Over the years, I’ve worked with many individuals who come to therapy fearing they have herpes — even after negative tests and reassurances from medical providers. Often, symptoms involve subtle sensations on or under the skin that can't easily be seen or assessed, leaving individuals feeling misunderstood or worried that something is being missed. For those who struggle with this, the worry can be consuming and isolating. But there is hope.

Maybe it’s hard to believe right now, but it’s going to be ok. I have been working with people diagnosed with genital herpes for a lot of years, so I am not saying this from some naive belief. It comes from my experience with my patients. Life really can go on after a herpes diagnosis. Many of my clients say that herpes actually forced them to deal with issues that were present before their diagnosis, such as with self-esteem or how they engaged with relationships, and that they ended up better than they were before their diagnosis.

So here’s what I suggest:

I recently connected with Lori Fauquier, a nurse practitioner who used to practice at Callen-Lorde, here in New York City. She now has a tele-medicine practice focusing on women's health issues. I've found Lori to be knowledgeable and passionate and a provider that is comfortable talking about sex and sexual health.