Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Lakewood, CO
I am a seasoned counselor with 27 years of experience supporting clients through some of life’s most profound transitions and identity‑shaping moments. I work with individuals ages 16 and up, with a primary focus on queer and trans communities, people in alternative lifestyles, polyamorous relationships, and those navigating complex personal or relational choices. My specialties include coming‑out experiences, questions of gender identity, transition, and authentic gender expression. I also frequently support clients who are questioning or leaving their religious backgrounds, and various other life-explorations.
I am a seasoned counselor with 27 years of experience supporting clients through some of life’s most profound transitions and identity‑shaping moments. I work with individuals ages 16 and up, with a primary focus on queer and trans communities, people in alternative lifestyles, polyamorous relationships, and those navigating complex personal or relational choices. My specialties include coming‑out experiences, questions of gender identity, transition, and authentic gender expression. I also frequently support clients who are questioning or leaving their religious backgrounds, and various other life-explorations.
I’m queer- and kink-affirming, poly-aware, and trans-inclusive—creating a space where you can bring your full, authentic self.
I am a somatic trauma therapist who specializes in PTSD, shame, grief, and intimacy issues. I also utilize IFS (Internal Family Systems), somatic sex therapy, and psychedelic therapy. If you’ve struggled to feel fully seen in therapy—or felt pressure to self-edit just to get support—this space is different. My style is warm, gentle, and rooted in the body. Together we slow down, listen inward, and help your system release old patterns of tension, fear, and disconnection. Healing happens when you feel safe enough to experience your emotions fully, without judgment or performance.
I’m queer- and kink-affirming, poly-aware, and trans-inclusive—creating a space where you can bring your full, authentic self.
I am a somatic trauma therapist who specializes in PTSD, shame, grief, and intimacy issues. I also utilize IFS (Internal Family Systems), somatic sex therapy, and psychedelic therapy. If you’ve struggled to feel fully seen in therapy—or felt pressure to self-edit just to get support—this space is different. My style is warm, gentle, and rooted in the body. Together we slow down, listen inward, and help your system release old patterns of tension, fear, and disconnection. Healing happens when you feel safe enough to experience your emotions fully, without judgment or performance.
I work with clients on a variety of relationship topics, including relationship patterns, consensual non-monogamy, sex-positive or kink-affirming practices, and infidelity.
Welcome! Accepting new clients!
You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward—either in your relationship or within yourself. You might find that discussions with your partner often end in tension, withdrawal, or misunderstanding, leaving you stuck in the same relational patterns. As an individual, you might be navigating anxiety, stress, or life transitions, and seeking guidance to feel more grounded, confident, and connected. This is a space where you can pause, reflect, and work toward clarity and balance.
I work with clients on a variety of relationship topics, including relationship patterns, consensual non-monogamy, sex-positive or kink-affirming practices, and infidelity.
Welcome! Accepting new clients!
You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward—either in your relationship or within yourself. You might find that discussions with your partner often end in tension, withdrawal, or misunderstanding, leaving you stuck in the same relational patterns. As an individual, you might be navigating anxiety, stress, or life transitions, and seeking guidance to feel more grounded, confident, and connected. This is a space where you can pause, reflect, and work toward clarity and balance.
You may feel like your relationship with your body, identity, or partners has been shaped by disability, chronic illness, or neurodivergence in ways others have not fully understood. You might be struggling with intimacy, or feeling disconnected from yourself or someone you love. If you are in a neurodivergent relationship, you may feel like you’re having two conversations at once or feel guilty for unmasking. You may be looking for an inclusive, disability affirming, queer affirming space to explore all sides of you. Together, we’ll explore pleasure in ways that feel authentic and empowering to you.
You may feel like your relationship with your body, identity, or partners has been shaped by disability, chronic illness, or neurodivergence in ways others have not fully understood. You might be struggling with intimacy, or feeling disconnected from yourself or someone you love. If you are in a neurodivergent relationship, you may feel like you’re having two conversations at once or feel guilty for unmasking. You may be looking for an inclusive, disability affirming, queer affirming space to explore all sides of you. Together, we’ll explore pleasure in ways that feel authentic and empowering to you.
Even when things in life seem to be going well, we might still feel shut down or sad. For many, the feeling that there is always something bad waiting around the corner follows us daily. We worry, about nothing and everything. Hope is hard to come by. We may want to let go of a bad experience in the past, but it lingers anyways. It can invade our sleep, affect our body, direct our self image, and rule our emotions. Many of the challenges of the pandemic have left us feeling uncertain and scared. Too often, "just dealing with it" is the expectation. But that's not the only choice. We've done our best, now it's time to ask for help.
