A space to be
genuinely
seen.

At the heart of this work is a belief that when we are genuinely seen by another, something opens within us. We start to develop a capacity to know and love ourselves more fully which can transform our lives and our relationships.

Schedule a Free Consult

Individuals & CouplesIn-person in Ann Arbor and via secure telehealth throughout Michigan.

Certified Sex Therapist-SupervisorAASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Sex Therapy Supervisor.

Perimenopause & MenopauseHelping clients navigate midlife transitions and identity.

LGBTQIA+ AffirmingWelcoming LGBTQIA+, Queer, gender-expansive, and non-monogamous clients.

Areas of focus

What brings people
to this work

Each of us decides to start therapy for our own unique reasons. I bring both clinical insight and genuine connection to my work. I'll be honest with you, curious with you, and steady with you, particularly in the moments when things seem to feel least steady.

Sex Therapy

I provide a non-judgmental, evidence-informed space to explore your sexuality, address physical or relational barriers to intimacy, and reconnect with your own desires on your own terms.

Learn more →

Perimenopause & Menopause

Navigating the anxiety, mood shifts, brain fog, sleep disruption, and identity questions that accompany this stage.

Learn more →

Relationship Therapy

Helping partners reconnect with themselves and their relationship.

Learn more →

Trauma & Grief

Creating space to explore the many ways trauma and grief can impact our lives.

Learn more →

Whatever brought you here,you don’t have to leave any part of it at the door.

Ready to begin
a conversation?

The first step is a free 20 minute consultation. No paperwork, no pressure, and no obligation. Just a chance to see if we’re a good fit.

Schedule Your Free Consult

Hello, I’m
Valerie.

Psychotherapist & Certified Sex Therapist

Over more than three decades of clinical experience, I have been honored to help individuals and couples navigate the sometimes complex transitions of midlife. Many of the clients I work with have spent years, sometimes decades, attending to everyone else’s needs before their own. By the time they find their way to therapy, they’ve often minimized their own experiences so thoroughly that it can sometimes be difficult to even know what they long for, let alone how to tend to themselves. Learning to listen to their innermost needs in therapy can feel unfamiliar and almost self-indulgent.

It isn’t. The fatigue, the disconnection, the anxiety that arrived without warning, the relationship that used to feel solid and now feels strained, these experiences are important and they are worth attending to.

Schedule a Free Consult

How I work

The whole person, not just the presenting problem

Your very human struggles, your relationship strain, your grief, your trauma, these are often experienced as interrelated issues. Together we will explore the impact and understanding of where and how these aspects of life intersect and how healing and growth can happen.

Mind and body together

I bring somatic awareness and an understanding of the physiological dimensions of your experience into our work. The body holds what the mind sometimes can’t say, and therapy works best when close attention is given to both.

Collaborative and unhurried

I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. I draw on aspects of psychodynamic, insight-oriented, somatic approaches, EMDR, trauma-informed and relational therapy in my work with clients.

Education & Specializations

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Michigan

Bachelor of Arts, Kalamazoo College

Licensure & Certification

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Michigan

Certified Sex Therapist, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

Additional Training

SAFE EMDR Trained, Level 1, Personal Transformation Institute (PTI)

Professional Memberships

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

Working with people is
a privilege I don’t take lightly.

Whether you’re navigating something specific or simply feel that something needs to shift, I’d be glad to meet you where you are.

Areas of Specialty

What we can work through together

These specialties aren’t separate silos, they’re deeply interconnected. True healing often means holding more than one thread at a time.

Sex Therapy

Whether you are experiencing desire differences, low or absent desire, pain with sex, or a sense of disconnection from your partner or your own sexuality, there is a great deal that sex therapy can offer. Sex therapy is talk therapy with a specialized focus, and we move at a pace that feels right for you so you can reconnect with your own desires on your own terms. I welcome clients of all orientations and gender identities, including those in Queer and ethically non-monogamous relationships.

