Vanessa Center, LPCC, LPC-S, NCC, ACS
Serving Clients in California, Oregon, and Nevada
Counseling Services
I approach my work from a foundation of acceptance and understanding, regardless of where you are in your exploration of sexuality, relationships, or self-empowerment. In my practice, I've found that a sex-positive approach enhances our work across all areas of life, promoting self-acceptance and authenticity. While this perspective informs my practice, I'm equally skilled in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, and life transitions, tailoring our sessions to address your unique needs and concerns. My aim is to create a space where you feel safe bringing every facet of yourself to our conversations, knowing you'll always be met with compassion, empathy, and steadfast support as you work towards living your most fulfilling and genuine life.
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I offer telehealth counseling sessions to clients located in California, Oregon, and Nevada. Each session is 50 minutes long, priced at $175.
Therapy from a Sex-Positive Lens
Sex-positive therapy is rooted in a deep respect for the diverse ways people experience and express their sexuality. This approach recognizes that all consensual expressions of sexuality are valid and worthy of understanding. In a sex-positive therapeutic environment, clients are free to explore all aspects of themselves without fear of judgment or shame.
This form of therapy creates a space where all identities, orientations, and relationship styles are welcome. Whether someone is navigating sexual identity, grappling with questions about desire, or simply looking for a therapist who understands varied relationships, sex-positive therapy offers a platform for listening, support, and clarity.
Importantly, sex-positive therapy extends beyond discussing sexual matters—it acknowledges the importance of one's sexual self in the context of overall well-being. Even if sexuality is never directly addressed in sessions, the therapeutic approach remains grounded in inclusivity and understanding. This creates an environment where clients can feel fully seen and validated, whether they're seeking to deepen their understanding of desires, looking for guidance on relationships, or simply wanting to feel accepted for who they are.
Alternative Relationships
Alternative relationships encompass a range of relationship structures and practices that differ from traditional monogamy. These primarily include consensual non-monogamous arrangements and relationships involving kink or BDSM practices. Consensual non-monogamy can take various forms, such as polyamory (maintaining multiple romantic relationships with the knowledge and consent of all involved), open relationships (where partners agree to engage in sexual or romantic relationships with others), or swinging (couples exchanging partners or engaging in group sexual activities).
Kink and BDSM relationships involve consensual exploration of power dynamics, unconventional sexual practices, or specific fetishes. These relationship structures can be fluid and often involve high levels of communication, negotiation, and mutual agreement among all parties involved.
Therapy inclusive of alternative relationships provides support for those exploring non-traditional dynamics, including kink, fetish, and consensual non-monogamy. This approach creates a judgment-free space where polyamory, BDSM, and other forms of alternative relationship or sexual expression are respected and understood. Kink-aware therapy recognizes these practices as healthy and valid when consensual and safe, addressing topics such as power dynamics, managing multiple partners, and balancing everyday life with alternative relationships.
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Individuals in alternative relationships face unique challenges, including overcoming mononormative bias, managing jealousy, improving communication skills, negotiating boundaries with partners, and navigating societal judgment. People in alternative relationships may struggle with openly sharing their relationship structure due to stigma. While some issues can be addressed through solution-focused therapy, narrative or holistic techniques often prove beneficial for exploring long-standing patterns and beliefs.
The therapeutic journey for those in alternative relationships frequently centers on understanding internal processes, addressing internalized shame, and clarifying personal desires. By working through these feelings, clients can come to terms with their choices and develop greater self-acceptance. Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals to create and maintain relationships that align with their authentic selves, fostering fulfillment and emotional well-being despite societal norms or expectations.
Sexual Empowerment
Sexual empowerment is the process of reclaiming one's right to feel confident, safe, and fulfilled in their body and desires. It involves breaking free from shame, societal pressure, or past trauma that may have hindered an individual's ability to fully embrace their sexuality. This journey is deeply personal and can encompass understanding one's desires more fully, healing from negative experiences, or discovering new facets of one's sexuality.
When a person feels sexually unaligned or disempowered, they may experience a range of challenges that impact their overall well-being. These can include feelings of depression, a sense of being unfulfilled, or questioning their own feelings and desires. Some individuals might struggle with low self-esteem, difficulty in relationships, or a disconnection from their own bodies. Others may find themselves grappling with anxiety around sexual experiences or a persistent sense of shame related to their desires or sexual identity.
It's important to recognize that these feelings and experiences are valid and common. Many people struggle with aspects of their sexuality due to societal norms, past experiences, or internalized beliefs. Feeling confused, conflicted, or uncertain about one's
sexual self is a normal part of the human experience, especially in a world that often sends mixed messages about sexuality and relationships.
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Sex-positive therapy offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore these feelings and work towards sexual empowerment. This therapeutic approach aims to help individuals build confidence, challenge limiting beliefs, and create a stronger sense of self-love and acceptance. Through sex-positive counseling, clients can work on feeling more at ease with their bodies, more confident in their sexual expression, and more aware of their own boundaries and needs. The process might involve learning new ways to communicate with partners, exploring personal desires without judgment, or giving oneself permission to feel pleasure. By addressing these aspects, sex-positive therapy contributes to a holistic view of mental health, supporting individuals in connecting with their true selves and experiencing the joy and freedom that comes with genuine sexual empowerment.