Aara Abu Laban (She/Her)

LPC
Accepting Clients

Whether you’re navigating trauma, sexual shame, or major life transitions, you deserve care that supports meaningful healing!

Sex Therapist in Virginia

Services
  • Individual
  • Couples

About My Clients

My clients are people who know something needs to change — and maybe they’re tired of doing the same things and expecting different results. Individuals who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, numbing, or people-pleasing. People who’ve experienced trauma, betrayal, or emotional neglect and want to reclaim safety in their body and relationships. Folks who identify as queer, BIPOC, neurodivergent, spiritual-but-deconstructing, or all of the above.

My Background and Approach

Trauma-informed: We begin by recognizing how your nervous system has responded to threats — past or present — and how that shows up now in your life and relationships (anxiety, hypervigilance, numbing, repeated patterns). Sex-positive & consent-based: Whether your concerns include sexual desire, pain, shame, orientation questions, relational dynamics, kink/non-monogamy, or simply wanting a richer connection — these are all welcome, valid, and worthy of care. Somatic + relational: Healing isn’t confined to talk. We integrate body-based awareness, relational connection, and embodiment so you don’t just know something intellectually — you feel your aliveness, your safety, your presence. Culturally affirming: I honor how culture, religion, race, gender identity, neurodivergence and other aspects of your identity intersect with your experience of trauma, intimacy, and healing. Your full self is welcome.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe healing happens when we are seen, heard, and met with compassion — not correction. Every person’s story, body, and background holds wisdom and deserves respect. My work is rooted in the belief that therapy should honor your cultural, relational, and spiritual context, while making room for all of who you are. I believe trauma-informed care isn’t optional — it’s essential. Healing begins with safety, curiosity, and choice. I also believe pleasure, connection, and authenticity are integral to wellbeing, not luxuries. Finally, I trust in your capacity to heal. My role isn’t to fix you — it’s to walk beside you as you reclaim your power, your voice, and your right to live a life that feels aligned and alive.

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Sex Therapy Trauma Therapy
Other Techniques
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment Theory
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Couples Counseling
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Somatic Therapy: Body-Based Healing for Emotional Trauma
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Anxiety Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Sexual Problems
Other Issues
  • Depression
  • Historical/ Intergenerational Trauma
  • Infertility
  • LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
  • Polyamorous and Open Relationships
  • Pregnancy and Postpartum
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sexual Abuse or Assault
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Women's Issues
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Optum
  • United Healthcare
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 8 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $150 - 180/session

Reach out to Aara