DesireArousalSexual painDesire differences

Perimenopause & Menopause

Hormonal transitions are profound emotional, relational, and neurological events. I work with clients to understand and navigate the mood shifts, anxiety, bodily changes, brain fog, sleep disruption, and identity questions that accompany this stage. While these experiences can feel disorienting at first, over time many clients come to see this transition as an invitation to step into a truer and more authentic version of themselves.

Body changesIdentity shiftsHormones & moodDesire changes

Relationship Therapy

Relationships carry a great deal, and they often falter not because people stop caring but because the language for what is happening gets lost. Couples therapy offers a structured, supported space for partners to hear each other differently, to surface what has been unspoken, and to work toward something that feels more alive.

I work with couples of all configurations and orientations, including those navigating desire differences, communication ruptures, infidelity, life transitions, and the slow drift of disconnection.

CommunicationDesire differencesReconnectionIntimacy

Trauma

Trauma held in the body doesn’t always announce itself clearly. It can show up as anxiety, numbness, relational patterns that don’t quite make sense, or pain that resurfaces during periods of hormonal or life transition. I use trauma-informed, somatic, and evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, to support healing at a pace that feels safe.

PTSDAnxietySomatic healingEMDREmotional regulation

Grief & Loss

Healing from grief is not about moving on or letting go. It is about integrating what we have lost into who we are becoming, finding ways to carry our loved ones within us through memory and meaning as we open ourselves to a new chapter. For those experiencing complicated or prolonged grief, where the weight of loss feels unrelenting and daily life feels unreachable, I offer a safe and steady space to begin finding your way back.

Grief is not only about death. It can be the loss of a relationship, the shifting roles we carry across a lifetime, a future you are reaching toward but can’t quite grasp, or a version of yourself you have lost touch with or long to discover. Together we can sit with ambiguous and unnamed grief, the kind that doesn’t come with a ceremony or a clear endpoint, so you can begin to envision what might come next.

LossLife transitionsAmbiguous griefIdentity

You’ve been taking care of
everyone else for a long time.

Whatever brought you here, curiosity, exhaustion, or simply a sense that it might be time, that’s enough. Let’s schedule a free 20 minute consultation to talk through what you are experiencing and figure out together whether we are a good match.

Free 20 Minute Consult

For therapists

Clinical
Supervision

As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor, I provide individual supervision to therapists pursuing AASECT certification in Sex Therapy (CST) and to medical and clinical professionals pursuing AASECT Certification in Sexuality Counseling. I also enjoy consulting with therapists who wish to develop greater confidence and depth to their work around sexual health matters.

I believe that supervision must hold space for vulnerable questions, honest uncertainty, and the humanity and humor that make this work a joy and a privilege.

Inquire About Supervision

AASECT Supervision

I provide clinical supervision for therapists and clinicians pursuing their AASECT certification in Sex Therapy (CST) or Sexuality Counseling (CSC). You can learn more about certification tracks and requirements at AASECT.org

Sex Therapy Consultation

I offer consultation for therapists who want to bring more depth and confidence to the way they address sexual health, desire, trauma, and attachment in their clinical work.

Frequently asked

Supervision questions

Who is supervision for?

Supervision is open to licensed therapists and clinical professionals at various stages of their careers. I work with clinicians pursuing their AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) credential, those working toward AASECT Certification in Sexuality Counseling (CSC), and therapists who want to bring greater depth and confidence to the way they address sexual health in their clinical work.

Do I need to be pursuing AASECT certification to work with you?

No. While I provide formal AASECT supervision for those on the certification track, I also offer consultation to therapists who simply want to grow their competence around sexual health topics without a specific credentialing goal.

How often do we meet, and what does a typical session look like?

Supervision sessions are typically held biweekly or monthly, depending on your needs and where you are in the certification process. Sessions are case-based and collaborative. We review clinical material, explore conceptualization, and work through the questions and challenges that come up in your practice.

