Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in San Diego, CA
My training specializes in human sexuality, gender exploration, and kink or ethical non-monogamy curiosity.
Sexual liberation and exploration can help uncover psychosomatic healing and self empowerment. My priority is to offer a nurturing, non-judgmental and collaborative space where I support my clients integrate pleasure and autonomy into their lives. My services include, but aren't limited to, navigating desire discrepancies, processing sexual and relational trauma, releasing shame related to sexuality, supporting parents of LGBTQIA+ children and management of anxiety or depression. I work with individuals, couples, ENM configurations, sex workers, queer, trans or neurodivergent individuals.
My training specializes in human sexuality, gender exploration, and kink or ethical non-monogamy curiosity.
Sexual liberation and exploration can help uncover psychosomatic healing and self empowerment. My priority is to offer a nurturing, non-judgmental and collaborative space where I support my clients integrate pleasure and autonomy into their lives. My services include, but aren't limited to, navigating desire discrepancies, processing sexual and relational trauma, releasing shame related to sexuality, supporting parents of LGBTQIA+ children and management of anxiety or depression. I work with individuals, couples, ENM configurations, sex workers, queer, trans or neurodivergent individuals.
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.
Nathan Aish Evidenced-Based and Client
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, MPH, PPS
Online Only
Hello! I'm Nathan Aish, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over 28 years of healthcare leadership experience, including 10 years providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I hold a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from The Ohio State University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from San Diego State University. I am also certified to work as a K-12 school social worker. My core values are servitude and continuous improvement, and my approach to care integrates person-centered, trauma-informed, strength-based, harm-reduction, gender-responsive, and cultural humility practices.
Hello! I'm Nathan Aish, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over 28 years of healthcare leadership experience, including 10 years providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I hold a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from The Ohio State University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from San Diego State University. I am also certified to work as a K-12 school social worker. My core values are servitude and continuous improvement, and my approach to care integrates person-centered, trauma-informed, strength-based, harm-reduction, gender-responsive, and cultural humility practices.
I currently serve on the APA Kink & BDSM Taskforce.
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 currently serve on the APA Kink & BDSM Taskforce.
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.
You’re not going crazy—you’re doing the best you can under crazy circumstances.
If you’re reading this, you've already made the first step. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t even have to know exactly what you need yet. You just have to show up.
I offer compassionate, open-minded therapy in Louisiana and California, grounded in the belief that being able to say what’s really on your mind—without judgment—can bring relief and clarity. My goal is to understand the world from your perspective and work alongside you, as a team.
You’re not going crazy—you’re doing the best you can under crazy circumstances.
If you’re reading this, you've already made the first step. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t even have to know exactly what you need yet. You just have to show up.
I offer compassionate, open-minded therapy in Louisiana and California, grounded in the belief that being able to say what’s really on your mind—without judgment—can bring relief and clarity. My goal is to understand the world from your perspective and work alongside you, as a team.
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+, ENM/Poly) as well as general mental health. 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+, ENM/Poly) as well as general mental health. 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.
Relational and Sex-Positive Therapy in Woodland Hills - Couples, Multiples, and Individuals: Are relationship issues, intimacy dynamics, or communication gridlock weighing on your life?
I focus on relationships, complex intimacy, and relationship structuring in Woodland Hills and online. My practice is sex-positive and ENM and kink-competent. Grounded in existential therapy, mindfulness, parts work, ACT, and Gottman Method principles, we build sustainable communication habits, process structural transitions, and navigate intimacy.
Relational and Sex-Positive Therapy in Woodland Hills - Couples, Multiples, and Individuals: Are relationship issues, intimacy dynamics, or communication gridlock weighing on your life?
I focus on relationships, complex intimacy, and relationship structuring in Woodland Hills and online. My practice is sex-positive and ENM and kink-competent. Grounded in existential therapy, mindfulness, parts work, ACT, and Gottman Method principles, we build sustainable communication habits, process structural transitions, and navigate intimacy.
My practice is sex-positive, trauma-informed, and affirming of nontraditional relationships, LGBTQ+ clients, and sex worker communities.
My work goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Depending on your needs, I may integrate EMDR, somatic therapy, Internal Parts Work, mindfulness, guided visualization, and, when appropriate, ketamine-assisted therapy to help you heal and create lasting change.
My practice is sex-positive, trauma-informed, and affirming of nontraditional relationships, LGBTQ+ clients, and sex worker communities.
My work goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Depending on your needs, I may integrate EMDR, somatic therapy, Internal Parts Work, mindfulness, guided visualization, and, when appropriate, ketamine-assisted therapy to help you heal and create lasting change.
