Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Chicago, IL
As a Black therapist, my approach is deeply rooted in human-centered, intersectional practices, drawing from abolitionist and decolonial frameworks, Black queer feminism, and restorative and transformative justice. I prioritize holding space for those of us who are most impacted by transmisogyny, offering a therapeutic relationship that acknowledges the unique ways oppression shapes how we show up for ourselves, our lives, and the people we love. As someone who is also transmisogynoir-affected, I bring lived experience and a compassionate understanding of the impact this has on our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
As a Black therapist, my approach is deeply rooted in human-centered, intersectional practices, drawing from abolitionist and decolonial frameworks, Black queer feminism, and restorative and transformative justice. I prioritize holding space for those of us who are most impacted by transmisogyny, offering a therapeutic relationship that acknowledges the unique ways oppression shapes how we show up for ourselves, our lives, and the people we love. As someone who is also transmisogynoir-affected, I bring lived experience and a compassionate understanding of the impact this has on our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The Calm Tigress: Nisha Agmata Paliwal
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Chicago, IL 60632
Welcome to YOUR space of being safe to grow - if you accept, my dear fellow Human! You are capable of everything you desire for yourself & your inner world - change, healing, empowerment, upliftment, release, fulfillment, peace, liberation, & anything else your spirit truly yearns for. In this moment, Life may be immensely challenging you, but somehow you are here, now - I thank you. You have infinite power to nurture your Self & your magnificent growth. At this fragile place where our paths converge I lay out in front of you this question: How can your mental wellness be truly supported right now, in the unique way YOU require?
Welcome to YOUR space of being safe to grow - if you accept, my dear fellow Human! You are capable of everything you desire for yourself & your inner world - change, healing, empowerment, upliftment, release, fulfillment, peace, liberation, & anything else your spirit truly yearns for. In this moment, Life may be immensely challenging you, but somehow you are here, now - I thank you. You have infinite power to nurture your Self & your magnificent growth. At this fragile place where our paths converge I lay out in front of you this question: How can your mental wellness be truly supported right now, in the unique way YOU require?
I am a LQBTQIA+ Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I am trained as a Family and Marriage Therapist. I have owned my practice since 2020. I have been in the field for 10 years and I have worked with all ages from 6 to 72. I help people manage schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, Complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, AD/HD, grief, marital distress and use many different therapeutic techniques such as Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Imago Therapy, Family Therapy and Psycho-education. Effective March 2025 taking new clients.
I am a LQBTQIA+ Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I am trained as a Family and Marriage Therapist. I have owned my practice since 2020. I have been in the field for 10 years and I have worked with all ages from 6 to 72. I help people manage schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, Complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, AD/HD, grief, marital distress and use many different therapeutic techniques such as Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Imago Therapy, Family Therapy and Psycho-education. Effective March 2025 taking new clients.
My practice is kink and sex positive.
My assumption about most people who seek out a therapist is they are stuck in a situation and have already tried everything they can think of to get unstuck. My approach is pragmatic, non-judgmental, and client-centered. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and polycules to develop new skills that will empower them to move towards the lives they want to live. I am a total nerd about therapy and love the creativity of tailoring therapeutic approaches to clients.
My practice is kink and sex positive.
My assumption about most people who seek out a therapist is they are stuck in a situation and have already tried everything they can think of to get unstuck. My approach is pragmatic, non-judgmental, and client-centered. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and polycules to develop new skills that will empower them to move towards the lives they want to live. I am a total nerd about therapy and love the creativity of tailoring therapeutic approaches to clients.
I identify as a multi-racial, gender-nonconforming queer male. My work with all clients is informed by frameworks like antiracism, social justice, feminism, and anti-imperialism. I bring authenticity and genuine empathy to each client, pairing these with effective and approachable therapeutic interventions that research says work. I can help with micro-level goals like improving mood and reducing anxiety, on macro-level goals like recovering from trauma and coping with systemic oppression, and on relational goals like building intimacy. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are my personal and professional values.
I identify as a multi-racial, gender-nonconforming queer male. My work with all clients is informed by frameworks like antiracism, social justice, feminism, and anti-imperialism. I bring authenticity and genuine empathy to each client, pairing these with effective and approachable therapeutic interventions that research says work. I can help with micro-level goals like improving mood and reducing anxiety, on macro-level goals like recovering from trauma and coping with systemic oppression, and on relational goals like building intimacy. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are my personal and professional values.
