My name is Adrienne Carfagnini, and I am passionate about helping others to live fuller, healthier, happier lives! I have been working in the helping professions for 20 years, and I am an AASECT certified sex therapist that specializes in relationship (couples) therapy as well as individual trauma therapy. I work in-person in Pembroke, and virtually across Ontario. I approach each client as a unique, autonomous individual and use holistic, somatic and emotionally focused approaches in my work. I am a strong believer in collaboration between client and therapist, coming up with ways together to incorporate skills and interests in the development of a plan for personal growth and change. I would describe my counselling style as compassionate, empathetic and straightforward, but gentle.
As a social worker and a queer, straight passing, cis-gendered, neurodivergent white woman, I actively engage in regular self-reflection and aim to be culturally sensitive and humble, equity seeking, as well as anti-oppressive, anti-racist and anti-colonial. All faiths/traditions/orientations/ lifestyles are WELCOME!
Relationships & Sex/ Gender:
I am a sex therapist with extensive training to work with clients on most sex or gender-related issues. I am eager to work with anyone with an interest in improving their romantic or sexual relationship(s) and am equipped to work with polyamorous/ consensually non-monogamous or otherwise open relationships, those who identify as 2SLGBTQ2IA+, gender-diverse individuals, intersex folks, people with disabilities, people in the kink/ BDSM community, and those who want to improve sexual issues such as performance issues, desire discrepancy (differences in libido), sexual pain, problems with orgasm, “sex addiction” or out of control sexual behaviour, trauma-related sex issues, coming out/inviting in, transition & exploration of gender identity, and many more.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as other approaches in my work helping clients with their relationships. EFT is the only systematically validated and research-backed form of couples therapy. In short, EFT works, and the results last! I also draw on my training in the Developmental Model and attachment and feminist theory more broadly.
Trauma:
I integrate EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Experiencing techniques in trauma recovery sessions with clients. In my somatic work, I empower clients to understand their individual nervous system functioning and develop capacity for comfort in their bodies, helping them decode and manage triggered moments, regulate emotions, and balance sympathetic or parasympathetic over-activation. This approach aims to build clients’ capacity for self-awareness and resilience as they navigate their healing journey.
Clinical Supervision:
I am committed to and passionate about working alongside other therapists as a mentor and supervisor. I provide clinical supervision to students and psychotherapists at all stages of their careers, both individually and in dyads, and facilitate two bi-weekly supervision groups. Having met all the supervision requirements for the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, I emphasize the importance of continuous learning and mutual growth throughout our careers. I draw on both my and the supervisees’ professional experiences and strengths to create a safe and respectful environment where therapists can explore ethics and challenges they may be facing with their clients, all while using an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and culturally humble lens.
