Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Toronto, ON
Tania Medeiros
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I strive to offer a therapeutic process that is anti-racist, anti-ableist, body positive, sex positive, class conscious, and affirming to all genders and sexualities.
When life begins to feel challenging and overwhelming, it can be difficult to create space for calm and stillness. We may even seek to avoid the quiet altogether, fearing the thoughts that arise or the emotions we keep buried beneath the surface. It often feels easier to distract ourselves from our thoughts or to numb and detach from the challenging emotions that inevitably emerge. Therapy can provide us with a space to turn inward and deeply connect with ourselves, allowing us to bring awareness to our patterns, better understand our needs, move towards acceptance, or even work towards change.
I strive to offer a therapeutic process that is anti-racist, anti-ableist, body positive, sex positive, class conscious, and affirming to all genders and sexualities.
When life begins to feel challenging and overwhelming, it can be difficult to create space for calm and stillness. We may even seek to avoid the quiet altogether, fearing the thoughts that arise or the emotions we keep buried beneath the surface. It often feels easier to distract ourselves from our thoughts or to numb and detach from the challenging emotions that inevitably emerge. Therapy can provide us with a space to turn inward and deeply connect with ourselves, allowing us to bring awareness to our patterns, better understand our needs, move towards acceptance, or even work towards change.
Scott Howcroft
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6J (Online Only)
I work with a range of clients including those in the LGBTQ+ community, those from different cultures. The majority of my clients are individuals at the moment, I am a sex positive, poly-aware therapist who works with and respects all relationships. If you're feeling stuck (life or career), grieving, depressed or anxious I am happy to work with you. I specialize in life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I work with a range of clients including those in the LGBTQ+ community, those from different cultures. The majority of my clients are individuals at the moment, I am a sex positive, poly-aware therapist who works with and respects all relationships. If you're feeling stuck (life or career), grieving, depressed or anxious I am happy to work with you. I specialize in life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
Bushra Ahmed
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M9A (Online Only)
My practice is rooted in anti-oppression, anti-racist, anti-colonial, disability justice, body positive and sex-kink-polyam positive frameworks.
I work with racialized, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities, who are experiencing issues related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma related to their intersectional identities and experiences. I work well with individuals who are open to exploring their emotions and thoughts in a safe and non-judgmental space. They seek a therapeutic relationship where they can foster self-awareness, identify patterns of behavior that may no longer serve them, and cultivate healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. I encourage collaborative approaches with clients, and aid in facilitating their personal growth and empowerment.
My practice is rooted in anti-oppression, anti-racist, anti-colonial, disability justice, body positive and sex-kink-polyam positive frameworks.
I work with racialized, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities, who are experiencing issues related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma related to their intersectional identities and experiences. I work well with individuals who are open to exploring their emotions and thoughts in a safe and non-judgmental space. They seek a therapeutic relationship where they can foster self-awareness, identify patterns of behavior that may no longer serve them, and cultivate healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. I encourage collaborative approaches with clients, and aid in facilitating their personal growth and empowerment.
Meagan Szwed
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4S
Hi, I'm Meagan! I am most passionate about working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship and sexuality concerns, personality disorders, caregiver burnout, and stressed-out mamas. I work from a trauma informed, antiracist, 2slgbtqia+ ally, harm reduction, sex positive, consumer survivor informed, feminist approach. What does all that mean? It means that I appreciate and accept YOU for YOU, no matter who you are.
Hi, I'm Meagan! I am most passionate about working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship and sexuality concerns, personality disorders, caregiver burnout, and stressed-out mamas. I work from a trauma informed, antiracist, 2slgbtqia+ ally, harm reduction, sex positive, consumer survivor informed, feminist approach. What does all that mean? It means that I appreciate and accept YOU for YOU, no matter who you are.
