Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in San Diego, CA
I believe in the importance of honoring individual experiences, I work collaboratively with clients to provide individualized mental health care to support authentic living and healing. I ensure that my therapy space is a safe, sex-positive, LGBTIA+, ENM/Polyamory, and Kink affirming.
I believe in the importance of honoring individual experiences, I work collaboratively with clients to provide individualized mental health care to support authentic living and healing. I ensure that my therapy space is a safe, sex-positive, LGBTIA+, ENM/Polyamory, and Kink affirming.
Rachelle Ann Ramos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116 (Online Only)
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.
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.
Stacey Jackson-Roberts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
This includes queer and trans individuals, parents and partners of LGBTQ+ individuals, practitioners of ethical non-monogamy, and those involved in kink.
I offer therapy to individuals exploring various aspects of gender (transgender, cisgender, and gender diverse) and sexuality (LGBTQ+, straight, ENM/Poly, Kink). My goal is to create a supportive environment where we can tackle challenges related to sexuality, relationships, personal growth, and overall mental health. Together, we’ll engage in empathetic, nonjudgmental conversations to identify areas for growth and celebrate your achievements. I’ll customize our sessions using diverse therapeutic techniques to meet your unique needs, values, and goals, helping you define your journey in life and relationships.
This includes queer and trans individuals, parents and partners of LGBTQ+ individuals, practitioners of ethical non-monogamy, and those involved in kink.
I offer therapy to individuals exploring various aspects of gender (transgender, cisgender, and gender diverse) and sexuality (LGBTQ+, straight, ENM/Poly, Kink). My goal is to create a supportive environment where we can tackle challenges related to sexuality, relationships, personal growth, and overall mental health. Together, we’ll engage in empathetic, nonjudgmental conversations to identify areas for growth and celebrate your achievements. I’ll customize our sessions using diverse therapeutic techniques to meet your unique needs, values, and goals, helping you define your journey in life and relationships.
Elizabeth Vines
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116 (Online Only)
As an LGBTQIA+ allied clinician, I am kink/poly/cnm friendly and feel passionate about helping people thrive in their chosen lifestyle.
I specialize in complex trauma, phobias/anxiety, and chronic illness for adults and teens. Many of my clients are recovering from developmental trauma, learning to soothe overactive nervous systems, and hoping to identify and express their needs in a new way. My work is depth oriented, empowering, feminist, compassion focused, and client-centered. I work well with artists and creative types, perfectionists, high achievers, nerds, people who love to learn, and those who identify as highly sensitive. Read more and find resources in the blog on my website at www.sierraspringspsychotherapy.com
As an LGBTQIA+ allied clinician, I am kink/poly/cnm friendly and feel passionate about helping people thrive in their chosen lifestyle.
I specialize in complex trauma, phobias/anxiety, and chronic illness for adults and teens. Many of my clients are recovering from developmental trauma, learning to soothe overactive nervous systems, and hoping to identify and express their needs in a new way. My work is depth oriented, empowering, feminist, compassion focused, and client-centered. I work well with artists and creative types, perfectionists, high achievers, nerds, people who love to learn, and those who identify as highly sensitive. Read more and find resources in the blog on my website at www.sierraspringspsychotherapy.com
Elvina (Legal Name Vincent) Inzano
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
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.
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.
I am also great with polyamory, ENM/CNM, kink and BDSM, neurodivergence, couples or polycule therapy, religious trauma and the effects of discrimination.
All humans are wired for connection – we need it on the most basic level from the moment we are born and throughout our lifetime. But humans are the worst! And the best! Humans are complicated. We need each other, we love each other, we hurt each other – we develop ways of reaching out for connection that might not be working anymore. This is where I come in. I work with people who are experiencing distress within themselves and in their relationships. We will identify the unhelpful beliefs and patterns that keep you stuck, and then learning new ways of relating to yourself and others that make you feel…..dare I say it?… happy!