I am a pop-culture enthused, trauma-informed, somatically-minded, EMDR therapist with a belief in a supportive therapeutic alliance. I have experience working with individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and clients who are neurodivergent, working to operate in a neurotypical society. I am sex & poly knowledgable. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, creative blocks & relational issues. Before working as a therapist, I was an actor- which informs my lens and my relational approach. I use an eclectic approach, combining EMDR, IFS, film therapy, ACT and client-centered approach.
I am a pop-culture enthused, trauma-informed, somatically-minded, EMDR therapist with a belief in a supportive therapeutic alliance. I have experience working with individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and clients who are neurodivergent, working to operate in a neurotypical society. I am sex & poly knowledgable. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, creative blocks & relational issues. Before working as a therapist, I was an actor- which informs my lens and my relational approach. I use an eclectic approach, combining EMDR, IFS, film therapy, ACT and client-centered approach.
As the expert of your own life, you deserve to be listened to and understood. I intend to hold space for all aspects of your unique identity. In therapy, we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and motivations, and how you can navigate the world authentically, while centering your inherent capacity and resilience. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, including those related to school, work, and relationships, as well as those seeking to initiate change.
As the expert of your own life, you deserve to be listened to and understood. I intend to hold space for all aspects of your unique identity. In therapy, we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and motivations, and how you can navigate the world authentically, while centering your inherent capacity and resilience. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, including those related to school, work, and relationships, as well as those seeking to initiate change.
So, you've already done the scariest part of this whole process, which is deciding that you want support and taking action. That takes incredible strength and humility, even if you may not feel that way right now. From here, it's my job to work together with you to find ways to channel that strength towards the goals you have and help reframe the way you're approaching challenges through support, humor, and compassion.
So, you've already done the scariest part of this whole process, which is deciding that you want support and taking action. That takes incredible strength and humility, even if you may not feel that way right now. From here, it's my job to work together with you to find ways to channel that strength towards the goals you have and help reframe the way you're approaching challenges through support, humor, and compassion.
I take a sex positive, queer, decolonizing approach to therapy which aims work through understanding the systems and cultural influences that impact the way we move through the world.
Each of us has the capacity to create a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and true to who we are. Still, the journey isn’t always easy—and sometimes, we need support finding our way through. In our work together, we’ll gently explore your experiences and the inner dynamics that may be contributing to challenges in your life. There is nothing inherently wrong with you—you’re responding to life in the ways you've learned to survive. My role is to offer a grounded, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe, seen, and supported as we do this important work together.
I take a sex positive, queer, decolonizing approach to therapy which aims work through understanding the systems and cultural influences that impact the way we move through the world.
Each of us has the capacity to create a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and true to who we are. Still, the journey isn’t always easy—and sometimes, we need support finding our way through. In our work together, we’ll gently explore your experiences and the inner dynamics that may be contributing to challenges in your life. There is nothing inherently wrong with you—you’re responding to life in the ways you've learned to survive. My role is to offer a grounded, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe, seen, and supported as we do this important work together.
I have experience working with first- and second-generation clients, LGBTQIA+ communities, kink, polyamory/ENM, and take a HAES-informed approach.
Currently do not accept Medicare, Medicaid or HMO insurance at this time; adults 18+ for individual therapy only.
I value authenticity, collaboration, and mutual respect in the therapeutic process. I do not believe in hierarchies within the therapy room—you don’t need to censor yourself or worry about taking care of me emotionally. This space is for you. My role is to walk beside you as you gain clarity, build on your strengths, and uncover new possibilities for growth and healing. I aim to support clients in standing fully in their truth, and in reclaiming their voice and agency.
I have experience working with first- and second-generation clients, LGBTQIA+ communities, kink, polyamory/ENM, and take a HAES-informed approach.
Currently do not accept Medicare, Medicaid or HMO insurance at this time; adults 18+ for individual therapy only.
