Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Cicero, IL
My passion is helping people who feel stuck in patterns that keep their relationships unfulfilling or disconnected. I work together with clients on their journey to learning to communicate effectively and build lasting change. We can work on navigating dating challenges, building emotional or sexual intimacy, or make sense of a past relationship. I help clients explore the emotional, relational, and sexual aspects of their lives. Together, we’ll work on understanding what’s getting in the way of the love and closeness you want. Whether you're single, dating, married, or separating, my aim is to help you move forward with confidence.
My passion is helping people who feel stuck in patterns that keep their relationships unfulfilling or disconnected. I work together with clients on their journey to learning to communicate effectively and build lasting change. We can work on navigating dating challenges, building emotional or sexual intimacy, or make sense of a past relationship. I help clients explore the emotional, relational, and sexual aspects of their lives. Together, we’ll work on understanding what’s getting in the way of the love and closeness you want. Whether you're single, dating, married, or separating, my aim is to help you move forward with confidence.
I'm a therapist of 19 years and have worked with individuals from ages 3 through adulthood, supporting then through family and relationship difficulties, identity formation, and other challenging life periods. I have experience and expertise in both traditional, relational therapy and skills-based work (CBT and DBT). If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, life stressors, or interpersonal difficulties, I can provide you with a safe place to understand and address your needs.
I'm a therapist of 19 years and have worked with individuals from ages 3 through adulthood, supporting then through family and relationship difficulties, identity formation, and other challenging life periods. I have experience and expertise in both traditional, relational therapy and skills-based work (CBT and DBT). If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, life stressors, or interpersonal difficulties, I can provide you with a safe place to understand and address your needs.
Kink/fetish; non-monogamy/polyamory/open relationships; gender/sexual identity; sexual shame/self-acceptance; erectile dysfunction, pain, vaginismus, premature ejaculation, compulsive behavior, etc
Very few of us were given the tools and affirmation needed to navigate sex, identity, and relationships, despite these things being a fundamental part of our humanity. I am a sex & relationship therapist passionate about reducing sexual shame, fostering a lens of curiosity and self-acceptance in sexuality, building a sense of playfulness and confidence, developing a personal acumen of sexual values, and unlearning messages of sex-negative cultures. Here are some of the topics that often come up in sex & relationship therapy with the folks I work with:
Kink/fetish; non-monogamy/polyamory/open relationships; gender/sexual identity; sexual shame/self-acceptance; erectile dysfunction, pain, vaginismus, premature ejaculation, compulsive behavior, etc
Very few of us were given the tools and affirmation needed to navigate sex, identity, and relationships, despite these things being a fundamental part of our humanity. I am a sex & relationship therapist passionate about reducing sexual shame, fostering a lens of curiosity and self-acceptance in sexuality, building a sense of playfulness and confidence, developing a personal acumen of sexual values, and unlearning messages of sex-negative cultures. Here are some of the topics that often come up in sex & relationship therapy with the folks I work with:
It takes great courage to acknowledge and embrace the things that challenge us. I understand this strength and the importance of starting the journey to change the things that no longer serve you. I am compassionate therapist trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities. I have served in the field of social services for over 10 years, having worked in various capacities from medical social worker to therapist.
It takes great courage to acknowledge and embrace the things that challenge us. I understand this strength and the importance of starting the journey to change the things that no longer serve you. I am compassionate therapist trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities. I have served in the field of social services for over 10 years, having worked in various capacities from medical social worker to therapist.
I believe it's important to recognize a person’s whole lived experience, the systems they are a part of and how intersecting identities can contribute to addressing their stress. As a LGBTQ Latine person, I draw from intersectional feminist, multicultural, social justice, and trauma-informed frameworks to help explore and process present and past events and every day stressors. I focus on creating a non- judgmental space where collaboration occurs to meet your needs with playfulness, empowerment, and self-compassion.
