Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Evergreen Park, IL
I believe therapy is a collaborative space for folks to explore their biographies and learn to hold deeper relationships with their own self and others. Change happens when we feel safe to be curious and understanding of our patterns and choices. I invite clients to explore the intersections of their identities with me as we create a space that is brave and trusting. I see the connection between the external world and our internal experience as central to the therapy process. I'm mindful to social identities, dynamics in family systems, and the larger cultural landscape that impact a person's sense of self.
I believe therapy is a collaborative space for folks to explore their biographies and learn to hold deeper relationships with their own self and others. Change happens when we feel safe to be curious and understanding of our patterns and choices. I invite clients to explore the intersections of their identities with me as we create a space that is brave and trusting. I see the connection between the external world and our internal experience as central to the therapy process. I'm mindful to social identities, dynamics in family systems, and the larger cultural landscape that impact a person's sense of self.
Life asks a lot of us and most people in this world are doing the best they can with the tools they have. Maybe you are feeling sad, on-edge, angry, grief-stricken, burnt out, or just like things have been really heavy lately? I want to help get you back to feeling like yourself. Sometimes, we just need a few more tools in the toolbox, and to work with someone who accepts us, validates us and walks with us through the stuff we are facing. You deserve to feel better.
I really enjoy working with folks who: want to get to know themselves; may struggle with boundaries or people-pleasing; and/or who "grew up too fast" as a kid.
Life asks a lot of us and most people in this world are doing the best they can with the tools they have. Maybe you are feeling sad, on-edge, angry, grief-stricken, burnt out, or just like things have been really heavy lately? I want to help get you back to feeling like yourself. Sometimes, we just need a few more tools in the toolbox, and to work with someone who accepts us, validates us and walks with us through the stuff we are facing. You deserve to feel better.
I really enjoy working with folks who: want to get to know themselves; may struggle with boundaries or people-pleasing; and/or who "grew up too fast" as a kid.
I specialize in working with individuals who feel stuck. I work with people pleasers, big worriers, anxiety disorders, and experts in knowing their problem but not knowing how to feel better. Many of my client's have been labeled as "too self aware", intellectualizers, or over thinkers. With kids and teens, this may look like anxiety or nervousness, being withdrawn, or struggling with friends. Getting stuck in your own head can make it hard to be present and engaged in life. I challenge my clients when appropriate and use education to help fill in the gaps of why we are the way we are.
I specialize in working with individuals who feel stuck. I work with people pleasers, big worriers, anxiety disorders, and experts in knowing their problem but not knowing how to feel better. Many of my client's have been labeled as "too self aware", intellectualizers, or over thinkers. With kids and teens, this may look like anxiety or nervousness, being withdrawn, or struggling with friends. Getting stuck in your own head can make it hard to be present and engaged in life. I challenge my clients when appropriate and use education to help fill in the gaps of why we are the way we are.
Struggling to communicate with a loved one? Having trouble sleeping? Can’t seem to find the motivation to complete daily tasks? Various challenges in life can lead us to feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or BOTH. Therapy can provide a safe space to process, cope, and heal. In life, we may struggle to see how our environments, upbringing, relationships and lifestyle impact our mental health. While other times, we may lack the appropriate self-tools to change our own dynamics. Therapy empowers us to be more self-aware and protective of our mental wellness.
Struggling to communicate with a loved one? Having trouble sleeping? Can’t seem to find the motivation to complete daily tasks? Various challenges in life can lead us to feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or BOTH. Therapy can provide a safe space to process, cope, and heal. In life, we may struggle to see how our environments, upbringing, relationships and lifestyle impact our mental health. While other times, we may lack the appropriate self-tools to change our own dynamics. Therapy empowers us to be more self-aware and protective of our mental wellness.
I work with clients aged eleven and up with a variety of challenging life circumstances including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, interpersonal struggles, and self-discovery. My clients will develop a deeper understanding of themselves and how to approach the world authentically. They will also develop coping skills that work to promote personal growth and mental wellbeing.
I work with clients aged eleven and up with a variety of challenging life circumstances including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, interpersonal struggles, and self-discovery. My clients will develop a deeper understanding of themselves and how to approach the world authentically. They will also develop coping skills that work to promote personal growth and mental wellbeing.
Therapy with me is a conversation, plain and simple. We sit together and untangle the thoughts and feelings that have been building up, one small piece at a time. I’m not here to judge or tell you what to do. I’m here to help you understand what’s going on and feel at home again in your mind and body. You can come as you are. That’s exactly how it works best. I have advanced training in anxiety treatment, which means we can use proven tools to work with intrusive thoughts and worries that show up out of nowhere.
