ABBY GERDING, MFT

(SHE/HER)

INDIVIDUAL, RELATIONSHIP AND SEX THERAPIST

CLINICAL INTERESTS:

• AFFAIR RECOVERY & TRUST REPAIR

• EXPLORING BDSM & KINK SAFELY

• GENDER AND SEXUAL IDENTITY EXPLORATION

• HEALING FROM SEXUAL SHAME

• NAVIGATING RELATIONSHIP TRANSITIONS (POLYAMORY & NON-MONOGAMY)

• REBUILDING INTIMACY WHEN DESIRE FEELS LOW

RATES:

• INITIAL EVALUATION (60 MIN) - $155.00

• SUBSEQUENT SESSIONS (50 MIN) - $135.00

I’m Abby Gerding, and I’m a sex and relationship therapist working under the direct supervision of Emily Gordon MSW, MEd, LCSW, CST. 

I believe that everyone deserves to have meaningful, fulfilling relationships and that we should all feel empowered to achieve the life we want. I take a sex-positive approach to therapy, helping clients explore their identities and desires without shame or stigma and supporting them in accessing the pleasure and connection they deserve.

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Abby’s Approach to Sex Therapy + Relationship Therapy

Abby works with individuals and couples who feel stuck, disconnected, or weighed down by shame around intimacy and sexuality. Many of her clients come to therapy believing something is “wrong” with them, whether they’re experiencing low desire, relationship challenges, or difficulty expressing who they are. Abby helps clients untangle those challenges and move toward greater connection, confidence, and intimacy.

Her work is collaborative, drawing from systemic, feminist, and experiential approaches. She creates a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can safely explore their sexual health, intimacy, and relationships with openness and curiosity.

Abby is an anti-oppressive, LGBTQIA+ celebratory, kink-aware, and CNM-affirming therapist. As a queer individual, she is especially attuned to the complexities of navigating sexual orientation and identity and understands how healing it can be to have an affirming and empathetic space.

Academic Background + Professional affiliations

Abby completed her training in couple and family therapy from Adler University and a sex therapy certificate. She is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), the Illinois Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (IAMFT) and the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).

Professional Journey

Before joining Embrace Sexual Wellness, Abby dedicated her work to reducing the stigma surrounding sexuality. She created sex-positive educational resources, participated in workshops and discussions on sexual health, and built connections with other professionals in the field. This experience deepened her passion for helping clients embrace pleasure, self-love, and meaningful connection without shame.