Rachel and her team
Rachel Gardull, MSW, LISW, CST
Pronouns: she/her/hers
My journey to becoming a sex therapist happened organically after working in the mental health field for some time. I like to believe that the universe had been waiting for me to find this calling. My primary goal as a therapist is for my clients to walk away from their treatment feeling a sense of self-acceptance that they had never previously experienced. Knowing that we often feel a greater sense of shame for our sexual self, I realized that we cannot fully be connected to self without a love for our sexual self. It is my hope to bring a sense of mindfulness, connection and inner alignment to my clients.
When I’m not at the office, you can find me teaching at the University of Toledo, writing or playing with my dogs.
Rae Whitehurst (he/they), therapy Intern
I’m a queer therapist-in-training through the University of Toledo’s Master of Social Work program, currently taking adult clients. I believe therapy should be a place where all topics are welcomed and nothing feels off-limits.
My focus is on sex and relationship therapy, and I aim to create a warm, healing space where clients feel safe opening up. I’m especially interested in paraphilias, kink and fetish, disability and sexuality, sexual shame, and the many intricate layers of gender and sexuality. I also welcome clients who have been charged with a sex crime in the past. I approach this work with compassion, accountability, and a deep belief that healing and change are possible.
At this stage of my training, all of my sessions are offered pro bono. I want therapy to be accessible, and I feel honored to walk alongside people who are ready to share their stories and work toward growth.
Outside of the office, you can usually find me reading narrative nonfiction on history and culture, painting, making art, or spending time with my three cats.