X T Belcastro
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
I'm queer & neurodivergent and centre the 2SLGBTQ+ community & those in close relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ community. Are you, or your relationship looking for a therapist with lived experience as a queer &/or trans person? Are you looking to untangle your understanding of diagnoses like ADHD, Autism & BPD? I aim to support you in exploring self, your relationships, processing & unburdening the past and move toward healing. I centre the topics you bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'. I often draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EFT, Polyvagal Theories.
I'm queer & neurodivergent and centre the 2SLGBTQ+ community & those in close relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ community. Are you, or your relationship looking for a therapist with lived experience as a queer &/or trans person? Are you looking to untangle your understanding of diagnoses like ADHD, Autism & BPD? I aim to support you in exploring self, your relationships, processing & unburdening the past and move toward healing. I centre the topics you bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'. I often draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EFT, Polyvagal Theories.
Emma Sey
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP (Q)
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5S
Therapy for ADHD, Anxiety, Anger, and Eating Disorders. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) working with adults and teens on a variety of presenting concerns including ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and Interpersonal and Coping Skills. I use an integrated, client-centered approach to helping my clients, and strive to tailor sessions to your goals, needs, and unique context. I am passionate about working with a diverse client population, therefore, my practice welcomes differing communities (i.e., LGBTQ2S+, Sex-Positive, Nonmonogamy, Body Positivity, etc.).
Therapy for ADHD, Anxiety, Anger, and Eating Disorders. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) working with adults and teens on a variety of presenting concerns including ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and Interpersonal and Coping Skills. I use an integrated, client-centered approach to helping my clients, and strive to tailor sessions to your goals, needs, and unique context. I am passionate about working with a diverse client population, therefore, my practice welcomes differing communities (i.e., LGBTQ2S+, Sex-Positive, Nonmonogamy, Body Positivity, etc.).
Stephen Biggs
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4K (Online Only)
I have advanced training and specializations in sex therapy and marital counselling, and also have a lot of experience working with non-monogamy, multi-partnered relationships and kink.
Hello , my name is Stephen Biggs. I go by Steve or Stephen and my pronouns are he/him. I am a mature, seasoned psychotherapist with nearly three decades of experience. If you are feeling overwhelmed and finding it hard to deal with life circumstances I can help you. I have a calm, steady approach which people find comforting in times of upheaval or crisis. I am a deep listener and I provide practical realistic guidance that taps into your strengths to help you get through difficult times and achieve your goals.
I have advanced training and specializations in sex therapy and marital counselling, and also have a lot of experience working with non-monogamy, multi-partnered relationships and kink.
Hello , my name is Stephen Biggs. I go by Steve or Stephen and my pronouns are he/him. I am a mature, seasoned psychotherapist with nearly three decades of experience. If you are feeling overwhelmed and finding it hard to deal with life circumstances I can help you. I have a calm, steady approach which people find comforting in times of upheaval or crisis. I am a deep listener and I provide practical realistic guidance that taps into your strengths to help you get through difficult times and achieve your goals.
Ayasha Mayr Handel
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M9N
Healing work is 2SLGBTQ+, sex, poly, kink, body positive; and sex-worker allied.
I am an unapologetic autistic, disabled social worker and trauma therapist. I work collaboratively with autistic/neurodivergent individuals, families, professionals and leaders, providing non-violent, disability/racial/gender justice based healing support. Healing supports are attuned, holistic, depathologizing and decolonizing; reconnecting with self, community and culture. Our neurotypes do not need “treatment”, and our problems are not the result of “social skills deficits”. Deep healing and liberation come through challenging neurodisablist and sanist systems and finding pathways back to our embodied wisdom, power and JOY!
Healing work is 2SLGBTQ+, sex, poly, kink, body positive; and sex-worker allied.
I am an unapologetic autistic, disabled social worker and trauma therapist. I work collaboratively with autistic/neurodivergent individuals, families, professionals and leaders, providing non-violent, disability/racial/gender justice based healing support. Healing supports are attuned, holistic, depathologizing and decolonizing; reconnecting with self, community and culture. Our neurotypes do not need “treatment”, and our problems are not the result of “social skills deficits”. Deep healing and liberation come through challenging neurodisablist and sanist systems and finding pathways back to our embodied wisdom, power and JOY!
