Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in San Diego, CA
See all therapists in San Diego
Rachelle Ann Ramos
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified
Verified
I would describe the therapy I offer as client centered, nonjudgmental, collaborative, affirming, multiculturally responsive, and
sex positive
.
Clients who seek me out for therapy often identify with historically underrepresented groups such as Black, Indigenous, people of transnational-immigrant diaspora, LGBTQIA+ individuals/couples/CNM configurations, sex workers, and more. My therapy services include but are not limited to supporting individuals/couples/CNM configurations navigating life transitions, processing trauma to release the influence of the past on the present, as well as finding/developing their emotional balance. I have experience working with Consensually Nonmonogamous Configurations as well as Kinky populations in regard to my relational work.
Tay Richardson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MS, APCC
Verified
Verified
I am a Black, trans/nonbinary, and queer therapist who aims to form collaborative relationships with my clients and provide liberating mental health services. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where folks can openly explore their identities and lived experiences. I aim to help you discover your strengths and push you in your areas of growth towards healing. I have experience working with a variety of ages, identities, and backgrounds. I am specifically passionate about working with neurodiverse populations, queer and trans communities, people of color, and non traditional relationship dynamics (non-monogamy/
kink
).
Affirming Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Each member of the ATC team is a professionally-trained Psychotherapist qualified to address topics such as gender and identity, sex and sexual health, non-monogamy, trauma, out-of-control sexual behavior, BDSM,
kink
, and fetishes.
The core value of Affirming Therapy Center (ATC) is in our name. “Affirming” is both the nature and the goal of ATC’s work as a dedicated resource supporting Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) in California. This core value is embodied by providing you with professional, open-minded care in a space that acknowledges and celebrates your unique personhood and distinct challenges. You are welcome and valued here.
Ruth Millican
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Welcome! My client’s often tell me that I am genuine, kind and put them at ease, while also challenging them at the times when they need to be pushed. I strike a balance between therapy always feeling safe and comfortable, but also a place where you can be pushed to re-evaluate you needs and actions. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, as I am a part of this community and this is a passion of mine. The primary focus of my practice is trauma therapy, neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), and the LGBTQIA+ community. I am also an affirming provider of all relationship configurations (polyamory, ENM,
kink
, BDSM).
Miranda Millican
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
Welcome to my practice! My specialty areas include trauma, relationships and body image issues. As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, my passions include working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and neurodiverse clients (ADHD, autism, other neurotypes). As a neurodiversity affirming provider, I see all neurotypes as equal, and not an issue that needs "treatment". Rather, it is a process of finding your way back to yourself and who you really are. Additionally, I work with the ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, and
kink
/BDSM community. I work with both couples and individuals and enjoy working with all relationship structures.
Mary (Molly) Gildersleeve, Couples Therapist
LPC Intern, APCC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Welcome! I love to help couples to reach their highest levels of trust, intimacy and safety together to create the relationship they have always wanted. I take a trauma focused approach, as these traumas and attachment issues can affect relationship dynamics and communication. I work with couples practicing BDSM/
kink
and also specialize in neurodiversity (ADHD and autism) and mixed neurotype couples. My practice works with LGBTQIA+ couples and polyamorous couples. I am part of both of these communities which makes for a safe and inclusive space.
Glenn Allan Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I am passionate about helping my clients find and explore their authentic selves! I am sex-positive,
kink
, poly and BDSM friendly! Please reach out if you are distraught, suffering, or confused.
What part of your life is most impacting you? If you answered sexuality, then let's talk! I specialize in issues regarding sex and sexuality- there can be issues of shame, abuse, discrimination, judgment, confusion, and secrecy- and I would love to help you define what your vision of sexual health looks like and feels like for you, your partner, and your family.
Stephen Brewer
Psychologist, PsyD, CCTP-II
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
My practice is LGBT affirming,
kink
knowledgeable, poly aware, and has benevolent intentions for Pagans and “witchy” people.
Feeling understood and cared for are important ingredients in any helping relationship. My commitment to you if we decide to work together is that we will face your challenges, concerns, and celebrations together as a team. As a psychologist, I'm very interested in getting to know you as best as possible so that together we can work toward improving your quality of life. I specialize in adults and teenagers experiencing men's health issues, addictions, depression, anxiety, trauma, & complex PTSD. I also offer forensic services including law enforcement evaluations (POST appeals only), and evaluations for immigration & LGBT asylum.
Robyn Buresh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Looking for a sex-positive therapist? I offer an open and accepting space in which you can be, or discover, your most authentic self. If you are struggling with issues of identity, have been harmed by messages about your body or sex, or are living with the aftermath of a traumatic event, I am here to offer my training and expertise to help you move from a place of pain and hardship into a place of peace and connection, both with me and with yourself. Therapy is more than just a place for talking. This is a place to experience safety and being seen. Allow me to join you on your journey of deeper introspection and self awareness.
Elvina (Legal Name Vincent) Inzano
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I practice cultural humility and strive to provide centered services including but not limited to: polyamory &
kink
communities.
Let’s collaborate so we can work together to support your ongoing healing and growth. I work towards engaging from a compassionate, anti-oppressive, and trauma informed positionality. One of my focuses is on collaborating to better understand yourself as an integrated mind/body/spirit/social/relational being (soma) and reprocessing what your soma holds. Some of the ways in which we can do this is through building upon the stories that empower you and learning skills for personal and/or interpersonal fulfillment. We all deserve to live our lives liberated from the reactive survival responses of trauma.