Even when things in life seem to be going well, we might still feel shut down or sad. For many, the feeling that there is always something bad waiting around the corner follows us daily. We worry, about nothing and everything. Hope is hard to come by. We may want to let go of a bad experience in the past, but it lingers anyways. It can invade our sleep, affect our body, direct our self image, and rule our emotions. Many of the challenges of the pandemic have left us feeling uncertain and scared. Too often, "just dealing with it" is the expectation. But that's not the only choice. We've done our best, now it's time to ask for help.
You've told yourself it was the last time. Maybe hundreds of times. And yet here you are again — same cycle, same guilt and shame, wondering why you can't just stop. You're not broken. But you might be stuck for a reason nobody has looked at yet. I work with men struggling with porn and sex addiction, compulsive sexual behavior, and the deeper layers underneath — the loneliness, the disconnection, the difficulty with real intimacy and vulnerable closeness — men who want genuine connection but keep reaching for something that feels safer, more controllable, and ultimately emptier.
You've told yourself it was the last time. Maybe hundreds of times. And yet here you are again — same cycle, same guilt and shame, wondering why you can't just stop. You're not broken. But you might be stuck for a reason nobody has looked at yet. I work with men struggling with porn and sex addiction, compulsive sexual behavior, and the deeper layers underneath — the loneliness, the disconnection, the difficulty with real intimacy and vulnerable closeness — men who want genuine connection but keep reaching for something that feels safer, more controllable, and ultimately emptier.
I am kink-aware and identity-affirming, and work with queer, trans, and neurodivergent clients navigating shame, masking, and sexual wellbeing.
As a queer, gender-expansive, neurodivergent therapist, I offer a space where you don't need to over-explain yourself to be understood. You may come in feeling stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-doubt, or harsh inner criticism that shows up in your relationships, sexuality, identity, and daily decision-making. You might replay conversations, second-guess yourself, or feel exhausted by constant internal conflict about who you're supposed to be. In our work together, we slow that process down and build more room for self-trust, clarity, and intention.
I am kink-aware and identity-affirming, and work with queer, trans, and neurodivergent clients navigating shame, masking, and sexual wellbeing.
As a queer, gender-expansive, neurodivergent therapist, I offer a space where you don't need to over-explain yourself to be understood. You may come in feeling stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-doubt, or harsh inner criticism that shows up in your relationships, sexuality, identity, and daily decision-making. You might replay conversations, second-guess yourself, or feel exhausted by constant internal conflict about who you're supposed to be. In our work together, we slow that process down and build more room for self-trust, clarity, and intention.
On paper, your life looks fine. Inside, not so much. Relationships feel stuck. Old patterns keep repeating. Trauma keeps showing up. Maybe you’ve tried therapy before and it felt like talking in circles... or maybe this is your first time and you’re unsure what to expect. I specialize in therapy for adults with anxiety, trauma or burnout that actually helps you make sense of what’s happening, break repeating patterns, and get back in control. At Rivercrest Wellness in Lakewood and Golden, we use the latest science-backed methods to create real, lasting change - not just symptom management.
On paper, your life looks fine. Inside, not so much. Relationships feel stuck. Old patterns keep repeating. Trauma keeps showing up. Maybe you’ve tried therapy before and it felt like talking in circles... or maybe this is your first time and you’re unsure what to expect. I specialize in therapy for adults with anxiety, trauma or burnout that actually helps you make sense of what’s happening, break repeating patterns, and get back in control. At Rivercrest Wellness in Lakewood and Golden, we use the latest science-backed methods to create real, lasting change - not just symptom management.
Welcome - I’m really glad you’ve found your way here. If you’re feeling stretched thin by anxiety, perfectionism, or the constant pressure to “hold it all together,” therapy with me can be a place to slow down and breathe. I enjoy working with people who want support navigating everyday life, understanding themselves more deeply, and finding steadier ground.
My approach is first and foremost relational. You are the expert on your life and we will take a collaborative approach grounded in the belief that you already carry wisdom and resilience. Together, we'll explore what's working, what isn't, and what feels possible.
Welcome - I’m really glad you’ve found your way here. If you’re feeling stretched thin by anxiety, perfectionism, or the constant pressure to “hold it all together,” therapy with me can be a place to slow down and breathe. I enjoy working with people who want support navigating everyday life, understanding themselves more deeply, and finding steadier ground.