Tracey Jastinder Mann
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I have experience in the following: supporting survivors of sexual/interpersonal/structural violence; harm reduction and substance use; grief and loss; anxiety and depression; PTSD; healing from racial trauma; navigating interpersonal relationships; workplace bullying; LGBTQAA identities; exploring kink; poly relationships; sex work; & migrant justice.
I am a queer femme of colour who is working to support collective healing and liberation by offering individual counselling. My work is centred in an intersectional feminist approach to therapy drawing from somatics, narrative and evidence based practices. My approach is to support individuals to build upon existing strengths and daily practices to ensure that they have the tools to live their life in alignment with their own values and desires. I see my role as creating a container to support a person in developing deeper accountability and consent in their relationship with themselves and with others.
I have experience in the following: supporting survivors of sexual/interpersonal/structural violence; harm reduction and substance use; grief and loss; anxiety and depression; PTSD; healing from racial trauma; navigating interpersonal relationships; workplace bullying; LGBTQAA identities; exploring kink; poly relationships; sex work; & migrant justice.
I am a queer femme of colour who is working to support collective healing and liberation by offering individual counselling. My work is centred in an intersectional feminist approach to therapy drawing from somatics, narrative and evidence based practices. My approach is to support individuals to build upon existing strengths and daily practices to ensure that they have the tools to live their life in alignment with their own values and desires. I see my role as creating a container to support a person in developing deeper accountability and consent in their relationship with themselves and with others.
Elisa Gores
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4K
Waitlist for new clients
I am a registered social worker focusing on helping people address relationship concerns, sex and sexuality, infertility and family building, as well as general mental health concerns. I strive to empower clients to forge their own path toward healing with kindness, empathy, humour, and creativity. I welcome members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, all relationship structures, including non-monogamy and polyamory, and am committed to fostering an anti-oppressive, sex/kink-positive, trauma-informed practice.
I am a registered social worker focusing on helping people address relationship concerns, sex and sexuality, infertility and family building, as well as general mental health concerns. I strive to empower clients to forge their own path toward healing with kindness, empathy, humour, and creativity. I welcome members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, all relationship structures, including non-monogamy and polyamory, and am committed to fostering an anti-oppressive, sex/kink-positive, trauma-informed practice.
Deborah Phoenix
Registered Psychotherapist, MWS, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4K (Online Only)
I am sex positive and sex worker positive.
I am glad you made it here. Maybe you want to work on experiencing your emotions with greater ease, navigating sex and relationships, making peace with painful history or just have someone listen to what you say. Therapy can offer a chance to notice patterns, move towards acceptance, create change or just check in with yourself. I take a non-pathologizing approach to struggles and see them as a painful but common part of the human experience. I often work using trauma and attachment informed emotion focused therapy that also uses a relational, intersectional feminist and systemic lens. Together we can work to make sense of things.
I am sex positive and sex worker positive.
I am glad you made it here. Maybe you want to work on experiencing your emotions with greater ease, navigating sex and relationships, making peace with painful history or just have someone listen to what you say. Therapy can offer a chance to notice patterns, move towards acceptance, create change or just check in with yourself. I take a non-pathologizing approach to struggles and see them as a painful but common part of the human experience. I often work using trauma and attachment informed emotion focused therapy that also uses a relational, intersectional feminist and systemic lens. Together we can work to make sense of things.
