I truly believe in the healing power of connection and relationship. I specialize in supporting people with marginalized sexualities and relationships, including kink/BDSM, polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and general concerns with sex / sexual desire. I understand how strong the shame can be here; my main priority is making sure you feel deeply heard, understood, and accepted. Not just by me, but by all parts of yourself as well. My hope is to help clients fully integrate these parts, even (and especially) the hidden ones, to experience more fulfilling lives and relationships.
My main approach to therapy is person-centered: I see you as the expert in your own life, and seek to build a collaborative, equal relationship with you in the healing process. Honestly, I believe the therapeutic relationship in and of itself is the most powerful healing tool we have. Within that relationship, I also use mindfulness, depth, attachment-based, and harm-reduction interventions to help you deepen your insight, clarify your values, and make changes in pursuit of a more authentic life.
I spent the first chapter of my career in crisis stabilization at a substance use center, where I honed my experience with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use– I’ve found these mental health experiences touch all of us in some capacity. I then sought additional training and supervision specific to sexually-marginalized identities, and have been passionate about supporting these communities in private practice work since 2020.
Bernadette Parfenoff, M.Ed., LCPC (she/hers)
Owner & Psychotherapist