Sara Alkhedairy
Counselor, APCC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Welcome! I am so glad you are here and ready to take the next step towards finding support! I specialize in working with non-monogamy, polyamory, and
kink
/BDSM communities, racial trauma and adult children of immigrants. As a child of Arab immigrants and member of the polyamorous community myself, I love helping clients to rewrite their personal narratives and recognize the influence they have over their lives. Additionally, I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodiversity (Autism, ADHD and other neurotypes) from an affirming lens.
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Kelsey Lynn Paulson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Kelsey also works with the LGBTQ and
Kink
communities, and provides Gender Affirming Therapy to the Transgender community.
Dr. Kelsey Paulson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She received her Bachelor’s of Science at Iowa State University, and her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at AIU with an emphasis in Forensics Studies. Over the past 17 years, Kelsey has received training and experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, families, couples, active duty service members, and Veterans. She has extensive experience working with severe mental illness, mood/anxiety disorders, co-occurring substance use disorders, trauma, and chronic pain.
Chosen Family Sanctuary
Associate Clinical Social Worker
Verified
Verified
My therapeutic lens is based on intersectional liberation, sex/
kink
positivity, abolition, anti-racism, and gender and body affirmation.
Let’s envision what healing looks and feels like for you. How do we create space to imagine safely? To me, healing is about discovering and strengthening your connection to yourself, your body, your spirit, and to your greater community. As a queer nonbinary SWANA therapist, I strive to co-create an authentic and affirming therapeutic environment with and for you. I’ll be a fiercely compassionate sidekick on your healing journey. I’ll accept and celebrate you as you are, without judgment or shame (but sometimes humor), and ask you the hard questions.Healing happens when we can be celebrated as our full and true selves.
Dale Ayres Lcsw Sex Addiction Therapist Connection Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW CA, LCSW FL, CCTP, MSW
Verified
Verified
Discover Your Path to Healing at Connection2Life.com Today could be the day you change your life. Are you struggling with personal challenges or feeling overwhelmed by life's complexities? Let me help you find your way to a brighter tomorrow. I am a stigma-free, sex-positive,
kink
-aware, sex worker-aware, and LGBTQ+-friendly therapist, dedicated to helping people from all walks of life navigate their unique challenges. I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, Self-esteem, Out-of-control Sexual Behavior, Sexual Addiction Substance Use, Relationship Issues, Intimacy, Infidelity, Trauma, PTSD, Grief , and Gender Identity issues.
Jerry Moreau
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Some special areas of focus for our work together can include: Personal and Spiritual Growth, Life Transitions and Adjustments, Relationship Issues Consensual Non-Monogamy–Polyamory, Open Relationships/Swinging Alternative Sexuality Issues–Leather/Fetish/
Kink
, Power Exchange Relationships.
Our personal journey is both joyous and challenging. Life brings us things where sometimes we become lost and struggle. During these times, we may need to reach out to someone who is caring and nurturing - someone who will listen and is knowledgeable. These are just some of the things that you may find challenging and cause us to suffer: Life Transitions Relationships Issues Depression, Anxiety, & Loneliness Low Self-Esteem Lack of Clear Purpose Grief & Bereavement LGBTQ & Coming Out Issues Issues of Sex, Sexuality, & Alternative Sexuality Trauma Related Issues.
Mary (Molly) Gildersleeve
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
As a queer provider, I enjoy working with clients from the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as from the poly/non-monogamy and
kink
communities.
Welcome! Are you looking to go deeper in therapy and address the trauma that is at the core of some of the anxiety and depression you are experiencing? If so, we might be a fit! I work with trauma of all kinds, but I have a specific passion for working with sexual trauma. I work from a trauma informed lens, and I work hard to make my clients feel safe and secure with me and in my space. I work from a parts lens, helping you to understand the different parts of you in new ways, and learning to provide yourself with the comfort and safety you have always needed.
Dana M Cole
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified
Verified
I am a
sex positive
, harm reduction, science based therapist.
I strongly believe, and studies show, that the connection between you and your therapist is one of the most important aspects of being in therapy. No matter what brings you here, trust and communication are what help you to be comfortable. My goal is to create a safe, judgement free space for whatever you want to unpack. You can do hard things and I'm here to help you.
Monica Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I am also polyamorous and
Kink
friendly.
Searching for a space where you can just be you? Sometimes life can present challenges that make it hard for us to simply exist as who we are. As your therapist, I will provide a space that is both comforting and non-judgemental. Here we can work together to help you explore unique aspects of yourself that can help you address hardship, live as the fullest version of yourself and a life that feels satisfying for you. My approach to therapy is client-centered, compassionate, collaborative, curious and rooted in the idea that you have the capacity to re-story and improve the reality of your life.
Cassidy Peters
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Hello and welcome! I'm Cassidy and I'm so glad you're here. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues or addiction? I work with client's who are experiencing: anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, neurodivergence, sex issues/sex addiction, substance abuse, organizational issues, and severe mental illness. I have a passion for working with teens, young adults, adults, and couples. "If we share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can't survive." - Brené Brown
Kim Eisenberg LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a queer-identified, poly/CNM and
kink
affirming therapist.
What if you are already whole, normal, and unbroken? If your sexuality, gender, and relationship style are intrinsically beautiful and worthy of celebration? If your stress, anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and professional challenges are reasonable reactions to an unreasonable environment? I work with people seeking support balancing the pressures of daily life while navigating the complex intersections of personal identity and relational structures that challenge the status quo.
See more therapy options for
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.