15 Second Videos
Meagan Szwed
X T Belcastro
Ariel Blau
Brad Garrison
Naomi Reesor
Riley Cheskes
Victoria Mata Therapy
Olga Vigil Letang
Jeffery Leslie Driscoll
Tina Bohin
Mara Toombs
Maureen Bornbaum
Devon Church RN, Psychotherapy - Sex Therapy
Aden Cosgrove
Janna Joseph
Strength Counselling Services
Individual & Relational Therapy | Kat Kova Therapy
Linda Storm
Nigel Edokpolo
North Star Therapy
Melissa Mulongoy
Karen Lynn Goslin
Phill Rego
Tara Jane Wodelet
Steven Ross Therapy
Jansu Edis
Sarah Siddiqui
Yellow Gazebo
Samantha Hawke, Ontario Sex Therapy
Olivia Vander Vloet
Freshte Javid
Jennifer Petryschuk
Katarina Guillen
R. Maveneka Social Work Professional Corp
Kimberley Orton
Kristen Lynn McGeown
Taran Ranu
Melanie Tara Matthews
Cassandra Wolfe
Tatum Bedard
Samantha Paterson
Shawn Rumble Recovery Services
Karlie Chalmers
Laura Clarke
Cherish's Oasis Counselling
Toronto Wellness Counselling
Sonam K Singh
Amanda Bolger
Michelle Fagen
Taryn Zeger
Skye Fitzpatrick
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4C (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My practice is definitively LGBTQ2S+ positive, kink-friendly, and inclusive of those in non-monogamous relationships.
As a clinical psychologist and university professor who develops and tests therapies for trauma, borderline personality disorder/emotion dysregulation, and couples, I focus on getting people good therapy that actually works. Often, past traumas keep people stuck, intense or painful emotions like shame or anxiety make people’s lives feel closed in, and couples want to connect but find that something is persistently wedging them apart. I use science-supported methods to help people find freedom from these forms of suffering and live a life they choose for themselves instead of one that painful emotions or past traumas boxed them into.
My practice is definitively LGBTQ2S+ positive, kink-friendly, and inclusive of those in non-monogamous relationships.
As a clinical psychologist and university professor who develops and tests therapies for trauma, borderline personality disorder/emotion dysregulation, and couples, I focus on getting people good therapy that actually works. Often, past traumas keep people stuck, intense or painful emotions like shame or anxiety make people’s lives feel closed in, and couples want to connect but find that something is persistently wedging them apart. I use science-supported methods to help people find freedom from these forms of suffering and live a life they choose for themselves instead of one that painful emotions or past traumas boxed them into.
Ariel Blau
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6C (Online Only)
I use anti-racist, anti-oppression, gender affirming, feminist, queer- and sex positive modalities informed by intersectionality and cultural relativism for clients facing problems related to institutional systems of privilege.
I have a formidable passion for helping you build and energize a joyful, loving & creative life. My clients are high functioning, gifted, and imaginative individuals, plus HSPs. I am naturally engaged, authentic & direct. Unlike therapists who are silent and write on a pad, aloof & distant, I listen with curiosity & empathy to provide ample feed-back when you request it. You will feel at ease. I will provide you with personalized therapy, using the best technique that can help you with imagination, intuition, warmth, & effectiveness from Narrative, image-based, Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT therapies, & Mindfulness modalities.
I use anti-racist, anti-oppression, gender affirming, feminist, queer- and sex positive modalities informed by intersectionality and cultural relativism for clients facing problems related to institutional systems of privilege.
I have a formidable passion for helping you build and energize a joyful, loving & creative life. My clients are high functioning, gifted, and imaginative individuals, plus HSPs. I am naturally engaged, authentic & direct. Unlike therapists who are silent and write on a pad, aloof & distant, I listen with curiosity & empathy to provide ample feed-back when you request it. You will feel at ease. I will provide you with personalized therapy, using the best technique that can help you with imagination, intuition, warmth, & effectiveness from Narrative, image-based, Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT therapies, & Mindfulness modalities.
Alora Martin Downie
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5S
I support individuals with challenges related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, substance use, relationship issues, connection, belonging, loss, grief, and stressful life changes. Through providing warm, experiential and compassionate support I aim to create a space that is accepting, empowering and has lots of room for exploration. I emphasize a holistic approach and the importance of exploring the mind body connection in healing. My practice welcomes individuals of diverse gender identities, sexualities, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, ages, abilities, and lifestyles.
