Leiora Kortvely

Expert Complex Trauma

+

AASECT Certified Sex Therapist

Online Individual Therapy for Women

Maryland | DC | Virginia | Pennsylvania | Oregon

Are you READY to:

Discover the Freedom to Pursue Your Desires Without Guilt?

Finish What You Start with Unwavering Determination?

Welcome Affection with Open Arms?

I know what it's like to be caught up in the little things

OBSESSING

…where every detail is noticed and corrected.

  • If you're like me, you might often wrestle with feelings of guilt, as if everything is somehow your fault

  • I understand the weight of carrying self-blame and guilt that isn’t yours to bear

  • I've walked the path of starting countless projects but struggling to finish them

  • I've experienced the unease when someone tries to offer affection, leaving you feeling vulnerable and exposed

  • And I recognize the discomfort that can arise when personal boundaries are crossed, whether it's a well-intentioned hug or unwanted touch

As your therapist, I bring these life lessons to our sessions, aiming to create a space where you can

Find CLARITY

LEARN to channel your passion

BREAK FREE from the shackles of guilt

Together, we'll transform the struggles into strengths, the pain into power, and the uncertainty into unwavering self-assurance.

Are we a Match?

BIPOC woman psychotherapist in cream blazer, wearing gold hoop earrings, smiling

Hello, I’m LEIORA!

(She/Her)

Life can be tough, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed…

I’m here to help!

I'm thrilled to welcome you to Virago Counseling, where it’s all about personalized therapy that truly understands you as an individual.

I believe in going beyond the surface and digging deep to identify the root causes of your challenges.

Therapy with me isn't about quiet head nods or rehearsed empathy. It's about diving deep into the fabric of what makes you, you — peeling back the layers to reveal the root of the unrest.

We'll employ strategies grounded in science to help soothe and strengthen your mind and body.

My goal? To equip you with the coping skills that will build resilience, foster joy, and deepen your connections.

Our sessions won't be a one-size-fits-all affair.

Nope, we're going to craft a nurturing plan that's tailored precisely to your unique needs and goals. Oh, and don't worry, we're going at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. It's all about making sure you're on board every step of the way.

But hey, therapy doesn't have to be all serious business.

Along the way, we can find moments of laughter and humor because life's too short not to enjoy a good chuckle. Laughter can be just as healing as exploring the deep stuff, trust me.

It's about becoming the most authentic version of yourself.

Though we can't rewrite history or predict every twist in the path ahead, we can master the art of showing up — fully and unapologetically.

I invite you to schedule a free 15-min Virtual Meet & Greet. Let's take some time to see if we're the right match to work together.

MY GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Judgment-Free Zone.

This space is a safe place where you can speak without fear of anyone raising an eyebrow. Your story is your story, and I’m here to listen.

Authenticity.

My deal is being real. I’m here with a hefty dose of empathy, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of genuine understanding.

Trauma-Informed Care.

Life can be a dumpster fire sometimes, and I get it. I’m all about helping you put out those flames and rebuild. I’ll guide you through it one step at a time.

Humor.

Humor and embracing “colorful language” are part of my style. I truly believe laughter nurtures us, and using "four-letter” words helps us authentically connect and express ourselves.

Learning never stops, and I'm here to make sure I've got all the latest tools in my toolbox to help you succeed.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Education

Widener University 
Master’s in Social Work
Master’s in Human Sexuality Education 

Albright College
B.A. Psychology

Professional Social Work Experience:

Psychotherapist
Kaiser Permanente

Outpatient Therapist
Providence Psychiatry Clinic East

Psychotherapist
The Counseling and Wellness Center

Senior Primary Therapist: Women’s Specialized Trauma Program
Princeton House Behavioral Health: Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Outpatient

Senior Primary Therapist
Jersey City Medical Center: Adult Outpatient