Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Oakland, CA
Hello, I'm Kai. I am a queer & trans/genderqueer mixed-race pilpinx therapist providing telehealth throughout the state of California. I am especially passionate about supporting those who identify as qtbipoc, trans, disabled, kinky, swers, nonmonogamous, formerly incarcerated, immigrant, and activists or anarchists.
My educational training was centered around a psychodynamic lens, and I have been particularly drawn toward incorporating relational therapy, liberation psychology, somatic therapy, parts work, ERP, and trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR in my work.
Hello, I'm Kai. I am a queer & trans/genderqueer mixed-race pilpinx therapist providing telehealth throughout the state of California. I am especially passionate about supporting those who identify as qtbipoc, trans, disabled, kinky, swers, nonmonogamous, formerly incarcerated, immigrant, and activists or anarchists.
My educational training was centered around a psychodynamic lens, and I have been particularly drawn toward incorporating relational therapy, liberation psychology, somatic therapy, parts work, ERP, and trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR in my work.
Jessica Barnese, Somatic
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPC, LPCC
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I am LGBTQ, ENM, BIPOC, kink, and sex worker allied.
Are you navigating complex emotions or decisions, struggling in relationships, or needing to make sense of long-standing patterns that no longer serve you? I work with people in California and Oregon who want to change the stuck parts of their lives that feel impossible to shift—whether you're healing from childhood trauma, moving through a life transition, or longing to feel more connected to yourself and others. My approach is down-to-earth, trauma-informed, and grounded in the body. I integrate mindfulness, somatic therapy, and relational work to help you feel more whole and authentically embodied in who you are.
I am LGBTQ, ENM, BIPOC, kink, and sex worker allied.
Are you navigating complex emotions or decisions, struggling in relationships, or needing to make sense of long-standing patterns that no longer serve you? I work with people in California and Oregon who want to change the stuck parts of their lives that feel impossible to shift—whether you're healing from childhood trauma, moving through a life transition, or longing to feel more connected to yourself and others. My approach is down-to-earth, trauma-informed, and grounded in the body. I integrate mindfulness, somatic therapy, and relational work to help you feel more whole and authentically embodied in who you are.
Ever wonder to yourself, "Why am I like this?", or "What is wrong with me that I can't just..."
That's me too, I’m Jae, a Bay Area-based therapist who found their way into this work hoping to become the therapist I couldn't find when I needed it most. Bring me your weird, your awkward, your YOU.
I bring a grounded, warm, and deeply curious presence to my work, infused with my authentic (and sometimes delightfully awkward) humanness. Try as I might, a blank slate therapist I am not—I tend to be direct yet gentle, results-oriented yet patient, and I’ll almost always laugh at a perfectly timed sardonic remark.
Ever wonder to yourself, "Why am I like this?", or "What is wrong with me that I can't just..."
That's me too, I’m Jae, a Bay Area-based therapist who found their way into this work hoping to become the therapist I couldn't find when I needed it most. Bring me your weird, your awkward, your YOU.
I bring a grounded, warm, and deeply curious presence to my work, infused with my authentic (and sometimes delightfully awkward) humanness. Try as I might, a blank slate therapist I am not—I tend to be direct yet gentle, results-oriented yet patient, and I’ll almost always laugh at a perfectly timed sardonic remark.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety or depression, navigating complex relationships, working through past experiences, or simply looking to better understand yourself, I’m here to support you. I support clients navigating these areas and exploring their identities, values, creativity, and connections, particularly those in ethically non-monogamous relationships and the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety or depression, navigating complex relationships, working through past experiences, or simply looking to better understand yourself, I’m here to support you. I support clients navigating these areas and exploring their identities, values, creativity, and connections, particularly those in ethically non-monogamous relationships and the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities.
Are you looking to feel more fully yourself in different areas of your life? Are you wanting to understand yourself or your partner more deeply? Are you hoping to make sense of past experiences and move toward greater peace? If so, I’m the clinician for you!
I believe healing happens in relationship. While the past shapes how we move through the present, the therapeutic relationship we build together can become a space where old wounds begin to heal. My work may include trauma informed approaches such as somatic practices, offered within a culturally inclusive and affirming framework.
Are you looking to feel more fully yourself in different areas of your life? Are you wanting to understand yourself or your partner more deeply? Are you hoping to make sense of past experiences and move toward greater peace? If so, I’m the clinician for you!
I believe healing happens in relationship. While the past shapes how we move through the present, the therapeutic relationship we build together can become a space where old wounds begin to heal. My work may include trauma informed approaches such as somatic practices, offered within a culturally inclusive and affirming framework.
I am a sex-positive, kink aware, queer and gender affirming therapist based in the Bay Area.
I have a passion and drive for helping people develop into their authentic selves through curiosity, exploration, and self-discovery. I specialize in kink, BDSM, and relationships of different structures, such as polyamory, non-monogamy, and relationship anarchy.