I am also great with polyamory, ENM/CNM, kink and BDSM, neurodivergence, couples or polycule therapy, religious trauma and the effects of discrimination.
All humans are wired for connection – we need it on the most basic level from the moment we are born and throughout our lifetime. But humans are the worst! And the best! Humans are complicated. We need each other, we love each other, we hurt each other – we develop ways of reaching out for connection that might not be working anymore. This is where I come in. I work with people who are experiencing distress within themselves and in their relationships. We will identify the unhelpful beliefs and patterns that keep you stuck, and then learning new ways of relating to yourself and others that make you feel…..dare I say it?… happy!
I am sex positive, & kink aware, & I follow a client’s lead in engaging in age appropriate discussions.
Welcome! As a Bilingual (Spanish & English), Queer Bisexual Mexican-American, & Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I understand that most of us want to feel seen, heard, & accepted. Although outward validation & affirmation helps, the deep work & healing lies in being able to validate & affirm ourselves, all of our identities, & lived experiences. In our lives as we continue evolving & changing as individuals, we reach points where the coping strategies we have previously used, & that have helped us survive at one point, may no longer serve us, & they can actually interfere with our ability to connect to ourselves & others.
I am sex positive, & kink aware, & I follow a client’s lead in engaging in age appropriate discussions.
Welcome! As a Bilingual (Spanish & English), Queer Bisexual Mexican-American, & Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I understand that most of us want to feel seen, heard, & accepted. Although outward validation & affirmation helps, the deep work & healing lies in being able to validate & affirm ourselves, all of our identities, & lived experiences. In our lives as we continue evolving & changing as individuals, we reach points where the coping strategies we have previously used, & that have helped us survive at one point, may no longer serve us, & they can actually interfere with our ability to connect to ourselves & others.
I work with individuals from a range of gender and sexual identities and I am sex positive and kink friendly.
Are you searching to find meaning and struggle with negative thoughts about yourself and your life? I believe that given an environment of dignity, respect, compassion and unconditional positive regard, every person can tap into their own resiliency, achieve personal growth and realize their own unique potential.I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 12 years experience working as a therapist, researcher and educator. I see both individuals and couples with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, grief and loss, aging issues, substance abuse, gender, sexuality, sexual health and out of control sexual behavior.
I work with individuals from a range of gender and sexual identities and I am sex positive and kink friendly.
Are you searching to find meaning and struggle with negative thoughts about yourself and your life? I believe that given an environment of dignity, respect, compassion and unconditional positive regard, every person can tap into their own resiliency, achieve personal growth and realize their own unique potential.I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 12 years experience working as a therapist, researcher and educator. I see both individuals and couples with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, grief and loss, aging issues, substance abuse, gender, sexuality, sexual health and out of control sexual behavior.
I specialize in the following areas: mood disruption, substance abuse, trauma, alternative relationships (including multi-partner/poly and kink) queer communities, sexual health and sex therapy.
Human beings have great capacity for growth and change. Having a supportive guide through the process is both helpful and meaningful. My role is to help clients find their strengths and apply them to the areas in which they struggle. I work well with people who have realized their lives are not going the way they want, but can't quite figure out how to do things differently. I am an interactive, engaged, supportive and collaborative therapist. I genuinely enjoy helping people be in the world the in the ways they wish to be.
I specialize in the following areas: mood disruption, substance abuse, trauma, alternative relationships (including multi-partner/poly and kink) queer communities, sexual health and sex therapy.
Human beings have great capacity for growth and change. Having a supportive guide through the process is both helpful and meaningful. My role is to help clients find their strengths and apply them to the areas in which they struggle. I work well with people who have realized their lives are not going the way they want, but can't quite figure out how to do things differently. I am an interactive, engaged, supportive and collaborative therapist. I genuinely enjoy helping people be in the world the in the ways they wish to be.
Tay Richardson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
Waitlist for new clients
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).
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).
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.
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.
