcast launches January 27th! You can find it on Spotify, Apple, YouTube and most listening platfo...
01/17/2026

The RISE to Intimacy podcast launches January 27th!

You can find it on Spotify, Apple, YouTube and most listening platforms.

I hope you’ll check it out and give me a review if you enjoy the show.

The first season will cover topics such as what is s*x therapy and who is it for, how to reconnect with your partner when you have low desire for intimacy, how to repair conflict so you can end in resolution versus resentment, how to have a healthy relationship after trauma, dating in this AI world, and much more!

I sincerely appreciate all of you and am excited to share the podcast with you!


rvapodcast rvatherapist

As you begin the new year, I hope you will take time to reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome, the lessons your diff...
01/04/2026

As you begin the new year, I hope you will take time to reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome, the lessons your difficulties have shed light on, and the people who stood by your side in your darkest times. I hope you’ll see that while life throws us many obstacles, we always have the choice in how we respond to these challenges. Will you see them as a reflection of your character or take them as signs to stop pursuing your dreams? Or, will you see them as valuable teaching moments that are there to help you see a better direction to take or to discover a new route that will lead you down the path of success? I hope the new year brings you joy, happiness, success, but mostly peace. And if you’re looking for support with your relationship, fill out the “Contact Me” form at risetointimacy.com and I’ll be in touch with you soon! Thanks for your continued support and I can’t wait to help you find and cultivate the intimate relationship of your dreams! ❤️

Full force into podcast production for the RISE to Intimacy podcast! My podcast will be launching in the new year and I’...
11/03/2025

Full force into podcast production for the RISE to Intimacy podcast!

My podcast will be launching in the new year and I’ll be discussing things like how to communicate in a way that ends in resolution vs resentment, how to tackle the differences in your desire level with your partner, and focusing a lot on the magical skill of emotional regulation when helping you create a fulfilling emotional and physical relationship, amongst many other topics related to trauma-informed s*x therapy.

I can’t wait to share this new journey with you so please stay tuned for more details as the new year approaches.

Thanks so much for your support!

Ever wonder why you react the way you do in relationships? 🤔 Whether it’s feeling insecure, pulling away, or seeking con...
03/25/2025

Ever wonder why you react the way you do in relationships? 🤔 Whether it’s feeling insecure, pulling away, or seeking constant reassurance, your attachment style plays a major role in how you connect with your partner. 💞

Our earliest relationships—often with our caregivers—shape how we experience love, security, and intimacy. These patterns follow us into adulthood, influencing the way we communicate, handle conflict, and express emotional needs.

The good news? 🌟 Your attachment style isn’t set in stone. With awareness, emotional regulation, and the right tools, you can break unhealthy cycles and build a more secure, fulfilling relationship.

💬 Drop a ❤️ if you’re ready to transform your love life by understanding your attachment style! And check out my latest blog to dive deeper into this fascinating topic. 🔗

I’m thrilled to announce our new name, RISE Relationship Therapy & Training Services! 🎉At RISE, we help you:- Reconnect-...
03/17/2025

I’m thrilled to announce our new name, RISE Relationship Therapy & Training Services! 🎉

At RISE, we help you:
- Reconnect
- Improve
- Strengthen and
- Enrich your relationships

RISE works with individuals and couples and offers trauma- informed therapy as well as s*x therapy and coaching services. 👩‍❤️‍👨

For professionals and organizations, we offer trainings on topics such as:
- Creating a trauma-informed workplace
- How trauma impacts romantic relationships
- How to work with non-monogamous clients
- How to incorporate s*x therapy in couples counseling

At RISE, we pride ourselves on helping you build deeper connections, create fulfilling intimate relationships, and develop lasting pleasure for a lifetime! ❤️

Please check out our extensive list of free resources at www.risetointimacy.com or book a complimentary consultation with us today! 📅

Just head over to the link in our bio. We can’t wait to meet you! 🙏🏼

❤️

Address

2567 Homeview Drive
Richmond, VA
23294

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm

Website

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