I believe it's important to recognize a person’s whole lived experience, the systems they are a part of and how intersecting identities can contribute to addressing their stress. As a LGBTQ Latine person, I draw from intersectional feminist, multicultural, social justice, and trauma-informed frameworks to help explore and process present and past events and every day stressors. I focus on creating a non- judgmental space where collaboration occurs to meet your needs with playfulness, empowerment, and self-compassion.
My ideal clients? They're a colorful bunch, representing diverse backgrounds and facing issues like past trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship twists, and the journey of self-discovery. They're on a mission for clarity, healing, and personal growth. They crave a therapist who's all about keeping it real, serving up those honest truths, and providing the answers, support, and guidance that'll help them conquer their struggles, transforming into even more resilient and empowered versions of themselves.
My ideal clients? They're a colorful bunch, representing diverse backgrounds and facing issues like past trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship twists, and the journey of self-discovery. They're on a mission for clarity, healing, and personal growth. They crave a therapist who's all about keeping it real, serving up those honest truths, and providing the answers, support, and guidance that'll help them conquer their struggles, transforming into even more resilient and empowered versions of themselves.
I work with women of color, children of immigrants, and queer folks looking to navigate anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, racial/cultural identity exploration, and self-esteem issues. The clients I work with are seeking out support on healing generational wounds, developing coping skills to effectively manage stressors, and processing/healing emotional pain from early experiences through re-parenting. I work with folks who are hard on themselves to develop more self-compassion. I understand what feels supportive for one person may not work for another, so I collaborate with folks creatively and holistically.
I work with women of color, children of immigrants, and queer folks looking to navigate anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, racial/cultural identity exploration, and self-esteem issues. The clients I work with are seeking out support on healing generational wounds, developing coping skills to effectively manage stressors, and processing/healing emotional pain from early experiences through re-parenting. I work with folks who are hard on themselves to develop more self-compassion. I understand what feels supportive for one person may not work for another, so I collaborate with folks creatively and holistically.
More Therapists Nearby
I enjoy working with clients of all ages from children to adolescents, and adults. I received my first masters degree in developmental psychology and I am well equipped to help children and/or families navigate emotion regulation and emotional development. Through my training as a marriage and family therapist I am specialized in working with couples and families, however I also work with individuals! In my work with adults and couples, I believe that fostering an understanding of ourselves and our loved ones is essential for healthy relationships.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages from children to adolescents, and adults. I received my first masters degree in developmental psychology and I am well equipped to help children and/or families navigate emotion regulation and emotional development. Through my training as a marriage and family therapist I am specialized in working with couples and families, however I also work with individuals! In my work with adults and couples, I believe that fostering an understanding of ourselves and our loved ones is essential for healthy relationships.
Janet Diep
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
1 Endorsed
Barrington, IL 60010
Waitlist for new clients
In therapy, we focus on issues like Marital and Premarital concerns, Sexual Abuse, and embracing a Sex-Positive, Kink Allied approach.
Hello, I’m Janet, a psychotherapist specializing in sex therapy. If you're feeling disconnected, experiencing intimacy issues, or struggling with sexual identity or health, you're not alone. Together, we can explore your needs and aspirations, striving for a fulfilling and balanced life. If you're ready to improve your relationships and self-understanding, I’m here to guide you on this delicate journey.
In therapy, we focus on issues like Marital and Premarital concerns, Sexual Abuse, and embracing a Sex-Positive, Kink Allied approach.
Hello, I’m Janet, a psychotherapist specializing in sex therapy. If you're feeling disconnected, experiencing intimacy issues, or struggling with sexual identity or health, you're not alone. Together, we can explore your needs and aspirations, striving for a fulfilling and balanced life. If you're ready to improve your relationships and self-understanding, I’m here to guide you on this delicate journey.
Hi, I’m Shannon.
Therapy with me feels like a conversation — one where we explore what’s beneath the surface with curiosity, compassion, and sometimes, a bit of humor. Because healing doesn’t have to be heavy all the time; sometimes, laughter is part of the medicine.
Hi, I’m Shannon.