15 Second Videos
Elizabeth Vines
Dana M Cole
Natalie Blair
Heather Johns - Anxiety And Trauma Therapist
Liz Nordenholt
Eli Reding
Amy Wiseman
Macala A Lacy
Courageous Couples Counseling
Amy Salgado
Jared Boot-Haury
Myles Marcotte
Scott Altamirano
Ji Eun Ko
Julia Mendoza
Hayden Dover
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Olivia Waldorf
Scott D Altamirano
Jessica Hughes
Lara J. Duff
Heather Murray
Jennifer V Kulka
Stacy Bonds
Grace Charlton
Áurea Oliveira
R. Clarke Heyes
Scott D Altamirano
Kayla Knopp
Thuy Linh Pham
Penelope 'nel' Mercer
Esther Krohner
Esmeralda S Christensen
Center for Mental Health Excellence
Amy Anderson, LCSW
Amanda Turull
Grace Catherine Mickle
Em Mitchell
Becca Lantry
Queer Corner Counseling
Ginny Gutman
Genevieve Olucha
Open Mind Health
Kristin Calabria
Cynthia Valentine
Christy A. George
Neha Rathaur
Susie VanDyke
Lauryn Estrada
Olga Goodman
Dr. Ida Fariba
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108 (Online Only)
For couples, I support in improving intimacy and exploring other lifestyles that you both may want to incorporate, things like kink, BDSM, polyamory or open relationships, and ethical non-monogamy.
I specialize in sex, BDSM, kink, and ethical non-monogamy. Taking the first step toward transformation is the hardest part, and you just did it! I use an integrative and holistic approach to help you pull out the weeds from the roots. I work from a foundation of attachment theory and I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I am trained in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and also incorporate the body, yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and music all as tools to expand and explore what is happening in your life.
For couples, I support in improving intimacy and exploring other lifestyles that you both may want to incorporate, things like kink, BDSM, polyamory or open relationships, and ethical non-monogamy.
I specialize in sex, BDSM, kink, and ethical non-monogamy. Taking the first step toward transformation is the hardest part, and you just did it! I use an integrative and holistic approach to help you pull out the weeds from the roots. I work from a foundation of attachment theory and I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I am trained in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and also incorporate the body, yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and music all as tools to expand and explore what is happening in your life.
Glenn Allan Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92104 (Online Only)
I am sex-positive, kink, poly, ENM and BDSM-friendly.
I am passionate about helping clients find and explore their authentic selves in a judgment-free space. I am committed to helping you with challenging issues such as relationships, anxiety, depression, past hurts, life/religious transitions, personal growth, sexual health, or even unconscious obstacles that may hold you back. I assist my clients as they define their vision of psychological, emotional, and sexual health for themselves, their partner(s), and their families. Assisting clients to overcome the unique challenges they face in life by encouraging them to become their authentic selves.
I am sex-positive, kink, poly, ENM and BDSM-friendly.
I am passionate about helping clients find and explore their authentic selves in a judgment-free space. I am committed to helping you with challenging issues such as relationships, anxiety, depression, past hurts, life/religious transitions, personal growth, sexual health, or even unconscious obstacles that may hold you back. I assist my clients as they define their vision of psychological, emotional, and sexual health for themselves, their partner(s), and their families. Assisting clients to overcome the unique challenges they face in life by encouraging them to become their authentic selves.
Kink-Informed Sex Therapist Renee Santos
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92123 (Online Only)
I offer a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. If you want to achieve greater self-awareness and understanding, and develop the skills and insights necessary to make positive changes in your life, then let’s talk. I’d love to help you live a fulfilling and satisfying life, free from fear of discrimination or stigma, while cultivating healthy and fulfilling relationships that align with your values and desires. Additionally, if you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to provide you with a safe and affirming space.