Is supervision available via telehealth?

Yes. Individual supervision is available via secure telehealth throughout Michigan and in person in Ann Arbor.

What theoretical orientations do you supervise from?

My own approach is integrative, trauma informed, and relational. Supervision is about supporting your development in your own voice, and I welcome therapists with a range of theoretical backgrounds.

What should I look for in choosing a supervisor?

A good supervision relationship requires trust, honesty, and a willingness to be vulnerable about the places where your clinical work feels uncertain. I’d encourage you to have an initial conversation with any prospective supervisor to see whether the fit feels right. You should feel both supported and gently challenged.

How do I get started?

The simplest next step is to reach out by email or through the contact page. Let me know a bit about where you are in your training or career and what you are looking for, and we can schedule a brief conversation to see if we are a good fit.

Reading & Resources

Books, providers, &
trusted information

A curated collection of books, clinicians, organizations, and health information I recommend to clients navigating midlife, menopause, intimacy, trauma, and identity.

Nationally recognized clinicians in
sexual health

Corinne Menn, DO, FACOG, MSCP

Board-certified OB/GYN, Menopause Specialist

Breast cancer survivorship, menopause management, and sexual health after cancer.drmenn.com

Rachel Rubin, MD, IF, NCMP

Board-certified Urologist, Fellowship-trained Sexual Medicine Specialist

Sexual function for all genders, pelvic pain, menopause care, and vulvar conditions.rachelrubinmd.com

Kelly Casperson, MD

Board-certified Urologist, Author of You Are Not Broken

Sexual wellness, vaginal health, and hormone optimization for women in midlife.kellycaspersonmd.com

Naomi Potter, MD

Menopause Specialist, Coauthor of Menopausing

Perimenopause, menopause, and sexual wellness. Founder of Menopause Care.menopausecare.co.uk

Vonda Wright, MD, MS

Double Board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine

Musculoskeletal aging, bone health, hormones, and joint function in active women.drvondawright.com

Fenwa Famakinwa Milhouse, MD

Board-certified Urologist, Founder of Down There Urology

Female pelvic medicine, urogynecology, and sexual health.downthereurology.com

Mary Claire Haver, MD, FACOG

Board-certified OB/GYN, Menopause Specialist, Author of The New Menopause

Evidence-based menopause education, hormones, and midlife advocacy.thepauselife.com

Jen Gunter, MD

Board-certified OB/GYN, Pain Medicine Specialist, Author of The Menopause Manifesto

Hormones, vaginal health, and evidence-based public health education.drjengunter.com

Jill Krapf, MD

Board-certified OB/GYN, Fellowship-trained in Sexual Medicine

Vulvar pain, vulvar dermatology, and pelvic pain conditions.jillkrapfmd.com

Susan Kellogg Spadt, PhD, CRNP, IF

Certified Nurse Practitioner, Sex Counselor

Pelvic pain, vulvodynia, and sexual health.susankelloggspadt.com

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor PT can address concerns such as pelvic pain, pelvic floor muscle spasms or weakness, urinary incontinence, and pain with intercourse.

APTA Pelvic HealthFind a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapistaptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator

Agate Core TherapyDr. Liesle Elsey. Brighton, MI. Pelvic floor PT specializing in pelvic pain and runners.agatecoretherapy.com

Resilient Root Wellness and Physical TherapyDr. Bridget McDermott-Kane. Ann Arbor, MI. Pelvic floor PT specializing in pelvic floor pain and pain with sex.resilientrootphysicaltherapy.com

Healing Hands Physical TherapyAnn Arbor, MI.physicaltherapyannarbor.com

Organizations & Resources

The Menopause Society (Formerly NAMS)Education and advocacy for menopause caremenopause.org

International Menopause SocietyGlobal menopause research and advocacyimsociety.org