I am a sex-positive, kink aware, queer and gender affirming therapist based in the Bay Area.
I have a passion and drive for helping people develop into their authentic selves through curiosity, exploration, and self-discovery. I specialize in kink, BDSM, and relationships of different structures, such as polyamory, non-monogamy, and relationship anarchy.
Whether you’re curious about or actively practicing ethical non-monogamy, interested in exploring kink or simply seeking deeper connection, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk openly about your needs, desires and challenges so as to find what truly works for you.
My approach is collaborative: you are the expert on your own life, and I bring expertise in helping people navigate emotional struggles, shift unhelpful patterns and overcome relationship roadblocks. Together, we’ll challenge limiting beliefs, expand your options, and create new ways of relating—to yourself and to others—that feel authentic and fulfilling.
Whether you’re curious about or actively practicing ethical non-monogamy, interested in exploring kink or simply seeking deeper connection, I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk openly about your needs, desires and challenges so as to find what truly works for you.
My approach is collaborative: you are the expert on your own life, and I bring expertise in helping people navigate emotional struggles, shift unhelpful patterns and overcome relationship roadblocks. Together, we’ll challenge limiting beliefs, expand your options, and create new ways of relating—to yourself and to others—that feel authentic and fulfilling.
Life can get complicated and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, addiction and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let us help guide you through this journey!
Life can get complicated and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, addiction and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let us help guide you through this journey!
Are you experiencing overwhelm, gender identity questions, or patterns that just don’t feel good? I’m passionate about working with people who long for a deeper, more caring connection with themselves. Returning to our bodies and embracing our whole selves are radical acts in the face of oppressive systems.
I specialize in gender identity, substance use, and anxiety - I do not require or push abstinence. I tend to connect most effectively with folks who are trans, queer, kinky, nonmonogamous, helping professionals, students, recent graduates, artists, neurodivergent, witchy, and/or spiritually inclined.
Are you experiencing overwhelm, gender identity questions, or patterns that just don’t feel good? I’m passionate about working with people who long for a deeper, more caring connection with themselves. Returning to our bodies and embracing our whole selves are radical acts in the face of oppressive systems.
I specialize in gender identity, substance use, and anxiety - I do not require or push abstinence. I tend to connect most effectively with folks who are trans, queer, kinky, nonmonogamous, helping professionals, students, recent graduates, artists, neurodivergent, witchy, and/or spiritually inclined.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Perhaps you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or a life transition, feeling stuck in familiar patterns that keep you from the fulfilling life or relationships you long for. Maybe past hurts, attachment wounds, or relational disappointments are affecting your ability to trust, communicate, or feel secure with others. You want deeper self-understanding and emotional healing, but you’re unsure how to move forward.
Perhaps you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or a life transition, feeling stuck in familiar patterns that keep you from the fulfilling life or relationships you long for. Maybe past hurts, attachment wounds, or relational disappointments are affecting your ability to trust, communicate, or feel secure with others. You want deeper self-understanding and emotional healing, but you’re unsure how to move forward.
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal conflict, cultural and intersectional identity concerns, anger management, and mood disorders. I welcome individuals who are striving to become the best version of themselves, seeking support in managing symptoms, or simply interested in personal growth. An initial evaluation session can help us determine whether I’m the right fit for your needs.
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal conflict, cultural and intersectional identity concerns, anger management, and mood disorders. I welcome individuals who are striving to become the best version of themselves, seeking support in managing symptoms, or simply interested in personal growth. An initial evaluation session can help us determine whether I’m the right fit for your needs.
I work with folks of all walks and identities, clear or uncertain, individually and in relationship. Life transitions that create doubt, confusion, and self-reproach are also opportunities for discovery, restructuring, and rebirth. Some that I've explored deeply include single parenthood, non-monogamous intimacy, alienation from family of origin, psychedelic exploration, and activist social/political engagement. Whether these are your identified areas of work or not, a spirit of exploration, patience, and curiosity will animate my interest in who you are and how you experience life.
I work with folks of all walks and identities, clear or uncertain, individually and in relationship. Life transitions that create doubt, confusion, and self-reproach are also opportunities for discovery, restructuring, and rebirth. Some that I've explored deeply include single parenthood, non-monogamous intimacy, alienation from family of origin, psychedelic exploration, and activist social/political engagement. Whether these are your identified areas of work or not, a spirit of exploration, patience, and curiosity will animate my interest in who you are and how you experience life.