I offer a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. If you want to achieve greater self-awareness and understanding, and develop the skills and insights necessary to make positive changes in your life, then let’s talk. I’d love to help you live a fulfilling and satisfying life, free from fear of discrimination or stigma, while cultivating healthy and fulfilling relationships that align with your values and desires. Additionally, if you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to provide you with a safe and affirming space.
Hi there, welcome! 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 neurodivergent clients (ADHD, autism, PDA traits). 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 individuals, teens, and couples and enjoy working with all relationship structures.
Hi there, welcome! 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 neurodivergent clients (ADHD, autism, PDA traits). 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 individuals, teens, and couples and enjoy working with all relationship structures.
Affirming Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92123
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.
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.
Lauren Goebel Neurodiversity Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
A little more about my approach: I am attachment and trauma informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming and knowledgable, poly/ kink affirming, and sex positive.
Are you seeking a couples therapist that specifically works with ADHD, autism, and mixed neurotype couples? That's me! I am neurodivergent myself, and I love exploring with couples how they can learn to communicate in ways that are affirming for each other's neurotype. Our neurotype (ADHD, Autism) affects the way we perceive the world, communicate, regulate our emotions, and the ways we express love. I am trained in couples therapy methods (such as the Gottman Method, EFT) and I work intentionally to make these methods neurodiversity affirming. I love to help couples understand each other and have those lightbulb moments!
A little more about my approach: I am attachment and trauma informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming and knowledgable, poly/ kink affirming, and sex positive.
Are you seeking a couples therapist that specifically works with ADHD, autism, and mixed neurotype couples? That's me! I am neurodivergent myself, and I love exploring with couples how they can learn to communicate in ways that are affirming for each other's neurotype. Our neurotype (ADHD, Autism) affects the way we perceive the world, communicate, regulate our emotions, and the ways we express love. I am trained in couples therapy methods (such as the Gottman Method, EFT) and I work intentionally to make these methods neurodiversity affirming. I love to help couples understand each other and have those lightbulb moments!
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.
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.
Miranda Millican, Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
Welcome! I work with communication issues, trust issues, infidelity, intimacy issues, LGBTQIA+ couples and couples practicing ENM/polyamory. I also work with couples practicing kink/BDSM. I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist, and I have specialized experience working with ADHD and autism in the context of relationships and mixed-neurotype couples. I love to see my couples walking out of my office holding hands, looking at each other with more gratitude, with a new hope for the future. I have a trauma informed approach that helps my couples understand the origins of their thoughts and behavior within the relationship.
Welcome! I work with communication issues, trust issues, infidelity, intimacy issues, LGBTQIA+ couples and couples practicing ENM/polyamory. I also work with couples practicing kink/BDSM. I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist, and I have specialized experience working with ADHD and autism in the context of relationships and mixed-neurotype couples. I love to see my couples walking out of my office holding hands, looking at each other with more gratitude, with a new hope for the future. I have a trauma informed approach that helps my couples understand the origins of their thoughts and behavior within the relationship.
Cassidy Peters
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117 (Online Only)
Hi, and welcome! My name is Cassidy and I'm so glad you're here. My focus is working with clients may be struggling with anxiety/depression, self esteem issues, neurodivergence/late diagnosis, trauma, identity issues, relational issues, and life transitions. I have experience providing therapy to teens, young adults, and adults and I believe everyone deserves to have access to affirming mental services I am passionate about creating a non-judgmental, and safe space for growth where we will work collaboratively and I am a neuro-affirming, sex-positive, and LGBTQIA-affirming therapist.
Hi, and welcome! My name is Cassidy and I'm so glad you're here. My focus is working with clients may be struggling with anxiety/depression, self esteem issues, neurodivergence/late diagnosis, trauma, identity issues, relational issues, and life transitions. I have experience providing therapy to teens, young adults, and adults and I believe everyone deserves to have access to affirming mental services I am passionate about creating a non-judgmental, and safe space for growth where we will work collaboratively and I am a neuro-affirming, sex-positive, and LGBTQIA-affirming therapist.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Solana Beach
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.