Therapy with me is a conversation, plain and simple. We sit together and untangle the thoughts and feelings that have been building up, one small piece at a time. I’m not here to judge or tell you what to do. I’m here to help you understand what’s going on and feel at home again in your mind and body. You can come as you are. That’s exactly how it works best. I have advanced training in anxiety treatment, which means we can use proven tools to work with intrusive thoughts and worries that show up out of nowhere.
Couples Therapy. You are finding yourself in the same argument and leaving it every time feeling unheard. Connection and satisfaction are starting to dwindle and it is time to change that cycle. Learn how to communicate to truly understand each other, not to have the last word. Discover your needs and get that emotional and physical connection back strong again. Sex therapy is incorporated for those needing help with exploration, trauma recovery, addiction or dysfunction. Your trauma or upbring could be negatively impacting how you move within your relationship EMDR and/or trauma therapy can be used to address this.
Couples Therapy. You are finding yourself in the same argument and leaving it every time feeling unheard. Connection and satisfaction are starting to dwindle and it is time to change that cycle. Learn how to communicate to truly understand each other, not to have the last word. Discover your needs and get that emotional and physical connection back strong again. Sex therapy is incorporated for those needing help with exploration, trauma recovery, addiction or dysfunction. Your trauma or upbring could be negatively impacting how you move within your relationship EMDR and/or trauma therapy can be used to address this.
More Therapists Nearby
I am a licensed clinical social worker and certified addiction counselor with eight years of experience. My expertise includes trauma, depression, ADHD, alcohol & substance use, and supporting someone with addiction. Using a client-directed, person-centered approach, our sessions will help you explore goals for yourself and significant relationships.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and certified addiction counselor with eight years of experience. My expertise includes trauma, depression, ADHD, alcohol & substance use, and supporting someone with addiction. Using a client-directed, person-centered approach, our sessions will help you explore goals for yourself and significant relationships.
I am a trauma informed therapist and have increased my education on being more kink aware and sex positive.
I am experienced in providing therapy for anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, trauma, domestic violence, sex, kink, and stress management. I aid clients in navigating their individual healing journeys and goals through strength-based approach to counseling.
I am a trauma informed therapist and have increased my education on being more kink aware and sex positive.
I am experienced in providing therapy for anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, trauma, domestic violence, sex, kink, and stress management. I aid clients in navigating their individual healing journeys and goals through strength-based approach to counseling.
Therapy should be a place to not only get to know yourself but to grow, change, and flourish. If you have been looking to reconnect with yourself in a space free from outside noise and judgement this is the place for you! I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors of intimate partner trauma, and those navigating PTSD, anxiety, depression, as well as the unique experiences of being neurodivergent. We will work collaboratively to honor your individual needs and identities, and create a space where you feel safe, valued, and empowered to live authentically.
Therapy should be a place to not only get to know yourself but to grow, change, and flourish. If you have been looking to reconnect with yourself in a space free from outside noise and judgement this is the place for you! I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors of intimate partner trauma, and those navigating PTSD, anxiety, depression, as well as the unique experiences of being neurodivergent. We will work collaboratively to honor your individual needs and identities, and create a space where you feel safe, valued, and empowered to live authentically.
I work with an eclectic array of mental health topics, including; sexual health and wellness, anxiety, depression, political anxiety, intimacy, kink, traditional & non-traditional relationships, mood regulation, and life transitions.
Hello! I am a forensic psychotherapist in practice with Naperville Counseling Center. I aim to provide support and encouragement as individuals work on their mental health. Building a strong rapport is essential to creating trust, and I believe developing a healthy connection with each client is key. I enjoy integrating humor into therapy to break up some of the heaviness that emotional processing can bring. Coming from a forensic background, I have experience working with intense areas of need, support, and planning. I also have a passion for assisting clients in building and/or rebuilding their relationships with sexual health.
I work with an eclectic array of mental health topics, including; sexual health and wellness, anxiety, depression, political anxiety, intimacy, kink, traditional & non-traditional relationships, mood regulation, and life transitions.
Hello! I am a forensic psychotherapist in practice with Naperville Counseling Center. I aim to provide support and encouragement as individuals work on their mental health. Building a strong rapport is essential to creating trust, and I believe developing a healthy connection with each client is key. I enjoy integrating humor into therapy to break up some of the heaviness that emotional processing can bring. Coming from a forensic background, I have experience working with intense areas of need, support, and planning. I also have a passion for assisting clients in building and/or rebuilding their relationships with sexual health.