Therapy with me feels like a conversation — one where we explore what’s beneath the surface with curiosity, compassion, and sometimes, a bit of humor. Because healing doesn’t have to be heavy all the time; sometimes, laughter is part of the medicine.
Whether you’re feeling disconnected in your relationship, navigating challenges around trust, intimacy, or desire, or working through past trauma, I’m here to support you every step of the way. I believe your story holds the key to understanding the patterns in your relationships and that together, we can transform those patterns into new possibilities for growth and connection. In our work, I offer a holistic, client-centered, trauma-informed approach that integrates multiple therapeutic modalities, including attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), psychodynamic therapy, and evidence-based treatments for trauma.
Whether you’re feeling disconnected in your relationship, navigating challenges around trust, intimacy, or desire, or working through past trauma, I’m here to support you every step of the way. I believe your story holds the key to understanding the patterns in your relationships and that together, we can transform those patterns into new possibilities for growth and connection. In our work, I offer a holistic, client-centered, trauma-informed approach that integrates multiple therapeutic modalities, including attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), psychodynamic therapy, and evidence-based treatments for trauma.
My clients are looking to gain deeper insight into their lives, relationships, and past so that they may move forward and create a life that feels richer and more meaningful. They hope to explore their hopes, deepest fears and dreams. Through greater-self understanding, real change and a more fulfilling life are possible.
My clients are looking to gain deeper insight into their lives, relationships, and past so that they may move forward and create a life that feels richer and more meaningful. They hope to explore their hopes, deepest fears and dreams. Through greater-self understanding, real change and a more fulfilling life are possible.
I am passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and am enthusiastically poly/ kink, BDSM & ABDL affirming.
My therapeutic style is humanistic and strengths-based, which means I lead with empathy, authenticity and acceptance. My approach is depth-based, often tracing current patterns to coping strategies developed in childhood. I use attachment theory, IFS/parts work, somatic elements and narrative therapy to help clients regulate, explore, and create change.
I am passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and am enthusiastically poly/ kink, BDSM & ABDL affirming.
My therapeutic style is humanistic and strengths-based, which means I lead with empathy, authenticity and acceptance. My approach is depth-based, often tracing current patterns to coping strategies developed in childhood. I use attachment theory, IFS/parts work, somatic elements and narrative therapy to help clients regulate, explore, and create change.
I am currently in my final months of doctoral training, and I have specialized education and experience with kink, non-monogamy, gender diversity, neurodiversity, chronically ill, and queer communities.
Accepting new clients, as of April '25! Are you feeling stuck in patterns or cycles that no longer work? Do you feel misunderstood by people in your life? Challenged by the limits of your brain or body when you have difficulty meeting expectations set by society? I am here to help! We can work together on processing experiences from your past, building healthy relationships with yourself and others, or strengthening a compassionate inner voice. The way I approach therapy is built around the idea that no one exists alone. The way we are now is a result of the relationships, experiences, and connections we've had throughout our lives.
I am currently in my final months of doctoral training, and I have specialized education and experience with kink, non-monogamy, gender diversity, neurodiversity, chronically ill, and queer communities.
Accepting new clients, as of April '25! Are you feeling stuck in patterns or cycles that no longer work? Do you feel misunderstood by people in your life? Challenged by the limits of your brain or body when you have difficulty meeting expectations set by society? I am here to help! We can work together on processing experiences from your past, building healthy relationships with yourself and others, or strengthening a compassionate inner voice. The way I approach therapy is built around the idea that no one exists alone. The way we are now is a result of the relationships, experiences, and connections we've had throughout our lives.
Whether you're new to therapy, returning after a break, or seeking a fresh approach, opening up is a brave and meaningful step. I aim to create a space where we can both be real, making therapy a supportive - even enjoyable - experience, challenges included. I bring warmth, humor, and creativity into sessions to keep the process approachable and tailored to you. Whether you prefer a casual vibe, direct feedback, or something in between, I’ll meet you where you are and work with you to shape a path that supports your goals. I believe growth happens best when therapy feels safe, human, and grounded in mutual trust and understanding.
