Certified Sex Therapist offering teletherapy in CALIFORNIA
Couples Therapy & Sex Therapy for ANYONE Ready to Rebuild, Reconnect, and Reclaim Intimacy
A compassionate space where you can deepen your emotional and sexual connection, heal what's been broken, and grow together in ways that truly honor who you are, your values, your identities, and the unique journey you're on, both individually and as a couple.
Dr. Adrian Scharfetter, PhD, LMFT, CST-S
License # 113824
intimacy issues
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mixed libido
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communication issues
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sexual health
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Desire Mismatch
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Decreased sexual function
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BDSM and kink affirming
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Boundaries
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intimacy issues ◇ mixed libido ◇ communication issues ◇ sexual health ◇ Desire Mismatch ◇ Decreased sexual function ◇ BDSM and kink affirming ◇ Boundaries ◇
I am very glad you are here!
My goal is to help you reconnect, with yourself, with each other, and with what truly matters in your relationship.
If you're feeling stuck, distant, or unsure of the path forward, couples therapy can become a place where healing happens, closeness returns, and hope is renewed.
I work with all types of clients, including:
✓ Individuals seeking clarity and meaning around their
sexual health and needs
✓ Monogamous and non-monogamous partnerships
✓ LGBTQIA+ and queer couples navigating relationships
✓ Long-term and newly committed relationships
✓ Couples exploring kink, polyamory, or open relationships/ENM
✓ Partners navigating parenting, neurodiversity, or life transitions
✓ Individuals and couples in alternative lifestyles or cultures
✓ Individuals who feel they are dealing with “sex addiction,” “porn
addiction,” and out of control sexual behavior
Common Challenges Include:
Communication breakdowns and conflict cycles
Mismatched desire and sexual disconnection
Infidelity, betrayal trauma, and ruptured trust
Performance anxiety, shame, or body-based barriers
Negotiating non-monogamy or new relationship agreements
Emotional distance, resentment, or loss of passion
Rebuilding intimacy after a rupture
Building better boundaries in your relationship
Other Services I offer:
my APPROACH
My work is rooted in respect, connection, and sustainable growth. I draw from:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): to shift negative interaction patterns
Internal Family Systems (IFS): to explore the “parts” each partner brings
Sex Therapy: to reignite erotic connection, pleasure, and safety
Nonviolent Communication (NVC): to foster understanding and empathy
Psychoeducation: to build shared language, insight, and skills
I help you move from stuckness to clarity, from defensiveness to empathy, from disconnect to deeper connection.
“Dr. Scharfetter helped us reconnect during a time when intimacy felt hard. The approach felt gentle but effective, and we appreciated how much emphasis there was on safety, communication, and understanding, not pressure. We’re really grateful for the experience.”
Why Choose me for couples work or Individual work?
Credentials & Expertise
I'm an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist (CST) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience helping individuals and couples navigate their most intimate challenges. My approach is both evidence-based and deeply human, I bring specialized training in LGBTQ-affirming care, ethical non-monogamy, and kink-positive therapy, ensuring you feel seen and supported exactly as you are.
How I Work
My practice integrates relational, emotional, and somatic approaches to help you heal on multiple levels. I offer flexible session formats, including traditional weekly therapy and immersive Couples Intensives (3-hour, 6-hour, and multi-day options) for those seeking concentrated, transformative work. For clients interested in deeper therapeutic exploration, I also provide Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAP) for both individuals and couples.
What Sets This Work Apart
Beyond my training and credentials, what I bring to our work together is genuine warmth, empathetic understanding, and a commitment to creating real connection. I'm passionate about this work, and my clients consistently share that they feel truly heard and supported in our sessions.
THE PROCESS:
Your Relationship Deserves This Care
You don’t have to keep circling the same arguments or living with distance. Whether you're repairing, redefining, or reigniting your connection, couples therapy can be the turning point. Here are the three steps to take to get started!
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Book a consult call by scheduling here
You can also read my new client FAQ here for all important information
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We have a brief consult to go over any important questions or concerns
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From our consult we can set up our first introduction session to start our work together
Meet your TherapistI’M DR. ADRIAN SCHARFETTER
If you're feeling disconnected, from your partner, your sexuality, or even yourself, I want you to know you're not alone. So many people I work with come in feeling stuck in patterns they can't quite put into words, carrying quiet shame or frustration around intimacy, communication, or desire. I truly get it. Not just as a therapist, but as someone who's seen again and again how powerful it is when we finally have a safe space to bring the parts of ourselves that have been ignored, dismissed, or misunderstood.
My work and training as an AASECT certified sex therapist is really about helping you understand your own story. I help you reconnect with what you actually desire, and build relationships with others and with yourself, that feel genuinely nourishing, authentic, and alive. I provide a place for talk therapy that addresses the core issues around sexual dysfunction, communication issues, and struggles with intimacy. You deserve that.