I support individuals with challenges related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, substance use, relationship issues, connection, belonging, loss, grief, and stressful life changes. Through providing warm, experiential and compassionate support I aim to create a space that is accepting, empowering and has lots of room for exploration. I emphasize a holistic approach and the importance of exploring the mind body connection in healing. My practice welcomes individuals of diverse gender identities, sexualities, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, ages, abilities, and lifestyles.
Candor Psychology & Psychotherapy
Psychologist, MEd, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4P
Accepting New Clients for both in-person and virtual services! We are a team of Psychologists, Registered Psychotherapists and Social Workers with specific training in a variety of evidence-based counselling and therapy approaches. Our services include individual psychotherapy, couples therapy and sex therapy. We work with a wide range of presenting concerns including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, mood disorders, low self-esteem, assertiveness, panic attacks, stress, self-criticism, health anxiety, family-of-origin concerns, histories of trauma, relationship difficulties and sexual difficulties.
Accepting New Clients for both in-person and virtual services! We are a team of Psychologists, Registered Psychotherapists and Social Workers with specific training in a variety of evidence-based counselling and therapy approaches. Our services include individual psychotherapy, couples therapy and sex therapy. We work with a wide range of presenting concerns including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, mood disorders, low self-esteem, assertiveness, panic attacks, stress, self-criticism, health anxiety, family-of-origin concerns, histories of trauma, relationship difficulties and sexual difficulties.
Emily Springgay
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4K
Waitlist for new clients
I work from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, LGBTQIA2S+-affirming perspective and I'm sex/kink/poly/body/sex work positive.
I work with individual youth and adults facing various challenges like relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Together, we uncover patterns, gain insights, and tap into your inner strengths and resources. My approach is rooted in a relational perspective, integrating elements of experiential, phenomenological, person-centered, and arts-based therapy. I provide a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your inner world, reflect on your experiences, develop coping strategies, and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself.
I work from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, LGBTQIA2S+-affirming perspective and I'm sex/kink/poly/body/sex work positive.
I work with individual youth and adults facing various challenges like relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Together, we uncover patterns, gain insights, and tap into your inner strengths and resources. My approach is rooted in a relational perspective, integrating elements of experiential, phenomenological, person-centered, and arts-based therapy. I provide a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your inner world, reflect on your experiences, develop coping strategies, and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself.
Kesla Forsythe
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4K
Booking for May - Living in survival mode is exhausting & I know it took a lot of energy to get here. I support folks looking for new ways to cope with distressing symptoms related to trauma, depression & anxiety. If you are struggling with anger, grief or major life transitions, this is not something you need to do alone & I can be with you while we bring understanding & compassion to what you're experiencing. I also offer Sex Therapy for individuals with concerns such as desire discrepancies, erectile dysfunction, pain, sexual trauma & understanding kink identity.
Booking for May - Living in survival mode is exhausting & I know it took a lot of energy to get here. I support folks looking for new ways to cope with distressing symptoms related to trauma, depression & anxiety. If you are struggling with anger, grief or major life transitions, this is not something you need to do alone & I can be with you while we bring understanding & compassion to what you're experiencing. I also offer Sex Therapy for individuals with concerns such as desire discrepancies, erectile dysfunction, pain, sexual trauma & understanding kink identity.
Erin Callaghan
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I believe we are doing the best we can with the tools available. From my perspective, trauma can get locked in the body if there isn't enough safety to respond in the moment. I will support you in building on the wisdom you already have, and will creatively explore with you the places you feel stuck, shaky, or unmet. Through a relational and experiential process, I will bring attention and compassion to your suffering and untended needs. You can expect me to be warm, direct, steady, and responsive. Additionally, I am Queer & Trans affirming, kink-aware, and knowledgeable around polyamory/non monogamy.