You deserve relationships, intimacy, and a life that feels alive and true to you. I work with individuals, couples, and polycules who are exploring identity, navigating relational conflict, or seeking deeper connection with themselves and others. Many of the people I support identify as LGBTQIA+, practice consensual non-monogamy, or are curious about cultivating a healthier, more liberated relationship with pleasure. At the same time, my practice is open to anyone longing for more authenticity, healing, and connection in their life. I hold this work within ongoing clinical mentorship from Jessica Fern, author of Polysecure.
You deserve relationships, intimacy, and a life that feels alive and true to you. I work with individuals, couples, and polycules who are exploring identity, navigating relational conflict, or seeking deeper connection with themselves and others. Many of the people I support identify as LGBTQIA+, practice consensual non-monogamy, or are curious about cultivating a healthier, more liberated relationship with pleasure. At the same time, my practice is open to anyone longing for more authenticity, healing, and connection in their life. I hold this work within ongoing clinical mentorship from Jessica Fern, author of Polysecure.
Are you ready to heal, reconnect, and grow?
Whether you're working through sexual trauma, exploring your sexuality, navigating grief, relationships, or life transitions, you're in the right place. I offer holistic therapy that blends talk therapy, embodiment practices, and creative exercises to support healing on all levels—mind, body, and spirit.
My approach is non-pathologizing, curious, direct and creative. I tailor the therapy process to your unique needs and pace. Together, we’ll work toward your goals—whether that’s healing from past wounds, deepening self-awareness, or embracing lost parts of yourself.
Are you ready to heal, reconnect, and grow?
Whether you're working through sexual trauma, exploring your sexuality, navigating grief, relationships, or life transitions, you're in the right place. I offer holistic therapy that blends talk therapy, embodiment practices, and creative exercises to support healing on all levels—mind, body, and spirit.
My approach is non-pathologizing, curious, direct and creative. I tailor the therapy process to your unique needs and pace. Together, we’ll work toward your goals—whether that’s healing from past wounds, deepening self-awareness, or embracing lost parts of yourself.
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.
I support individuals, couples, and families in building stronger relationships with themselves and with each other. My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and tailored to fit your life. I integrate tools from the Gottman Method, Imago Relationship techniques, Integrative Family and Couple Therapy (IFC), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), blending evidence-based strategies with intuition, compassion, and lived experience.
I support individuals, couples, and families in building stronger relationships with themselves and with each other. My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and tailored to fit your life. I integrate tools from the Gottman Method, Imago Relationship techniques, Integrative Family and Couple Therapy (IFC), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), blending evidence-based strategies with intuition, compassion, and lived experience.
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.
You’re looking for support that’s affirming, practical, kink-aware, and rooted in community, not conformity.
I use DBT, CBT, and trauma-informed, IFS-informed care through an anti-racist and anti-capitalist lens. I practice Emotionally Focused Therapy with couples. I work with individuals, couples, and groups. I offer gender-affirming care, write letters for medical transition, and support kink/polyam clients. I’m also trained in therapeutic tabletop RPGs.
You’re looking for support that’s affirming, practical, kink-aware, and rooted in community, not conformity.
I use DBT, CBT, and trauma-informed, IFS-informed care through an anti-racist and anti-capitalist lens. I practice Emotionally Focused Therapy with couples. I work with individuals, couples, and groups. I offer gender-affirming care, write letters for medical transition, and support kink/polyam clients. I’m also trained in therapeutic tabletop RPGs.
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.
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.
I believe we heal when our relationships allow us to be our entire, authentic self. I like to help clients understand and enhance their relationships by exploring the emotions and relational patterns that emerge during sessions. I believe emotions highlight what is important to us, point to what we need, provide meaning in our lives, and shape how we understand ourselves and our relationships. By identifying and expressing our feelings, we can break free from patterns that no longer serve us, improve our interpersonal skills, and build relationships in which we can heal.
I believe we heal when our relationships allow us to be our entire, authentic self. I like to help clients understand and enhance their relationships by exploring the emotions and relational patterns that emerge during sessions. I believe emotions highlight what is important to us, point to what we need, provide meaning in our lives, and shape how we understand ourselves and our relationships. By identifying and expressing our feelings, we can break free from patterns that no longer serve us, improve our interpersonal skills, and build relationships in which we can heal.
See more therapy options for Evergreen 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.