Dating While Anxious

in-person group located in Durham, NC .

8 weeks beginning April 6, 2025 . 5-6:30 pm

You deserve a thriving dating life. We can help.

Join Lavender Moon Counseling and The Dress Rehearsal for this 8 week series where you will:

  • develop anxiety coping skills

  • discover your dating style

  • craft an approach to dating that is actually... fun!

all with other queer people who actually get it!


Lavender Moon Counseling

3325 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Suite 220A, Durham, NC 27707

Insurance gladly accepted! In network with most United/Optum, BCBS, and Aetna health plans.

Let’s do dating differently.

Does dating make your heart race but… not in the fun, flirty way? Does the idea of dinner and drinks fill you with dread? Maybe the notification sound from your dating app is the stuff of nightmares, or you find yourself constantly checking your messages like it’s your job. Perhaps you’ve decided to avoid it altogether.

You’re not alone.

For many queer folks living with anxiety, dating and its rigid scripts, heteronormative expectations, and interview-like conversations can be HARD. The pressure to “get it right” can be overwhelming. And, tbh, none of that is how that electric connection + deep, nourishing intimacy happen. You deserve better.

In fact, dating CAN be better.

What if we told you that it is possible for you to swipe on dating apps without feeling totally overwhelmed by choice and frozen by the pressure to make the "perfect" choice; to chat and flirt with that hottie without constantly doubting yourself; and, to actually enjoy the process of dating?

We’ve decided to create a space where you get to craft your personal dating approach rooted in who you are, what you value, and how you have fun. All the while, you’ll be learning some incredible anxiety coping skills amidst queer community.

Wanna go on a date - without having a panic attack?

Want to be able to have conversations filled with fun instead of the loud megaphone of your inner critic?

Crave the confidence to ask for what you desire, from the date’s first “hello” to the bedroom?

You don’t have to push through another round of dates alone. We’ve got you. Join us!

What you’ll learn

Meet your instructors:

Blair Somerville, LCMHC 

Since 2019, Blair has been using their professional grade nosiness and insatiable curiosity for good as a mental health therapist. Driven by a desire to serve the queer and trans community and to make space to explore complex personal topics, their work is collaborative and inclusive by nature - you are more than the sum of your parts, and together we can envision what your holistic wellness means to you. Blair brings warmth and gentleness to sensitive topics, and doesn't believe anything is too small or too big for therapy - you might be surprised how comfortable you feel discussing your innermost feelings and fears!


Meet your instructors:

Veronica Dress, CSE

A certified sexuality educator + coach and anxious queer gal, Veronica has dedicated her career to disrupting the “shoulds” of sex and dating to make more space to get curious about what brings you pleasure and authentic joy.

A slut for play and silliness, you’ll likely get Ms Frizzle vibes from this theater-kid turned educator. You might even find yourself saying, “hm. This doesn’t feel quite as scary anymore!”

Who is Dating While Anxious For?

Enroll Now

Enroll Now ☆

Logistics Corner

and Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

For self-pay, cost is $80 per session ($640 total), with two sliding scale spots available! Interested in one of those spots? Note that when you fill out our registration form!

For those using insurance, they would need to check their policy for information about co-pay for group therapy. 

All participants must complete a free, 30 minute intake before the series begins to ensure group is a good fit for your needs.

Can I use my insurance?

You sure can! We are in network with: BCBS, Aetna, and Optum/United. Please double check with your carrier to ensure that they cover group therapy, and to find out what co-pay to expect.

What’re the dates?

Weekly on Sundays, from 5-6:30pm on…

April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25

Is this a way to meet people to date?

No, it is not. This is a therapeutic group meant to provide mutual support and encouragement as we navigate the dating world - dating anyone you meet here is prohibited for the duration of the group.

Is this space confidential?

It is! Your facilitators take your confidentiality very seriously, and it will be protected with the same guidelines as every therapy session is. The importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the group space will be impressed upon you and all your fellow group members, and we will discuss how we can all uphold privacy in our first meeting.

Still Have Questions?