About Alicia Pinkston

AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Relationship & Dating Expert in New York City.

You deserve to have relationships—and a sex life—that align with your own values and desires, not those defined by others.

Yet understanding what you truly want, and learning to express it, can be complex. It often means untangling the influence of your partner, family, culture, religion, and past experiences.

I help individuals and couples explore the intersections of sex, dating, and relationships—because these areas are rarely separate. Whether you’re navigating the search for a partner, wanting to improve your current relationship, or learn more about your own needs prior to entering a relationship, I can help.

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My Approach

Together, we’ll look at what’s working, what’s not, and what’s standing in your way—from unresolved conflicts and attachment patterns to fears around intimacy, communication, or sexual expression. You’ll gain self-awareness and practical tools to move toward relationships and experiences that feel more authentic and pleasureable.

Areas of Focus

I frequently work with clients on challenges such as:

  • Resolving past conflict that keeps resurfacing

  • Understanding and shifting unhealthy dating or relationship patterns

  • Exploring values, desires and attachment styles in the context of the relationship

  • Overcoming anxiety, shame, or fear around intimacy, connection and sex

  • Improving communication and emotional connection

  • Addressing sexual dysfunction in the context of the couple

  • Increasing pleasure and intimacy within yourself and with a partner

RELATIONSHIP & AASECT CERTIFIED SEX THERAPIST

Alicia Pinkston, LMHC, CST

With 15 years of experience as a licensed therapist— and over a decade in Marketing and Sales for a global corporation— I bring both clinical expertise and real-world insight into the challenges many professionals face. Having lived and worked internationally in Austria and the United Kingdom, I understand how culture, identity, and environment influence the way we love, connect, and communicate.

In my experience as a therapist, I’ve found that sex is often the most difficult topic for clients to talk about— yet the one they most want to discuss. I am passionate about helping individuals find their sexual voice and understand, share, and advocate for their needs.

In my practice, no topic is off limits. This is a space to explore your desires, relationships, and sexuality openly—so you can build the kind of love and intimacy that feels true to you.

Professional Information

  • I bring a wide diversity of clinical experience, including private practice, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, addiction treatment facilities, university counselor, and therapy at a refugee center.

    • LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York

    • LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia

    • Registered Counselor in the United Kingdom (BACP, UKCP)

    • Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP) Certified Sex Therapist, Staff Sex Therapist and Supervisor

    • Master of Science Mental Health Counseling

    • Bachelor of Arts Business

  • CERTIFICATIONS:

    • Certified Sex Therapist, The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)

    • Journey Clinical/ Fluence Certified Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Therapist

    • National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) - National Certified Counselor (NCC)

    • Certified in Optimal Sexual Intimacy Group Therapy by Peggy Kleinplatz PhD

    • Narrative Interviewing Certification

    TRAINING:

    • Couples Institute, Emotion Focused Therapy Level 1, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (RECT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • International Society for the Study of Women’s Health (ISSWH)

    • Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR)

    • American Association of Counselors (ACA)