About Orchard Counseling and Education

I opened Orchard Counseling in 2007 to help individuals and couples address concerns about sexuality, intimacy, and relationships through affirming, empowering, strengths-based counseling and psychotherapy.

Hi, I'm David.

First off, please call me Dave.
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Almost 20 years ago, I started my practice knowing that struggles with sexuality and intimacy are very common, sometimes scary, painful, or lonely, and usually really hard to talk about. I wanted to provide a place where people could feel safe to look at the scariest parts, and to connect with themselves and the people they love in brave new ways.

And I get it. Change is hard—not just because it requires effort, but because it asks us to see ourselves differently. And that can be a hell of a lot harder and scarier than it looks from the outside. So my job isn’t just to give you tools (although I have plenty). It’s to help you understand why change feels so hard, and how to play to your strengths to make it easier. My job is to help you find the path that works for *you*– without judgment and without shame, but *with* clarity, compassion, and (with any luck at all) a little humor.

My own path to therapy wasn’t linear. After a career in the music industry, I realized my real passion wasn’t just about music— It was about the feelings of connection and vitality I felt when I made music, and when I spent time with my favorite people. I wanted to know what made people feel connected–and why we sometimes feel disconnected from each other. That led me to earn two master’s degrees and eventually a PhD in Human Sexuality, focusing on the intersection of shame and intimate communication. Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients, from high-achieving professionals to those struggling with deeply personal issues around sexuality, self-worth, and relationships. Through it all, I’ve learned that the most profound changes happen when we move past shame and into curiosity—when we stop seeing ourselves as broken and start understanding the real reasons behind our struggles.

If you’re ready to explore, question, and shift the way you see yourself and your place in the world, don’t wait. Call me. Let’s get started.

- David Schwartz, PhD (LCSW)

Our Clinical Philosophy

Every individual and relationship is unique.

Each of us comes to therapy with our own set of values, beliefs, experiences, challenges, and strengths. As a result, an approach that may be transformational for one person may not work for another. That's why we take time to get to know you and carefully assess your concerns. The best psychotherapy is approached as a partnership. But there are some beliefs about counseling that we hold to be true for everyone:

Everyone Needs Support

Life presents challenges to all of us, and nobody’s perfect. Even problems that feel truly overwhelming don’t make you “defective.” Everyone needs help sometimes.

Strengths-Based Growth

I believe that, most of the time, there’s nothing wrong-with-you that what’s right-with-you can’t fix. Together, we’ll leverage what you already do well to create the change you need.

Empowerment Over Shame

Shame is not a learning strategy. It’s a coercion strategy. Shame literally impairs our ability to learn and change. Together, we’ll transform shame into self-compassion--where we are open to learning, and most capable of growth.

Collaborative Care Approach

Some situations require an interdisciplinary approach When medical or other care is required, we collaborate with your providers to ensure a holistic, coordinated plan focused on your well-being.

Intimate Communication

Good relationships require more than just love—they require real communication. But when shame, fear, or past wounds get in the way, we can struggle to say what we mean, hear what’s being said, or feel truly understood. Whether you're struggling to ask for what you need, express emotions, or navigate conflict without shutting down (or blowing up), we’ll work together to help you communicate with confidence, clarity, and connection.

Sexuality

Sexuality is complex—personal, emotional, and deeply tied to identity. Whether you’re struggling with unwanted behaviors, performance anxiety, shame around desires, or just a sense that something feels off, we’ll explore what’s going on beneath the surface. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about understanding, healing, and building a healthier, more authentic relationship with your sexuality.

Self-Esteem, Boundaries, Codependency & People-Pleasing

You’ve spent a lifetime being the “reliable one,” the “nice one,” the one who keeps the peace. But at what cost? When your self-worth is tied to how much you do for others, it’s easy to lose sight of you. Together, we’ll untangle the beliefs that keep you overextending, over-apologizing, and over-functioning. You’ll learn how to set boundaries without guilt, say no without panic, and start valuing yourself—not just for what you do, but for who you are.

Shame

Shame isn’t just an emotion—it’s a trap. It keeps you small, stuck, and convinced that something is wrong with you. But here’s the truth: Shame lies. It distorts reality and blocks growth. Therapy isn’t about fixing you (because you’re not broken). It’s about helping you see yourself differently, with honesty and self-compassion, so you can step out of shame and into real change.

Take the first step toward better relationship today

Whether you're facing challenges in relationships, intimacy, or personal growth, we’re here to help. Take the first step—reach out today and start your journey toward positive change.

get a free 30-min. consultation