Desire and Bloom Therapy

Where growth and desire intertwine

Support for anxiety, relationships, intimacy, and emotional wellness — for individuals and couples.

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Who I Work With & My Approach

I work with individuals and couples who feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns they can’t seem to shift. Many of the people I support come in feeling confused about their desire, unsure how to communicate their needs, or longing for deeper emotional and physical closeness. Others are carrying anxiety, stress, or past experiences that continue to affect their relationships and sense of self.

My approach is warm, empathic, and direct. I blend evidence-based therapy with sex-positive education and EMDR-informed trauma work to help you understand your emotions, your patterns, and what your body is trying to tell you. Together, we slow things down, get curious beneath the surface, and build new pathways toward confidence, clarity, intimacy, and connection.

Desire and bloom sex therapy office

What I Specialize In

I support a wide range of emotional, relational, and sexual wellness concerns. These are the areas I most commonly help with:

Emotional & Individual Wellness

  • Anxiety, overthinking, and burnout

  • Stress, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion

  • Shame, self-doubt, or difficulty expressing needs

  • Attachment wounds and relational patterns

  • Trauma and EMDR-informed healing

Relationships & Intimacy

  • Communication challenges

  • Conflict cycles, disconnection, or resentment

  • Rebuilding trust after infidelity

  • Emotional intimacy concerns

  • Mismatched desire or difficulty staying connected

Sexual Wellness

  • Low desire or desire discrepancy

  • Difficulty with arousal or orgasm

  • Sexual pain (vaginismus, dyspareunia)

  • Erectile difficulties (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE)

  • Performance anxiety or avoidance

Have questions about sex therapy, intimacy concerns, or what working together would look like? You can read more here:

FAQ

Hi, I’m Shie.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and AASECT-certified sex therapist who helps individuals and couples understand their emotions, deepen intimacy, heal past experiences, and reconnect with themselves and each other. My style is warm, empathic, and direct — blending evidence-based therapy with sex-positive education and EMDR-informed trauma work.

I’m here to create a grounded, supportive space where you can slow down, explore what’s beneath the surface, and build the clarity and connection you’ve been craving.

Shie Benisti, certified sex therapist and mental health therapist. Woman with curly black hair wearing a patterned brown, beige, and black sweater, smiling, seated in front of green wall with textured decoration.
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In-Person & Online Therapy Options

In-Person Sessions (Wilmington, NC)
I offer in-person therapy at my calm, private office in downtown Wilmington:

201 N Front St, Suite 512
Wilmington, NC 28401

The space is warm, grounded, and designed to help you feel comfortable and supported.

Online Therapy (NC Residents)
If you prefer the comfort of your home, I offer secure HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions for clients throughout North Carolina.
Both options are equally effective — choose what feels best for you.

What It Feels Like to Work Together

My clients describe therapy with me as grounding, honest, and deeply supportive. Sessions feel like a safe place to explore desire, intimacy, anxiety, or relationship patterns without shame or judgment — a space where you can finally exhale and be fully yourself.

My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming, kink-aware, and sex-positive.

You deserve closeness, confidence, and connection that feels real and meaningful.

If you’re ready, I’m here to help.

Book a Consultation