Layne Kropfelder
MSW, LCSWA
(she/her)
Layne Kropfelder, MSW, LCSWA, is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate who believes that therapy can be absolutely transformative and finds purpose in walking beside her clients as they work towards a more self-informed and fulfilling intimate life. She earned her Master’s in Social Work and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in English from UNC Chapel Hill.
Layne first joined CSWC as a Clinical Intern, spending a year working closely with clients on a variety of intimate and relationship challenges, including desire discrepancy, rekindling connection in relationships, unlearning sexual shame, and exploring their sexuality to better understand their sexual and romantic preferences. Now she continues this work as a clinician at CSWC, where she brings a strong focus on open, affirming, and sex-positive care.
As part of her professional development, Layne has completed training in sex education, domestic violence, transgender mental health care, and a wide range of mental health concerns that can impact sexual well-being. She is well-versed in discussing all aspects of sex–whether solo or partnered, kinky or vanilla, pleasurable or with room for improvement– with compassion and without judgment.
Layne sees clients in our Durham offices and via telehealth. She accepts most BCBS, Cigna, and Aetna plans and also sees clients who would like to use out of network benefits or self-pay.
“Sexuality is more than simply the action of having sex. It is a form of self-expression, a way for us to be authentically seen and heard, and an opportunity to connect to others and – just as importantly – ourselves.”
Layne Kropfelder
Working with Layne
Layne believes that the relationship between therapist and client is the most important part of any therapeutic work. She takes the time to genuinely understand and connect with her clients, knowing that in sex therapy, they’re often sharing deeply personal parts of themselves that may carry shame or embarrassment. She treats this vulnerability and openness with the discretion, curiosity, and empathy it deserves.
Layne works to create a non-judgmental, open-minded, and affirming space where clients feel safe being vulnerable and sharing aspects of their lives they may have felt they had to carry alone. She also brings humor into her sessions, believing that a little levity can help connect us and make therapy feel more authentic and comfortable.
Layne’s therapeutic approach is eclectic and person-centered. While she draws from various modalities such as ACT, DBT, and CBT, her foundation is a strength-based perspective that respects each client’s autonomy and supports them in making the decisions that are right for them.
Personal Interests
You can usually find Layne reading, napping, or some combination of the two in her free time. Lately, she’s been getting into video games and has been especially enjoying Stardew Valley and Baldur’s Gate 3. A casual hobbyist at heart, Layne has explored a variety of creative outlets, from fridge magnet making to painting, clay sculpting, and baking. She has two troublemaking cats whom she adores, and she loves all animals, always finding joy in seeing clients’ pets as they wander by onscreen!