Redefining MenopauseCommunity and educationredefiningmenopause.org

Let’s Talk MenopauseAwareness and educationletstalkmenopause.org

My AlloyTelehealth menopause caremyalloy.com

Midi HealthMenopause and midlife healthjoinmidi.com

Bonafide / RevereeVaginal moisturizerhellobonafide.com

The M Factor Menopause Care DirectoryVerified provider directory for menopause-informed cliniciansmenopausecaredirectory.com

OMG YESA research-based site dedicated to understanding the specific ways different women find pleasure.omgyes.com

Good Clean LoveProducts for vaginal moisture and lubricationgoodcleanlove.com

National Vulvodynia AssociationEducation, support, and advocacy for those affected by vulvodynianva.org

Lichen Sclerosus Support NetworkResources, community, and education for those living with lichen sclerosuslssupportnetwork.org

Specific Health Concerns

Understanding what is happening in your body can be a powerful first step. These are some of the conditions that commonly arise during perimenopause and menopause.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

A collection of symptoms affecting the vulva, vagina, clitoris, and lower urinary tract due to declining estrogen levels. Affects up to 50 to 70% of postmenopausal women. It is a progressive condition that worsens without treatment and does not improve on its own after menopause. Estrogen maintains the health, thickness, and elasticity of vaginal and urinary tissues. Without it, these tissues become thin, dry, and fragile.

Common symptoms:

Vaginal dryness • Burning and irritation • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) • Vaginal atrophy • Changes in labia majora (atrophy) and labia minora (reabsorption) • Urinary urgency, frequency, and waking at night • Recurrent UTIs • Loss of vaginal elasticity and lubrication

Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse)

Persistent or recurrent pain during sexual intercourse. Common during perimenopause and menopause, affecting 30 to 45% of postmenopausal women. Directly related to GSM and vaginal atrophy. Can also be a symptom of other conditions such as vulvodynia and lichen sclerosus. Primarily due to estrogen deficiency causing vaginal dryness, thinning of vaginal walls, loss of elasticity, and reduced blood flow to genital tissues. Pelvic floor muscle tension can also contribute.

Common symptoms:

Pain at vaginal entry (superficial) • Deep pain during penetration • Burning, tearing, or aching sensations • Pain that continues after intercourse • May be accompanied by bleeding due to tissue fragility

Vulvodynia

Chronic vulvar pain or discomfort lasting at least three months without an identifiable cause such as infection, skin disease, or cancer. Can be triggered or worsened by hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen decline may increase nerve sensitivity in vulvar tissues. May overlap with GSM symptoms. The exact cause is unknown, but theories include nerve injury or irritation, hormonal changes, genetic factors, and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Common symptoms:

Burning, stinging, rawness, or aching in the vulvar area • May be constant or triggered by touch (provoked vulvodynia) • Pain during intercourse, tampon insertion, or sitting • Can affect specific areas (localized) or the entire vulva (generalized)

Lichen Sclerosus

A chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes thin, white, patchy skin, primarily affecting the genital and anal areas. Estrogen deficiency may contribute to development or worsening. Distinct from GSM but can coexist with it, and requires ongoing management. Likely autoimmune in nature, though the exact cause is unknown. Hormonal changes during menopause may trigger or exacerbate the condition in susceptible individuals.

Common symptoms:

White, patchy skin in genital area • Severe itching (often worst at night) • Skin fragility, easy bruising or tearing • Pain during intercourse • Changes in vulvar architecture • Small risk of progressing to vulvar cancer if untreated

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

A condition in which the pelvic organs descend from their normal position due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue. Estrogen decline during perimenopause and menopause contributes to loss of tissue strength and elasticity in the pelvic floor. Childbirth, aging, chronic straining, and genetic factors also play a role. Prolapse exists on a spectrum, and many people have some degree of it without knowing.