I value authenticity, collaboration, and mutual respect in the therapeutic process. I do not believe in hierarchies within the therapy room—you don’t need to censor yourself or worry about taking care of me emotionally. This space is for you. My role is to walk beside you as you gain clarity, build on your strengths, and uncover new possibilities for growth and healing. I aim to support clients in standing fully in their truth, and in reclaiming their voice and agency.
Each of us is our own, unique universe, existing in a multiverse of connection with others. I am particularly attuned to how you and I connect, what patterns are created, what barriers exist, and what are the costs and benefits to you of maintaining or changing those. I am keenly aware how each of us is situated in a larger world of social relations, privilege, and oppression, and how those influence who we are. Through understanding and compassion, I can help you realize a more fulfilling, peaceful relationship with yourself and more satisfying relationships with others.
Each of us is our own, unique universe, existing in a multiverse of connection with others. I am particularly attuned to how you and I connect, what patterns are created, what barriers exist, and what are the costs and benefits to you of maintaining or changing those. I am keenly aware how each of us is situated in a larger world of social relations, privilege, and oppression, and how those influence who we are. Through understanding and compassion, I can help you realize a more fulfilling, peaceful relationship with yourself and more satisfying relationships with others.
I am a bilingual therapist (English and Spanish). I see therapy as a journey of self exploration where you can utilize strengths and skills that the person already has but is unaware of. Sometimes, self-exploration can be challenging; for that reason, I like to guide clients in their journey by honoring their autonomy and resiliency. "You can become the best version of yourself." My philosophy is that nobody knows you better than yourself.
I am a bilingual therapist (English and Spanish). I see therapy as a journey of self exploration where you can utilize strengths and skills that the person already has but is unaware of. Sometimes, self-exploration can be challenging; for that reason, I like to guide clients in their journey by honoring their autonomy and resiliency. "You can become the best version of yourself." My philosophy is that nobody knows you better than yourself.
Currently accepting new clients for JANUARY 2026: I’m a queer therapist who is passionate about supporting people through difficult life transitions. My clients often feel overwhelmed with the challenges that accompany change, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family dynamics, grief, and exploration of identity, sexuality, and gender. I am here to openly explore your experiences, while honoring your unique story and the complexities of your intersecting identities.
Currently accepting new clients for JANUARY 2026: I’m a queer therapist who is passionate about supporting people through difficult life transitions. My clients often feel overwhelmed with the challenges that accompany change, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family dynamics, grief, and exploration of identity, sexuality, and gender. I am here to openly explore your experiences, while honoring your unique story and the complexities of your intersecting identities.
Emma Rand, LCPC, ATR is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist who brings creativity, empathy, and lived experience to her work. Inspired by personal loss, she understands how overwhelming life’s challenges can be—and how transformative therapy is. She believes therapy is a collaborative journey, grounded in trust and respect. Emma offers a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. She blends talk therapy with artmaking to help clients explore emotions, gain clarity, and reconnect with themselves through a collaborative, trusting process.
Emma Rand, LCPC, ATR is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist who brings creativity, empathy, and lived experience to her work. Inspired by personal loss, she understands how overwhelming life’s challenges can be—and how transformative therapy is. She believes therapy is a collaborative journey, grounded in trust and respect. Emma offers a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. She blends talk therapy with artmaking to help clients explore emotions, gain clarity, and reconnect with themselves through a collaborative, trusting process.
It can be intimidating to know where to start when we need support. You may be feeling trapped by the past and overwhelmed by the future, struggling with self-doubt, or experiencing loneliness. Therapy can help you figure out your options to move through feeling stuck, learn more about yourself to gain valuable insights, and find new ways to cope with stress. You have already shown courage and self-awareness to recognize you are ready for change by beginning the process of seeking therapy.
It can be intimidating to know where to start when we need support. You may be feeling trapped by the past and overwhelmed by the future, struggling with self-doubt, or experiencing loneliness. Therapy can help you figure out your options to move through feeling stuck, learn more about yourself to gain valuable insights, and find new ways to cope with stress. You have already shown courage and self-awareness to recognize you are ready for change by beginning the process of seeking therapy.