My approach is first and foremost relational. You are the expert on your life and we will take a collaborative approach grounded in the belief that you already carry wisdom and resilience. Together, we'll explore what's working, what isn't, and what feels possible.
Melissa Crisp Formerly Bannerot
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, AEDP, EMDR, YTT-200
5 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80215
You may look like you have it all together…steady, capable, the one others lean on, but inside you feel exhausted, anxious, or unsure who you are beyond the roles you play. My clients are therapists, helpers, and high-achievers who long for more ease, authenticity, and connection. Together we slow down, listen to the body, and gently transform patterns of overdoing and self-doubt into grounded presence, self-trust, and aliveness.
You may look like you have it all together…steady, capable, the one others lean on, but inside you feel exhausted, anxious, or unsure who you are beyond the roles you play. My clients are therapists, helpers, and high-achievers who long for more ease, authenticity, and connection. Together we slow down, listen to the body, and gently transform patterns of overdoing and self-doubt into grounded presence, self-trust, and aliveness.
Sometimes life experiences leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in ways that are difficult to fully understand on our own. You may find yourself replaying painful memories, carrying anxiety that feels impossible to quiet, struggling to feel present in your relationships or in parenthood, or wondering why certain experiences continue to feel emotionally “unfinished.” My hope is that therapy together can be a space for healing, support, and reconnecting with yourself in the midst of overwhelming experiences.
Sometimes life experiences leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in ways that are difficult to fully understand on our own. You may find yourself replaying painful memories, carrying anxiety that feels impossible to quiet, struggling to feel present in your relationships or in parenthood, or wondering why certain experiences continue to feel emotionally “unfinished.” My hope is that therapy together can be a space for healing, support, and reconnecting with yourself in the midst of overwhelming experiences.
Starting therapy is no small thing, and I’m so glad you’re taking this step. I work with adolescents and adults navigating a variety of concerns including relationships, anxiety, eating disorders, life transitions, and depression. My goal is to offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can express yourself openly and feel truly seen, heard, and empowered. I work relationally, meaning the connection and trust we build together is central to the work. I tend to be warm, honest, and direct, and I like to bring a little humor into the room when it feels helpful.
Starting therapy is no small thing, and I’m so glad you’re taking this step. I work with adolescents and adults navigating a variety of concerns including relationships, anxiety, eating disorders, life transitions, and depression. My goal is to offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can express yourself openly and feel truly seen, heard, and empowered. I work relationally, meaning the connection and trust we build together is central to the work. I tend to be warm, honest, and direct, and I like to bring a little humor into the room when it feels helpful.
My specialties include adult ADHD (I am an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider, ADHD-CCSP), anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and stress management. Are you struggling with ADHD symptoms, including emotional dysregulation, poor time management, trouble starting or finishing tasks, and/or job or school stress? I would love to talk with you about understanding and accepting your neurodiversity and to help you build on your strengths. Let's explore the issues that affect your quality of life so you can feel happy, productive, and joyful.
My specialties include adult ADHD (I am an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider, ADHD-CCSP), anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and stress management. Are you struggling with ADHD symptoms, including emotional dysregulation, poor time management, trouble starting or finishing tasks, and/or job or school stress? I would love to talk with you about understanding and accepting your neurodiversity and to help you build on your strengths. Let's explore the issues that affect your quality of life so you can feel happy, productive, and joyful.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been practicing since 2019. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Medical Humanities from Baylor University and a Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary. I supervise licensure candidates and teach counseling graduate students in addition to my work with clients.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been practicing since 2019. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Medical Humanities from Baylor University and a Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary. I supervise licensure candidates and teach counseling graduate students in addition to my work with clients.
Autumn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LAC
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Hey y’all — I’m glad you’re here. I’m a queer woman originally from Mississippi, and my practice is rooted in deep respect for unique stories, identities, and lived experiences.
I specialize in working with women navigating trauma and life transitions, as well as professionals in healthcare and mental health who may be feeling burned out, disconnected, or struggling to care for themselves while caring for others. I also proudly provide affirmative support for LGBTQIA+ clients. I am currently waitlisting interested clients.
Hey y’all — I’m glad you’re here. I’m a queer woman originally from Mississippi, and my practice is rooted in deep respect for unique stories, identities, and lived experiences.