Common symptoms:

A sensation of heaviness, pressure, or “something falling” in the pelvic area • Lower back aching that worsens with standing or activity • Difficulty with bladder or bowel emptying • Discomfort or changed sensation during intercourse • Visible or palpable tissue bulging at the vaginal opening • Symptoms that tend to worsen over the course of the day

Genital and Pelvic Pain

A broad category of pain in the pelvic region, including the vulva, vagina, uterus, bladder, or surrounding structures. Estrogen loss affects tissue health, nerve function, and pelvic floor muscles. May result from multiple overlapping conditions such as GSM, vulvodynia, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Changes in pelvic organ support and prolapse can also cause pain.

Common symptoms:

Chronic or intermittent pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen, or genital area • Pain may be deep, sharp, aching, or burning • May worsen with physical activity, intercourse, or urination • Can be accompanied by urinary or bowel symptoms

Frozen Shoulder and Joint Pain

A condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, with progressive loss of range of motion. Estrogen may play a protective role in joint capsule health. Studies show 3 to 5 times higher risk in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Estrogen deficiency may affect inflammation and fibrosis in the shoulder capsule, collagen structure and joint capsule flexibility, and healing and tissue remodeling processes.

Common symptoms:

Gradual onset of shoulder pain and stiffness • Progressive loss of active and passive range of motion • Difficulty with overhead activities and reaching behind back • Pain often worse at night, affecting sleep

Erectile and Desire Changes in Midlife

Changes in erection, arousal, and desire are common in midlife and can be influenced by gradual testosterone decline, cardiovascular changes, medication side effects, stress, and relational dynamics. These shifts often coincide with a partner’s own midlife transition, and the interplay between both partners’ experiences can quietly reshape a couple’s intimate life. Erectile and desire changes are highly treatable and respond well to a combination of medical evaluation, lifestyle adjustments, and therapeutic support.

Common symptoms:

Erections that are less firm or less reliable than before • Longer refractory periods between arousal • Decreased spontaneous desire or interest in sex • Changes in orgasm intensity • Fatigue, mood shifts, or reduced confidence that affect sexual engagement • Avoidance of intimacy due to performance concerns

Resource list curated by Valerie Wood, LMSW, CST-S

What’s on your mind?

Questions clients
often have

If something is on your mind that you don’t see here, please reach out. No question is too small.

What is the free consult, and what should I expect?

The free 20 minute consultation is a phone or video call, not a therapy session. It is a chance for us to talk briefly about what you are looking for and answer any questions you might have about my practice to see if we might be a good fit. There is no paperwork and no obligation.

What can I expect in a first session?

A first session is mostly about getting to know each other. I will ask about what brought you in, a bit about your history and current situation, and what you are hoping for from therapy. There is no pressure to share anything before you are ready, and we move at a pace that feels right for you.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. I offer secure telehealth sessions throughout Michigan. Many clients find that telehealth offers a level of convenience and privacy that actually supports the work, particularly when discussing intimate topics. In-person sessions are available at my Ann Arbor office.

Do you take insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. I am happy to provide a Superbill, which is a detailed receipt with procedure and diagnostic codes that you can submit to your insurance company. Before your first session, it is worth calling your insurer to ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits and whether a deductible applies.

What is your approach to therapy?

My approach is collaborative, meaning we will work together to understand what is getting in the way and what might help, rather than me handing you a set of prescribed steps. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. I draw on aspects of psychodynamic, insight-oriented, somatic approaches, EMDR, trauma-informed and relational therapy in my work with clients.

Is sex therapy the same as regular therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialized form of talk therapy and does not involve physical contact of any kind. It is psychotherapy with a specific focus on sexual concerns drawing on evidence-based techniques and frameworks developed for this area. Certified Sex Therapists have completed additional supervised training and certification through AASECT beyond their clinical licensure.

Do you work with LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples?

Yes, wholeheartedly. My practice is affirming and welcoming of all genders, orientations, and relationship configurations, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, dyads or couples, and people in open or ethically non-monogamous relationships.

Is what I share in therapy confidential?

