Nice to meet you!
ABOUT ME
I advocate for normalizing sexual curiosity and helping people find their own space for pleasure without shame, hopefully offering validation for those navigating or expanding their sexual lives.
My initial interest in psychotherapy started when I discovered social work. In my first graduate program for Urban and Regional Planning, our capstone project was a sustainability project for Jefferson County, Florida. A lot of the commissioners were looking for simple recommendations like, "Add a Wal-Mart near the I-10 interstate" but that was not what we gave them. Jefferson County had deep seated racial divides that created two very different realities for their residents but no one was having the conversations. This was the first time I realized I enjoyed having the hard conversations and it put me on the path to social work and the mental health profession.
But I wanted to work as a sex therapist since way before that. I have been a lifelong student of anything sexual. Movies, books, porn, academic journals, mental health—learning about sex and having sex are some of the most enjoyable experiences in my life. But most of us don't know about exciting possibilities until we learn from the experiences of others. The breadth of human experience does not exist in a vacuum, and this is especially true for human sexuality.


I found my sexuality before anyone knew to talk to me about sex—not that they would have even if they had known. I had to figure out a lot on my own. Much of it was clumsy, and some of it was painful, but it gave me experience. Through that experience, I gained resilience and even more curiosity. This is my privilege. I know not everyone has this space. I know not everyone can even imagine what that space looks like for them. I'd like to think that knowing and normalizing sex and pleasure can help people (1) want this space without shame, (2) begin to imagine this space, and (3) advocate for this space with others.
And even if, like me, you already move in sexual spaces with curiosity and ease, I hope you're able to give validation to the stories and experiences others share. That way, you can keep that sexual space secure. And who knows? Maybe you'll learn something new.
Areas of Specialization
Sexual Narratives
Trauma & Shame
BDSM, Ethical Non-Monogamy, & Kink Navigation
Grief & Bereavement
Counseling during a Recent Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Survivorship
A sexual narrative is the personal story we create about our sexual identity, desires, values, and experiences. It helps us make sense of our sexuality, understand our needs, and communicate them effectively in relationships. Having a clear and empowering sexual narrative fosters self-acceptance, enhances intimacy, and contributes to overall well-being.
Sex therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore and develop this narrative. By addressing challenges such as shame, trauma, or societal conditioning, a sex therapist can guide individuals in redefining their sexual story. This process promotes healing, empowers authenticity, and encourages the pursuit of pleasure and connection on one’s own terms.
Unresolved trauma and shame can deeply impact mental health, shaping how individuals see themselves, relate to others, and experience the world. These burdens often lead to anxiety, depression, and strained relationships, hindering emotional and sexual intimacy. Therapy helps individuals process trauma, build resilience, and reframe negative self-perceptions. By fostering self-compassion and emotional regulation, therapy lays the foundation for overall healing.
I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space for individuals and couples to navigate BDSM practices, ethical non-monogamy, and kink exploration. It helps clients understand their desires, establish boundaries, and communicate effectively with partners because when these elements are established early on, it helps to minimize painful and even dangerous exchanges later on. As a sex therapist, and active practitioner of BDSM, ENM, and other kinky activities, I guide clients in addressing common challenges, such as managing jealousy, navigating consent, and balancing power dynamics. I also provide tools and resources to explore these practices safely and ethically, while fostering self-awareness and reducing shame.
Through education, open dialogue, and emotional support, sex therapy empowers individuals to embrace their sexual authenticity and create fulfilling, consensual relationships aligned with their values and desires.
Grief and bereavement profoundly affect mental health, often leading to feelings of sadness, isolation, and disconnection. Left unaddressed, they can hinder emotional well-being and strain intimate relationships. Grief therapy provides a compassionate space to process loss, develop coping strategies, and rebuild a sense of purpose. It fosters healing by helping individuals navigate the emotional complexities of grief. Sex therapy complements this work by addressing how grief impacts sexual identity, intimacy, and desire. It helps individuals and couples reconnect, redefine intimacy, and honor the evolving needs of both body and mind. Together, these approaches support holistic healing and the restoration of a fulfilling life.
Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship brings profound physical, emotional, and relational challenges. Counseling provides vital support during this journey, addressing the anxiety, grief, and identity shifts that often accompany the experience. Therapy helps individuals process complex emotions, build resilience, and find meaning amid uncertainty. It fosters a sense of empowerment and helps manage the psychological impact of illness.
Sex therapy addresses the changes in body image, intimacy, and sexual functioning that often arise with cancer. By promoting open communication and exploring adaptive strategies, it helps individuals and couples reclaim connection and pleasure. Together, these therapeutic approaches create a holistic framework for healing, enabling individuals to thrive in both mental and sexual health despite the challenges of cancer.
My methods
EXPERIENCE
Narrative therapy
Narrative therapy is a collaborative approach that empowers individuals to reframe and rewrite their personal stories, separating themselves from problems to uncover strengths and create meaningful change.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach that integrates physical awareness and movement to help individuals process trauma, release tension, and restore emotional and physical balance.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that helps individuals accept difficult emotions, clarify personal values, and take committed actions toward a meaningful life.
Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a transformative approach that helps individuals understand and harmonize their inner parts, fostering self-compassion and healing by connecting with their core Self.
Trying my best to learn
EDUCATION
Florida State University
Bachelor's degree in History/Education
2005-2008
Master's degree in Social Work
2014-2016
Modern Sex Therapy Institutes
Sex Therapy Certification
2019-Present
Education
Licenses
ASWB Board license, 2019, FL
ASWB board license, 2022, CO
Certifications
Certified Shame-Informed Treatment Specialist (CSTS) Certification
2024-Present
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certification
2024-Present
The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
July 2024 - July 2027


Have any questions?
If you have any questions about the therapies, feel free to contact us.
My office
Telehealth &
In-office (TBD)
Contacts
michellelopez.lcsw@outlook.com
407.720.9789