I specialize in working with women navigating trauma and life transitions, as well as professionals in healthcare and mental health who may be feeling burned out, disconnected, or struggling to care for themselves while caring for others. I also proudly provide affirmative support for LGBTQIA+ clients. I am currently waitlisting interested clients.
Healing is a creative process — a journey of becoming more whole and at home within your true self. My clients are seeking a life beyond anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and survival mode. Many are navigating essential life transitions — pregnancy and postpartum, relationship change, end of life preparation, and spiritual development. With 15 years of holistic work, I offer evidence-based psychotherapy for adults and couples in a grounded and intuitive space to help you embrace the tender and messy parts of yourself, find relief, and move towards a greater sense of freedom, satisfaction, and aliveness.
Healing is a creative process — a journey of becoming more whole and at home within your true self. My clients are seeking a life beyond anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and survival mode. Many are navigating essential life transitions — pregnancy and postpartum, relationship change, end of life preparation, and spiritual development. With 15 years of holistic work, I offer evidence-based psychotherapy for adults and couples in a grounded and intuitive space to help you embrace the tender and messy parts of yourself, find relief, and move towards a greater sense of freedom, satisfaction, and aliveness.
It is important to find the right therapist that you can connect with and establish a trusting relationship. I believe that when people come to therapy, they allow themselves opportunities for self-exploration and growth. It is my goal to create a safe space where you can make positive changes to live a more fulfilling life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Addiction Treatment Therapist who has been practicing for over 8 years.
It is important to find the right therapist that you can connect with and establish a trusting relationship. I believe that when people come to therapy, they allow themselves opportunities for self-exploration and growth. It is my goal to create a safe space where you can make positive changes to live a more fulfilling life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Addiction Treatment Therapist who has been practicing for over 8 years.
Trauma can leave us feeling stuck, trapped in our minds and disconnected from our bodies. This disconnection can affect how we relate to ourselves and others, often in ways we don’t fully understand - building walls in relationships, emotional outbursts, or numbness. But your past doesn’t have to define your future. Healing is possible!
Let’s get to the root of your emotional pain, so you can heal old wounds and find lasting balance in your mind, body, and relationships. Using a compassionate, holistic approach, I’ll support you in reconnecting with yourself and reclaiming a sense of peace, purpose, & empowerment!
Trauma can leave us feeling stuck, trapped in our minds and disconnected from our bodies. This disconnection can affect how we relate to ourselves and others, often in ways we don’t fully understand - building walls in relationships, emotional outbursts, or numbness. But your past doesn’t have to define your future. Healing is possible!
Let’s get to the root of your emotional pain, so you can heal old wounds and find lasting balance in your mind, body, and relationships. Using a compassionate, holistic approach, I’ll support you in reconnecting with yourself and reclaiming a sense of peace, purpose, & empowerment!
I received my Bachelors and Masters in Flute Performance, and a Masters in Counseling with a concentration of Somatic Dance/Movement Therapy. I am also a demisexual, pansexual, ambi/polyamorous, non-binary woman, and first generation Chinese American. I first discovered the body and breath through flute, music, improvisation, and the strength of creativity, art, and performance as tools for moving through the world with intention and purpose, fun and play. My lived experience informs me on unconventional ways we all come to heal, grow, and walk through life together as humans.
I received my Bachelors and Masters in Flute Performance, and a Masters in Counseling with a concentration of Somatic Dance/Movement Therapy. I am also a demisexual, pansexual, ambi/polyamorous, non-binary woman, and first generation Chinese American. I first discovered the body and breath through flute, music, improvisation, and the strength of creativity, art, and performance as tools for moving through the world with intention and purpose, fun and play. My lived experience informs me on unconventional ways we all come to heal, grow, and walk through life together as humans.
I specialize in helping those that frequently feel like the odd one out, are struggling to find where they fit in the world, feel lost or without purpose, are often told they are "too sensitive", often feel overwhelmed by people, and/or feel the pressure of living their "best life" when they’re just trying to keep their head above water. Feel free to check out my website (www.drleahk.com). If you are curious about next steps and willing to learn and practice new ways of living in between sessions, let’s begin!
I specialize in helping those that frequently feel like the odd one out, are struggling to find where they fit in the world, feel lost or without purpose, are often told they are "too sensitive", often feel overwhelmed by people, and/or feel the pressure of living their "best life" when they’re just trying to keep their head above water. Feel free to check out my website (www.drleahk.com). If you are curious about next steps and willing to learn and practice new ways of living in between sessions, let’s begin!
See more therapy options for Lakewood
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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.