I’m Carley Irwin, a licensed professional counselor and owner of Valerian Psychotherapy in Akron, Ohio. As a queer, cisgender woman, I support anxious adults in moving beyond perfectionism, people-pleasing, and trauma toward more fulfilling, connected relationships. I primarily work with LGBTQ+ and consensually non-monogamous (CNM) individuals and couples, and actively welcome clients from kink and BDSM communities.

I opened my practice in response to a need for more LGBTQ+-affirming providers in the Akron area who understand diverse relationship structures and offer nonjudgmental care around identity, sexuality, and sexual health. My academic and clinical interests have long centered on sexuality, and I have completed extensive coursework through AASECT (American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists) as I work toward sex therapist certification.

I believe everyone deserves a therapist with whom they can feel understood without having to mask, hide parts of themselves, or carry shame. My experience includes working with people across queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and gender-expansive communities, as well as those navigating polyamory, open relationships, swinging, kink, and BDSM.

My path to becoming a therapist was anything but traditional. I spent my early adulthood traveling independently, exploring different communities, and living in several states, including Oregon, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. I returned to school later in life, bringing with me a broader understanding of people, relationships, and the many ways we experience the world. My journey into the mental health field began as a volunteer at a crisis center supporting survivors of interpersonal violence. That experience sparked my desire to work one-on-one with people and ultimately led me to pursue counseling. Today, I’m proud to own a practice where I can focus on providing affirming, aligned care to communities that have historically struggled to find it.

Valerian Psychotherapy is based in Akron, Ohio, and offers in-person sessions locally and virtual therapy throughout Ohio. I work with individuals and couples and maintain a self-pay practice.