When life feels like a knotted ball of yarn, sometimes we need help finding a thread to grab. As a therapist, I support my clients in finding that thread. I work with clients and couples who are experiencing work challenges, disability, life transitions, OCD, anxiety and depression. Couples often will come to me when they are feeling afraid and lonely in their relationships, like they are walking on eggshells. As your couples’ therapist I will work in supporting you to share with each other vulnerably and fully.
When life feels like a knotted ball of yarn, sometimes we need help finding a thread to grab. As a therapist, I support my clients in finding that thread. I work with clients and couples who are experiencing work challenges, disability, life transitions, OCD, anxiety and depression. Couples often will come to me when they are feeling afraid and lonely in their relationships, like they are walking on eggshells. As your couples’ therapist I will work in supporting you to share with each other vulnerably and fully.
I am a licensed counselor in Chicago with over 20 years of experience. You should reach out to me if you are feeling stuck, lost, confused, anxious, sad, angry, or uninspired. In our sessions you will be fully seen and heard. Starting from a place of curiosity, we will resolve current issues and problematic patterns, without losing sight of the stress inherent in social systems. My goal is to support your self-exploration. As a result, you will gain an improved sense of wellbeing. Together we will identify what is causing you distress, and work collaboratively to move you toward a more fulfilling life.
I am a licensed counselor in Chicago with over 20 years of experience. You should reach out to me if you are feeling stuck, lost, confused, anxious, sad, angry, or uninspired. In our sessions you will be fully seen and heard. Starting from a place of curiosity, we will resolve current issues and problematic patterns, without losing sight of the stress inherent in social systems. My goal is to support your self-exploration. As a result, you will gain an improved sense of wellbeing. Together we will identify what is causing you distress, and work collaboratively to move you toward a more fulfilling life.
The most common phrase I hear when I ask new clients to describe themselves is "not good enough." As a result of invalidating life experiences, many of us come to believe that we are unworthy of acceptance. In order to avoid potential rejection, we conceal aspects of our identities that others might view as unacceptable, and we present a fragmented or incomplete version of ourselves to the world. While this can be advantageous in some environments, it also can become a barrier to intimacy. Many of my clients struggle to be vulnerable and find it challenging to embrace their full, authentic selves.
The most common phrase I hear when I ask new clients to describe themselves is "not good enough." As a result of invalidating life experiences, many of us come to believe that we are unworthy of acceptance. In order to avoid potential rejection, we conceal aspects of our identities that others might view as unacceptable, and we present a fragmented or incomplete version of ourselves to the world. While this can be advantageous in some environments, it also can become a barrier to intimacy. Many of my clients struggle to be vulnerable and find it challenging to embrace their full, authentic selves.
Therapy doesn’t have to be the front-facing camera of how we see ourselves. By showing up and being honest, we can reposition the lens, adjust undesirable angles and tweak the lighting to help illuminate your happiest, most grounded self. My approach to the therapeutic relationship is YOU-centered. You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in our relationship. I have an expansive view of the human spirit, relate to the pitfalls of human experience and possess a profound understanding of the disconnect which can occur between the stories we tell ourselves, and the realities we actually face.
Therapy doesn’t have to be the front-facing camera of how we see ourselves. By showing up and being honest, we can reposition the lens, adjust undesirable angles and tweak the lighting to help illuminate your happiest, most grounded self. My approach to the therapeutic relationship is YOU-centered. You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in our relationship. I have an expansive view of the human spirit, relate to the pitfalls of human experience and possess a profound understanding of the disconnect which can occur between the stories we tell ourselves, and the realities we actually face.
I believe that all life is relational, that we are bound to one another in harm and healing, sharing and shame. Therapy can be a place to explore our histories and patterns of being together and practice ways to move forward towards greater wholeness, healing, and a meaningful life. I seek to encounter all my clients with curiosity, openness, nonjudgement, care and justice. I enjoy working with clients who hope to meet themselves more fully, who are open to their depths, who believe that relationships can be transformational.
I believe that all life is relational, that we are bound to one another in harm and healing, sharing and shame. Therapy can be a place to explore our histories and patterns of being together and practice ways to move forward towards greater wholeness, healing, and a meaningful life. I seek to encounter all my clients with curiosity, openness, nonjudgement, care and justice. I enjoy working with clients who hope to meet themselves more fully, who are open to their depths, who believe that relationships can be transformational.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists Searches for Chicago
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