Meet Deana Tolstunov, LMFTA

I specialize in providing collaborative and impactful psychotherapy that supports clients through identity development, gender and sexuality exploration, relationship transitions and discernment, trauma work, and deepening intimacy, desire, and sex while addressing the shame and stigma often surrounding such topics. My training in the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy and Sex Therapy makes me an excellent fit for highly motivated individuals, couples, and 2+ relationships ready to get their hands dirty. Therapy is a powerful and transformative tool for exploring our most intimate emotional landscapes, desires, dreams, and fears. Wherever you are in your journey to healing, let’s work together to help you create lasting, positive change.

As your therapist, I offer an authentic, nonjudgmental, compassionate, direct, and resourceful presence. My approach is person-centered, curious, and collaborative, with room for laughter and silliness when it feels right. This can look like helping you get to the heart of an issue, assigning homework, or challenging negative beliefs that may not be serving you anymore. You are the expert on your life, and I am honored to take an active role in supporting your path toward healing and authenticity. I strive to provide trauma-informed and culturally empathetic therapy with a foundation rooted in HAES (Health at Every Size) principles, sex worker alignment, and advocacy for BIPOC and erotically marginalized populations, including the LGBTQ+,  kink, and polyamorous communities. As a white, Jewish, queer, non-binary femme and the child of immigrants, I understand how important cultural identity is. I will work with you to explore what identities are most salient for you.

My passion for learning, connecting with people, and getting to the root of things led me from teaching sex education to practicing sex therapy, where deeper exploration is central. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, jumping in the lake in all seasons, and cooking elaborate meals with my community. 

Finding the right therapist can be challenging. I encourage you to schedule a free 20-minute consult here to see if we're a good fit. If we’re not, I’d be happy to provide you with external referrals.