About

Dr. Nahreen Aref, AMFT is a holistic Relationship and Sex Therapist based in Orange County (Irvine, CA), providing in-person and virtual therapy throughout California. With advanced training in sex therapy, somatic therapy, Reiki, and psychodynamic approaches, Dr. Nahreen supports individuals and couples seeking deeper emotional connection, healthier communication, and more fulfilling intimate relationships.

Her work helps clients strengthen relationships, heal shame, navigate desire and libido differences, and rebuild emotional and sexual intimacy. She works with a wide range of concerns, including trauma recovery, sex and porn addiction, painful sex, sexual confidence, kink and BDSM-affirming care, identity exploration, and non-traditional relationship dynamics.

Dr. Aref specializes in helping couples resolve recurring conflict, improve communication, and move out of stuck relational cycles that create emotional distance, resentment, or disconnection. She also supports individuals with dating challenges, sexual exploration, changing unhelpful relationship patterns, and finding aligned, secure partnerships.

Her approach is culturally responsive and grounded in honoring clients’ personal, relational, and cultural histories, helping clients feel safe, seen, and confident in their bodies and relationships. Services are offered in English, Farsi, and Spanish, blending her teaching experience, research, and clinical work with warmth, directness, compassion, and humor. Free introductory consultations are available to support potential clients in finding the right therapeutic fit.