Whether you're new to therapy, returning after a break, or seeking a fresh approach, opening up is a brave and meaningful step. I aim to create a space where we can both be real, making therapy a supportive - even enjoyable - experience, challenges included. I bring warmth, humor, and creativity into sessions to keep the process approachable and tailored to you. Whether you prefer a casual vibe, direct feedback, or something in between, I’ll meet you where you are and work with you to shape a path that supports your goals. I believe growth happens best when therapy feels safe, human, and grounded in mutual trust and understanding.
You deserve a space to be heard, seen, and accepted. I enjoy working with clients dealing with relationship issues, anxiety, OCD, adjustment, religious trauma, and with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I welcome the opportunity to work with individuals, teens, and children. My history working in community health with children experiencing behavioral issues and developmental disorders continues to inform my practice as a clinician.
You deserve a space to be heard, seen, and accepted. I enjoy working with clients dealing with relationship issues, anxiety, OCD, adjustment, religious trauma, and with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I welcome the opportunity to work with individuals, teens, and children. My history working in community health with children experiencing behavioral issues and developmental disorders continues to inform my practice as a clinician.
So many of us want to feel more connected to ourselves, to our partners, and to our desires. You might be feeling distant, confused, or unsure how to move forward. Whether you're struggling with communication, exploring identity, healing from broken trust, or navigating non-monogamy, therapy can offer a space to slow down, tune in, and reconnect. I also work to support partnerships facing relationship challenges like infidelity, desire differences, or feeling stuck in old patterns. As a queer therapist, I’m committed to creating a warm, affirming space where all of you is welcome.
So many of us want to feel more connected to ourselves, to our partners, and to our desires. You might be feeling distant, confused, or unsure how to move forward. Whether you're struggling with communication, exploring identity, healing from broken trust, or navigating non-monogamy, therapy can offer a space to slow down, tune in, and reconnect. I also work to support partnerships facing relationship challenges like infidelity, desire differences, or feeling stuck in old patterns. As a queer therapist, I’m committed to creating a warm, affirming space where all of you is welcome.
I work at Practical Audacity which is a group practice that specializes in service folks of multiple marginalized identities including BIPOC folks and LGBTQIA+ folks. We meet clients where they're at from a trauma-informed, intersectional feminist perspective that is backed in science and psychology. We are here to support clients in becoming the most authentic versions of themselves, living in their pleasure, and having the resources to approach life's challenges as they come.
I work at Practical Audacity which is a group practice that specializes in service folks of multiple marginalized identities including BIPOC folks and LGBTQIA+ folks. We meet clients where they're at from a trauma-informed, intersectional feminist perspective that is backed in science and psychology. We are here to support clients in becoming the most authentic versions of themselves, living in their pleasure, and having the resources to approach life's challenges as they come.
You long to feel at home in yourself. To exhale fully. To love and be loved without the ache of fear or the weight of not-enoughness. Maybe you’ve learned to shape-shift, to silence your needs, or to care for everyone else at your own expense. It makes sense—these were your ways of surviving. But what if healing didn’t mean fixing yourself, but returning to yourself? What if safety could live in your body, and intimacy could feel steady, not overwhelming? Together, we can explore that possibility.
You long to feel at home in yourself. To exhale fully. To love and be loved without the ache of fear or the weight of not-enoughness. Maybe you’ve learned to shape-shift, to silence your needs, or to care for everyone else at your own expense. It makes sense—these were your ways of surviving. But what if healing didn’t mean fixing yourself, but returning to yourself? What if safety could live in your body, and intimacy could feel steady, not overwhelming? Together, we can explore that possibility.
Welcome! I hope you can take a moment to thank yourself for being here - seeking support is such a wonderful form of self-compassion.
Welcome! I hope you can take a moment to thank yourself for being here - seeking support is such a wonderful form of self-compassion.
See more therapy options for Cicero
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- Berwyn
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- La Grange
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
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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.