Inspiring Conversations with Danielle Petronelli of Balanced Life and Intimacy, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Petronelli.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I chose to become a therapist because offering support and guidance has always come naturally to me. Throughout my life, friends and family have often turned to me for advice, encouragement, or simply a compassionate ear. I take great pride in being a supportive and empathetic presence in others’ lives, and I’m passionate about creating a safe and welcoming space where people feel heard and valued.

Sex therapy was also a natural calling for me, as I grew up in a sex-positive household where conversations about sexual health were open, comfortable, and judgment-free. Because of this, topics surrounding sexuality have always felt easy and natural to discuss. My hope is to extend that same sense of comfort and openness to the individuals and couples I work with, helping them navigate their experiences with confidence and compassion.

I started with a B.S. in Psychology from a small Liberal Arts school in Lynchburg, VA. I was lucky enough to have a professor who recommended I look into Marriage Counseling as a career. Luckily, I looked into Marriage and Family Therapy Programs and landed at NSU in Fort Lauderdale, FL. After taking a few Sex and Gender courses, and Couples Therapy courses I knew that Sex Therapy was going to be my thing!! After graduation I started off at a local non-profit for Mental Health and then come 2017 I started the Sex Therapy Program at the University of Michigan. Shortly after completing the program I started at a group private practice specializing in Sexual Health. The group practice is where I gained my footing in the Sexual Health Field and my passion continued to grow. Fast Forward to today and I am the sole owner of Balanced Life and Intimacy, LLC providing Sexual Health Counseling and Mental Health Therapy to the greater Cincinnati area and Ohio residence.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel lucky to say that the road leading me to my own private practice has been fairly smooth. After graduation with an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy I came across similar struggles as most new graduates due, such as finances, balancing personal life and work life, and learning what my new life will look like. Providing mental health counseling to others requires that you find your own peace and establish boundaries in order to not take work home with you. I started my business unexpectedly (although it was always the goal to be out on my own) due to my previous group practice dissolving. The unexpected stress of the change and leaving the group practice was a difficult and emotional journey, but I had my husband, family, and friends to support me. I’m thankful to have gone through all struggles, trials, and stressors in my life to be where I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Balanced Life and Intimacy, LLC?
Balanced Life and Intimacy is accessible and personalized sex, relationship, and individual therapy in Cincinnati area and Ohio. HELPING YOU FIND THE BALANCE BETWEEN REAL LIFE AND YOUR OWN PERSONAL, RELATIONSHIP, AND INTIMATE GOALS. At Balanced Life and Intimacy Therapy, we believe that true well-being stems from a harmonious balance between self-care and meaningful connections. Our mission is to support individuals and couples in navigating life’s daily stressors while fostering deeper intimacy and emotional fulfillment. We recognize the unique challenges that modern life can bring, and offer compassionate, tailored support to help clients better understand and manage these stressors. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space empowers clients to cultivate stronger, more intimate relationships with themselves and others, guiding them toward healing, resilience, and a balanced, fulfilled life. My areas of focus are: desire discrepancy, mismatched libido, communication barriers, sexual pain or discomfort, or any foundational issues in a long-term committed relationship.

What does success mean to you?
Success is providing a healthy, safe, and a non-judgmental space for humans to be authentically themselves. Success is allowing for all individuals to feel heard, understood, and accepted for whom they are. Success is stepping out of your comfort zone and moving in a direction of growth and empowerment. Success is being able to help individuals and couples live their best lives and feel proud of their sexual selves.

Pricing:

• $175 per hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.balancedlifeandintimacy.com/
• Instagram: @balancedlifeandintimacy