I believe we are doing the best we can with the tools available. From my perspective, trauma can get locked in the body if there isn't enough safety to respond in the moment. I will support you in building on the wisdom you already have, and will creatively explore with you the places you feel stuck, shaky, or unmet. Through a relational and experiential process, I will bring attention and compassion to your suffering and untended needs. You can expect me to be warm, direct, steady, and responsive. Additionally, I am Queer & Trans affirming, kink-aware, and knowledgeable around polyamory/non monogamy.
Asher Faerstein
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I am comfortable with a wide variety of ways of being, values, and relationship styles, including kink and ENM.
I believe that encountering painful moments and periods of hardship is inevitable and can bring us into contact with the most fundamental parts of ourselves. Instead of avoiding these experiences, I am interested in working with you to explore them with curiosity and self-compassion. Healing is a nonlinear process that takes time, and some things may always be unresolved; I see therapy as a safe space to collaboratively explore and articulate different facets of your experience, set therapeutic goals, and work together to create desired changes.
I am comfortable with a wide variety of ways of being, values, and relationship styles, including kink and ENM.
I believe that encountering painful moments and periods of hardship is inevitable and can bring us into contact with the most fundamental parts of ourselves. Instead of avoiding these experiences, I am interested in working with you to explore them with curiosity and self-compassion. Healing is a nonlinear process that takes time, and some things may always be unresolved; I see therapy as a safe space to collaboratively explore and articulate different facets of your experience, set therapeutic goals, and work together to create desired changes.
Sean Hale
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4W (Online Only)
I am a Kink-Aware and Poly Affirmative therapist.
I have 12+ years experience working in coaching and psychotherapy. While working with both individuals and couples, I provide an empathetic and non-judgemental approach. I work with a range of clients and specialize in Relationship issues, Men's issues, Life Transitions, Communication, Self-esteem, Identity development, Overcoming Shame, Mood regulation and LGBTQ+ issues. My approach is eclectic, meaning that one size does not fit all. I work within your paradigm to find what works for you. I work with you at your pace and using methodologies that are most suited to your needs.
I am a Kink-Aware and Poly Affirmative therapist.
I have 12+ years experience working in coaching and psychotherapy. While working with both individuals and couples, I provide an empathetic and non-judgemental approach. I work with a range of clients and specialize in Relationship issues, Men's issues, Life Transitions, Communication, Self-esteem, Identity development, Overcoming Shame, Mood regulation and LGBTQ+ issues. My approach is eclectic, meaning that one size does not fit all. I work within your paradigm to find what works for you. I work with you at your pace and using methodologies that are most suited to your needs.
See more therapy options for Toronto
Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Counsellors
Why might an individual want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
A sex-positive or kinky individual may want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist because the client may feel safer and more supported discussing their experiences and challenges. A therapist who identifies as kink-friendly will have experience with clients having diverse sexual preferences and will likely be nonjudgmental and supportive about issues brought to the table. It is important to note that sex-positive, kink-allied individuals may find equal success with therapists who do not have such specialised knowledge and background. The most important factor in the success of therapy is for the client and practitioner to form a strong, trusting bond.
Do therapists have special training to gain expertise in sex-positive, kink-allied treatment?
Generally, no. There are limited training programs and unofficial accreditations that therapists can pursue, but a therapist’s expertise will ultimately come from their previous experience with similar clients, their engagement with organisations that promote sex positivity or kink-allied lifestyles, and the importance they place on safety and cultural sensitivity.
How can individuals recognise a good sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
An experienced therapist is able to help clients explore their sexual identity and expression and relieve any discomfort or stigma attached to discussing such matters and the client’s overall challenges. A therapist who is sex-positive and kink-allied is able to create an environment that honors a client’s experience and sexual preferences. To recognise a good therapist, clients can simply ask directly about topics and issues important to them and gauge their comfort level and connection with a clinician based on the responses.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist with a focus on sex positivity and alternative sexual lifestyles?
Some individuals may feel most comfortable knowing that the clinician they’re working with has a commitment to creating an atmosphere of sex positivity and has experience with relationship diversity and alternative relationship structures. Working with a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist may help clients respect their own challenges and improve identity-affirming treatment.