Welcome to S.H.A.G.
Therapy

Sexual Health, Attachment, and Growth
Telehealth Services throughout California.

Welcome

My name is Lauren O’Brien, LCSW (she/her), and it is my mission to provide inclusive, affirming, sex-positive therapy for adults experiencing sexual health concerns, marginalized and stigmatized sexual identities, and sexual rebels (producers, performers, and sw’s). As a clinical social worker, I approach therapy from a client-centered, strengths-based, social justice, and systems framework. I believe in the importance of living authentically, building community, and becoming advocates for the change we want to see in the world.

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Who I Help

  • A black and white photo of a man sitting on a leather couch, with one arm resting on his forehead, appearing contemplative or distressed. The room has a plain, dark wall in the background.

    Individuals

  • Two people are lying on a surface, embracing each other. One person's hand is resting on the other's waist, and they are wearing casual clothes, including a t-shirt with a prominent logo.

    Groups

  • Black and white photograph of old books on a shelf, with titles including 'The Water Babies' by Charles Kingsley, 'The Black Arrow' by Robert Louis Stevenson, and other vintage volumes.

    Couples

  • Organizations

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Client Concerns

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    Sexual Health

    Authentic Sexual Expression, Anxiety, Performance Concerns, Out of Control Sexual Behavior (aka Sex Addiction), Sexual Compulsivity, Porn/technology use, Infidelity. Sexual Minorities: Stigmatized Sexual Identities or Orientations, Atypical Sexual Interests.

  • Black and white photograph of ocean waves with foamy water.

    Attachment & Relationships

    Relational Skills, Attachment Challenges, Inexperience, and Expansion of Systems of Support.

  • Close-up of a large ocean wave curling and crashing.

    Gender

    Authentic Self Expression, Identity, and Deconstruction of the Impacts of Societal and Intergenerational Conditioning.

  • Black and white image of ocean waves with visible wake from a boat or object moving through water.

    Body Image and Disordered Eating

    Body Dysmorphia, Disordered Eating, Compulsive Behaviors (Food/Exercise), Advanced Recovery, Health at Every Size, Harm Reduction.

  • Couples

    Reconnect, Restore Passion and Pleasure, Improve Communication, Balance Togetherness and Autonomy.

  • Mens Issues

    Performance Anxiety, Sexual Expression, Sexual Orientation, Communication, Infidelity, Loneliness, Anxiety, Life Transitions.

  • Sexual Rebels

    Affirming Therapy for Performers, Producers, Content Creators, SW’s

  • Young Adult

    Navigating Life Transitions, Identity Development, Anxiety/Depression, Relationships, and Sexuality.

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“Sex therapy isn’t just about sex; our erotic identities impact nearly every aspect of our lives, and yet there are few spaces for us to talk candidly about our fantasies, attractions, desires, or, dare I say, pleasure. So, when someone experiences confusion or distress related to sex, they often assume there is nowhere to turn. They cope by shutting down, tuning out, isolating, abstaining, and distracting. But it doesn’t address the underlying need for intimacy, acceptance, and authenticity. I help clients discover what their values and underlying needs are, and develop paths forward authentically and in alignment.”

Lauren O’Brien LCSW, Sexual Health Therapist and Founder of SHAG

A woman with light brown hair, wearing glasses and large hoop earrings, is seated on a wooden chair with cane backrest, wearing a white button-up shirt, indoors with sunlight casting shadows on the wall behind her.

Lauren O’Brien, LCSW

Lauren holds her MA in Social Work from Boston University and is a Couples and Sex Therapy Certificate candidate at the Sexual Health Alliance. She has over 15 years of experience working in mental and sexual health, five years of experience working with compulsive and out-of-control sexual behavior, sexual abuse, and risk management in forensic settings, and training in eating disorders and body image disturbances. Lauren is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence based practice, and receives regular supervision and consultation from leaders in the field. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, spending time with her dogs, drinking lots of coffee, and lifting weights.

Remote Services Throughout California

Currently accepting new teletherapy clients who are residing in the state of California.

Therapy is an investment, and finding the right therapist can make all the difference. S.H.A.G offers complimentary 15-minute consultations, during which we can discuss your goals and address any questions you may have. No pressure, no commitments.

To schedule, please use the embedded form or reach out to:
Phone: 831-508-0711
Email: Sexualhealththerapist@gmail.com

“The pleasure of a lifetime is becoming who you are.”
Joseph Campbell

Get started with SHAG, today.

Book a consultation