Do you sense that the same patterns keep showing up in your relationships—romantic, family, friendships, work—but can't quite name what's happening? Maybe you feel like you're performing a version of yourself that doesn't match who you really are inside. Or perhaps your relationships look fine on the outside, but something feels off: you're exhausted from managing everyone else's emotions, you struggle to set boundaries, or you avoid conflict until it explodes. You're ready to stop treating symptoms and start understanding the deeper relational patterns that shape everything.
Do you sense that the same patterns keep showing up in your relationships—romantic, family, friendships, work—but can't quite name what's happening? Maybe you feel like you're performing a version of yourself that doesn't match who you really are inside. Or perhaps your relationships look fine on the outside, but something feels off: you're exhausted from managing everyone else's emotions, you struggle to set boundaries, or you avoid conflict until it explodes. You're ready to stop treating symptoms and start understanding the deeper relational patterns that shape everything.
I'm ENM, Poly, LS/BDSM/ Kink aligned.
Are you longing for a deeper sense of self and struggling to identify or voice your own needs? Falling back into old patterns of thinking or behaving that derails your relationships or trigger diminished feelings of self worth? Are you struggling to connect intimately with your partner and can't find the words to talk it about it without shame, blame or conflict? Do you struggle to feel connected to people in your life, feel isolated, or overly anxious? When trauma or past experiences are the building blocks of unhelpful core beliefs, it's time to get to know and decenter the parts of you that hold you back from being truly self-led
I'm ENM, Poly, LS/BDSM/ Kink aligned.
Are you longing for a deeper sense of self and struggling to identify or voice your own needs? Falling back into old patterns of thinking or behaving that derails your relationships or trigger diminished feelings of self worth? Are you struggling to connect intimately with your partner and can't find the words to talk it about it without shame, blame or conflict? Do you struggle to feel connected to people in your life, feel isolated, or overly anxious? When trauma or past experiences are the building blocks of unhelpful core beliefs, it's time to get to know and decenter the parts of you that hold you back from being truly self-led
Why do they always criticize me?
Why do they go silent during arguments?
Why do we keep having the same fight over and over?
I work with couples who are stuck. If you're having communication problems and feel overwhelmed or hopeless about your relationship please reach out to me. I specialize in helping couples who are in transition, exploring non-monogamy, opening or closing their relationship, and healing from infidelity.
Why do they always criticize me?
Why do they go silent during arguments?
Why do we keep having the same fight over and over?
I work with couples who are stuck. If you're having communication problems and feel overwhelmed or hopeless about your relationship please reach out to me. I specialize in helping couples who are in transition, exploring non-monogamy, opening or closing their relationship, and healing from infidelity.
You also may be exploring kink, D/s dynamics but you need some guidance on figuring out what you want.
You’re in the right place. I specialize in kink, BDSM, and ethical non-monogamy, and I bring ten years of lived experience in these communities alongside my clinical training. My clients tell me I’m direct, unfiltered, a little nerdy and easy to talk to. I may also use too many video game references.
You also may be exploring kink, D/s dynamics but you need some guidance on figuring out what you want.
You’re in the right place. I specialize in kink, BDSM, and ethical non-monogamy, and I bring ten years of lived experience in these communities alongside my clinical training. My clients tell me I’m direct, unfiltered, a little nerdy and easy to talk to. I may also use too many video game references.
Updated:10/2/25 I believe that people want a life full of joy, challenge and deep connection with their loved ones and larger community. Unfortunately, many of us desire those qualities of life-but have trouble accessing them in the moment. I am here to encourage you to explore your joy, challenge areas where you struggle to connect and create a path to a life that is full of resonance and enthusiasm. If your goal is to address issues related to society and culture or have someone who deeply understands alternative lifestyles, those are my favorite types of clients. You can rely on my approach to be practical, candid and relatable.
Updated:10/2/25 I believe that people want a life full of joy, challenge and deep connection with their loved ones and larger community. Unfortunately, many of us desire those qualities of life-but have trouble accessing them in the moment. I am here to encourage you to explore your joy, challenge areas where you struggle to connect and create a path to a life that is full of resonance and enthusiasm. If your goal is to address issues related to society and culture or have someone who deeply understands alternative lifestyles, those are my favorite types of clients. You can rely on my approach to be practical, candid and relatable.
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.
We offer telehealth and in-person therapy for queer and gender-diverse, kinky, nonmonogamous, and neurodiverse folks across California. While these aren’t the only topics we explore, they are areas where we bring deep, lived-experience expertise. That means you don’t have to explain your identity, define your terms, or worry about judgment. We’re here to see you as you are, support you in reaching your goals, and celebrate every step along the way.
We offer telehealth and in-person therapy for queer and gender-diverse, kinky, nonmonogamous, and neurodiverse folks across California. While these aren’t the only topics we explore, they are areas where we bring deep, lived-experience expertise. That means you don’t have to explain your identity, define your terms, or worry about judgment. We’re here to see you as you are, support you in reaching your goals, and celebrate every step along the way.