Are you finding yourself in painful patterns that are hard to end? Perhaps you're afraid of being misunderstood or not truly seen in your relationships? My work often involves supporting you in the deeper awareness of self & how these patterns might have protected you, but now block your deepest desires. So you can grow into your most empowered self. I work with women, men & couples. I have a lot of passion for the healing of individual & cultural wounds between women & men. To create more understanding & peace between eachother. I work with many kinds of relationship dynamics. Finding the balance of truth & harmony together
Are you finding yourself in painful patterns that are hard to end? Perhaps you're afraid of being misunderstood or not truly seen in your relationships? My work often involves supporting you in the deeper awareness of self & how these patterns might have protected you, but now block your deepest desires. So you can grow into your most empowered self. I work with women, men & couples. I have a lot of passion for the healing of individual & cultural wounds between women & men. To create more understanding & peace between eachother. I work with many kinds of relationship dynamics. Finding the balance of truth & harmony together
People are often hesitant to try therapy because they feel it won't work or believe they should be able to handle difficult things on their own. If you're willing to try personal trainers, babysitters, house cleaners, and other services to better your life, doesn't your emotional happiness or the happiness of your family deserve the same focus? I believe that it absolutely does.
In addition to traditional psychotherapy, I offer private pay ADHD and Autism evaluations for both children and adults. Please see website for fee information.
People are often hesitant to try therapy because they feel it won't work or believe they should be able to handle difficult things on their own. If you're willing to try personal trainers, babysitters, house cleaners, and other services to better your life, doesn't your emotional happiness or the happiness of your family deserve the same focus? I believe that it absolutely does.
In addition to traditional psychotherapy, I offer private pay ADHD and Autism evaluations for both children and adults. Please see website for fee information.
My work with clients focuses on emotion and on patterns in how we relate to ourselves and others. I see symptoms, such as distressing thoughts and feelings, not only as challenges but as meaningful signals that can point to things outside of awareness. In a trusted therapeutic relationship, previously unconscious thoughts and feelings often surface as “safe surprises,” helping to connect past and present. While we may discuss past experiences when useful, I encourage clients to speak freely so fears, desires, dreams, and other vital parts of their inner life can emerge. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and culturally sensitive.
My work with clients focuses on emotion and on patterns in how we relate to ourselves and others. I see symptoms, such as distressing thoughts and feelings, not only as challenges but as meaningful signals that can point to things outside of awareness. In a trusted therapeutic relationship, previously unconscious thoughts and feelings often surface as “safe surprises,” helping to connect past and present. While we may discuss past experiences when useful, I encourage clients to speak freely so fears, desires, dreams, and other vital parts of their inner life can emerge. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and culturally sensitive.
I come to this work through an existential ache—alive with questions of meaning, belonging, and how to be human when old forms no longer hold. I accompany people in these in-between spaces: exploring identity, grief, creativity, or ways of being that don't fit neatly into categories. Many are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, creative, spiritually curious, or in roles of holding space for others.
I come to this work through an existential ache—alive with questions of meaning, belonging, and how to be human when old forms no longer hold. I accompany people in these in-between spaces: exploring identity, grief, creativity, or ways of being that don't fit neatly into categories. Many are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, creative, spiritually curious, or in roles of holding space for others.
I am kink and sex positive.
My clients sometimes think of themselves as outsiders, and in our sessions they find validation, safety, and hope. We collaborate on issues like finding community, discovering your voice, and freeing your internal advocate. Everyone can use extra support from time to time, and that's what I'm here for. Let’s be curious about your challenges and search together for solutions that come from the context of your life.
I am kink and sex positive.
My clients sometimes think of themselves as outsiders, and in our sessions they find validation, safety, and hope. We collaborate on issues like finding community, discovering your voice, and freeing your internal advocate. Everyone can use extra support from time to time, and that's what I'm here for. Let’s be curious about your challenges and search together for solutions that come from the context of your life.
Working with me, you can expect engaged listening, deliberate evocative questions, accountability, reliability, and holistic care with attention to bodily and emotional experiences, thoughts and fantasies. I see therapy as a collaborative creative free space. In the beginning of our work together I will ask you a lot of questions about yourself so I can have a comprehensive sense of who you are and what you are here to work on.
Working with me, you can expect engaged listening, deliberate evocative questions, accountability, reliability, and holistic care with attention to bodily and emotional experiences, thoughts and fantasies. I see therapy as a collaborative creative free space. In the beginning of our work together I will ask you a lot of questions about yourself so I can have a comprehensive sense of who you are and what you are here to work on.
A lot of people come to me when life feels heavier than it should, anxiety that won’t let up, relationships stuck in the same patterns, or feeling disconnected from yourself even when things look “fine” on the outside.
My job is to help you understand what’s really going on, see it more clearly, and figure out what will actually make a difference. I work best with people who are curious about themselves, even if they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start, just a willingness to show up and see what we can do together.
A lot of people come to me when life feels heavier than it should, anxiety that won’t let up, relationships stuck in the same patterns, or feeling disconnected from yourself even when things look “fine” on the outside.
My job is to help you understand what’s really going on, see it more clearly, and figure out what will actually make a difference. I work best with people who are curious about themselves, even if they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start, just a willingness to show up and see what we can do together.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists
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 specialized 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 organizations that promote sex positivity or kink-allied lifestyles, and the importance they place on safety and cultural sensitivity.
How can individuals recognize 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 recognize 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.