Yes. Everything discussed in our sessions is protected by professional ethics and Michigan law. I will not share information about you or your treatment without your written consent, with the following exceptions that I am legally required to act on:

• If there is reason to believe a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected
• If you disclose a credible intention to harm yourself or another person
• If I receive a court order for your records

Before we begin working together, you will receive a full Privacy Practices document that explains all of this in more detail.

Still have questions? I am happy to hear from you.

Reach out

Let’s start a
conversation.

The simplest next step is a free 20 minute consultation. The best way to reach me is by email with a brief note about what you are looking for. Low-pressure, no paperwork, and a genuine chance to see if we are a good fit for each other.

Get in Touch

LocationAnn Arbor
Telehealth throughout Michigan

Emailvaleriewood@valeriewood.com

Voicemail(734) 489-9148

A note on communicationEmail is not a confidential form of communication. Please do not include sensitive clinical information in an initial message. A brief note about what you are looking for is all that is needed.

Response timeI typically respond within 1 to 2 business days. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Website Policy

Privacy
Policy

Last updated: March 2026

This privacy policy explains how valeriewood.com collects, uses, and protects information when you visit this website. This policy applies to the website only and does not replace the Notice of Privacy Practices you will receive as part of the intake process if you become a client.

Information this website collects

This website does not use intake forms, client portals, or scheduling tools that collect protected health information (PHI). If you contact me by email through this site, I will receive whatever information you choose to include in your message, such as your name and email address. I do not collect or store sensitive health information through this website.

Like most websites, this site may automatically collect basic technical information such as your browser type, device type, approximate geographic location, pages visited, and the date and time of your visit. This information is collected by the hosting platform and is used to understand general site traffic. It is not linked to your identity.

How your information is used

Any information you provide by email is used solely to respond to your inquiry. I do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Email and confidentiality

Email is not a confidential form of communication. If you contact me by email, please keep your message brief and avoid including sensitive clinical information. A short note about what you are looking for is all that is needed. If we begin working together, all clinical communication will take place through secure, HIPAA-compliant channels.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please do not email. Call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Cookies and tracking

This website may use cookies, which are small text files stored on your device to help the site function properly and to understand how visitors use the site. You can adjust your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer.

Third-party links

This website contains links to external websites, including provider directories, organizations, and other resources. I am not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. I encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing them with any personal information.

Notice of Privacy Practices

If you become a client, you will receive a full Notice of Privacy Practices at intake that explains how your protected health information is used, disclosed, and safeguarded in accordance with HIPAA and Michigan law. That document governs all clinical information and is separate from this website privacy policy.

Changes to this policy

I may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated date.

Questions

If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact me at valeriewood@valeriewood.com

A space to begenuinelyseen.

What brings peopleto this work

Sex Therapy

Perimenopause & Menopause

Relationship Therapy

Trauma & Grief

Ready to begina conversation?

Hello, I’mValerie.

The whole person, not just the presenting problem

Mind and body together

Collaborative and unhurried

Education

Licensure & Certification

Additional Training

Professional Memberships

Working with people isa privilege I don’t take lightly.

What we can work through together

Sex Therapy

Perimenopause & Menopause

Relationship Therapy

Trauma

Grief & Loss

You’ve been taking care ofeveryone else for a long time.

ClinicalSupervision

AASECT Supervision

Sex Therapy Consultation

Supervision questions

Books, providers, &trusted information

Nationally recognized clinicians insexual health

Questions clientsoften have

Let’s start aconversation.

PrivacyPolicy

A space to be
genuinely
seen.

What brings people
to this work

Ready to begin
a conversation?

Hello, I’m
Valerie.

Working with people is
a privilege I don’t take lightly.

You’ve been taking care of
everyone else for a long time.

Clinical
Supervision

Books, providers, &
trusted information

Nationally recognized clinicians in
sexual health

Questions clients
often have

Let’s start a
conversation.

Privacy
Policy