Therapy is a space that is both engaging and supportive. I aim to create a welcoming environment where you can access therapy as a means to enrich your life. I come from a unique cultural background, being half Salvadorian and half Filipino, a first-generation child of immigrant parents, and part of the LGBTQ+ community. These diverse cultural influences have significantly shaped my personal identity and professional development. This journey of straddling multiple cultures has taught me the richness of our intersectional identities and how we all engage with the world through a complex web of lived experiences.
Therapy is a space that is both engaging and supportive. I aim to create a welcoming environment where you can access therapy as a means to enrich your life. I come from a unique cultural background, being half Salvadorian and half Filipino, a first-generation child of immigrant parents, and part of the LGBTQ+ community. These diverse cultural influences have significantly shaped my personal identity and professional development. This journey of straddling multiple cultures has taught me the richness of our intersectional identities and how we all engage with the world through a complex web of lived experiences.
You're a high-achiever who looks "put together"- but inside you're anxious, overwhelmed, or numb. You were the "good one", the helper, the one who doesn't cause problems. Now people-pleasing and emotional neglect shows up as burnout, empty relationships, and chronic health symptoms. You wonder why you can't relax, why you second guess yourself, and why your body pays the price for everything you survived. I help high achievers heal trauma stored in the body so that you can feel safer, not just that your mind "understands". I use somatic interventions, brainspotting, EMDR, and neurofeedback to heal mind, body, and brain.
You're a high-achiever who looks "put together"- but inside you're anxious, overwhelmed, or numb. You were the "good one", the helper, the one who doesn't cause problems. Now people-pleasing and emotional neglect shows up as burnout, empty relationships, and chronic health symptoms. You wonder why you can't relax, why you second guess yourself, and why your body pays the price for everything you survived. I help high achievers heal trauma stored in the body so that you can feel safer, not just that your mind "understands". I use somatic interventions, brainspotting, EMDR, and neurofeedback to heal mind, body, and brain.
Hello! I commend you for taking this step. I typically work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, identity work/exploration, and how all of this can impact community and societal views. I strongly believe that the client is the expert of their own life, and I hope to make therapy a collaborative process as opposed to the therapist being seen as the sole person with all the answers. I also strongly believe that society has an impact on how we view ourselves in the world. This can often not alight with our own beliefs or how we identify. As a result, we often have conversations regarding deconstructing societal ideas.
Hello! I commend you for taking this step. I typically work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, identity work/exploration, and how all of this can impact community and societal views. I strongly believe that the client is the expert of their own life, and I hope to make therapy a collaborative process as opposed to the therapist being seen as the sole person with all the answers. I also strongly believe that society has an impact on how we view ourselves in the world. This can often not alight with our own beliefs or how we identify. As a result, we often have conversations regarding deconstructing societal ideas.
Here are some principles that guide my work: In order to be deeply connected you must stand on your own two feet. You can’t outsource your self worth. Passion fades when you play it safe. Your ability to tell the truth and hold your ground determines the depth of your connection. Anxiety spreads, but you don’t have to catch it. Be open to everything and cling to nothing.
Here are some principles that guide my work: In order to be deeply connected you must stand on your own two feet. You can’t outsource your self worth. Passion fades when you play it safe. Your ability to tell the truth and hold your ground determines the depth of your connection. Anxiety spreads, but you don’t have to catch it. Be open to everything and cling to nothing.
Alexandra (Ally) Blumen - Therapy For You
Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
San Diego, CA 92123
Looking for an in-person San Diego therapist for teens, young adults, adults or couples who accepts Aetna, Optum, Sharp Health Plan, United/UBH, or Blue Shield—and actually answers the phone? We have immediate in-person appointments available this week at our central Kearny Mesa office (lots of parking), our Vista office, as well as online therapy across California. Skip the voicemails and waitlists. Whether you need couples therapy to repair communication and rebuild closeness, or support for teens and young adults/adults managing anxiety, mood, and daily stress, we provide practical, compassionate tools to help your family thrive.
Looking for an in-person San Diego therapist for teens, young adults, adults or couples who accepts Aetna, Optum, Sharp Health Plan, United/UBH, or Blue Shield—and actually answers the phone? We have immediate in-person appointments available this week at our central Kearny Mesa office (lots of parking), our Vista office, as well as online therapy across California. Skip the voicemails and waitlists. Whether you need couples therapy to repair communication and rebuild closeness, or support for teens and young adults/adults managing anxiety, mood, and daily stress, we provide practical, compassionate tools to help your family thrive.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Sex-Positive & Kink-Friendly Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Chula Vista
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Santee
- 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.