Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Glencoe, IL
The discovery of an affair can feel like your world has been turned upside down. Whether you're the betrayed or the one who strayed, you may be cycling through rage, profound sadness, shame, or fear about whether your relationship can survive. You're not alone in wondering if trust can ever be restored. For over 20 years, I've been helping couples and individuals find their way through the devastation of infidelity toward genuine healing and reconnection. I've witnessed countless couples transform their pain into deeper understanding and intimacy, and I've seen individuals reclaim their sense of self and worth after betrayal.
The discovery of an affair can feel like your world has been turned upside down. Whether you're the betrayed or the one who strayed, you may be cycling through rage, profound sadness, shame, or fear about whether your relationship can survive. You're not alone in wondering if trust can ever be restored. For over 20 years, I've been helping couples and individuals find their way through the devastation of infidelity toward genuine healing and reconnection. I've witnessed countless couples transform their pain into deeper understanding and intimacy, and I've seen individuals reclaim their sense of self and worth after betrayal.
Are you a teen or adult carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, depression, or grief that still affects your daily life? You may feel stuck in painful patterns, burdened by memories, or caught in cycles of fear or low self-worth. You may need a safe, compassionate space to process experiences, regulate emotions, and find clarity. If your goals are to feel more grounded, reduce triggers, and gain confidence in handling life’s challenges, I would love to work with you.
Are you a teen or adult carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, depression, or grief that still affects your daily life? You may feel stuck in painful patterns, burdened by memories, or caught in cycles of fear or low self-worth. You may need a safe, compassionate space to process experiences, regulate emotions, and find clarity. If your goals are to feel more grounded, reduce triggers, and gain confidence in handling life’s challenges, I would love to work with you.
Hi - I'm Larry Westenberg. I have been a counselor and therapist for more than 42 years. I treat trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain and life navigation. I go beyond treating problems, helping you become happier by coordinating values, beliefs and behavior. I welcome a variety of clients, and somehow often frequently work with lawyers & doctors. I combine coaching, counseling and techniques from Neuro-Linguistic Programming ( while bashed horribly on the internet, it is mighty useful!) to provide change methods and CBT that can often shift or alleviate many chronic and severe issues. In-person $150, Telehealth $90.
Hi - I'm Larry Westenberg. I have been a counselor and therapist for more than 42 years. I treat trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain and life navigation. I go beyond treating problems, helping you become happier by coordinating values, beliefs and behavior. I welcome a variety of clients, and somehow often frequently work with lawyers & doctors. I combine coaching, counseling and techniques from Neuro-Linguistic Programming ( while bashed horribly on the internet, it is mighty useful!) to provide change methods and CBT that can often shift or alleviate many chronic and severe issues. In-person $150, Telehealth $90.
Our providers proudly strive to be anti-oppressive, anti-racist, anti-ableist, LGBTQA-Plus allied, neurodivergent-affirming, body positive, and sex positive.
Brighter Pathways, PLLC is a small group practice currently offering individual, couples, family, and group therapies. Our therapists value collaboration, education, and transparency because treatment should make sense to you. In order to best meet your needs, your therapist will strive to understand your unique circumstances. We believe in a team approach to treatment. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your personal goals and struggles. We offer a safe, supportive, and open environment for you to explore your struggles and strive for personal growth.
Our providers proudly strive to be anti-oppressive, anti-racist, anti-ableist, LGBTQA-Plus allied, neurodivergent-affirming, body positive, and sex positive.
Brighter Pathways, PLLC is a small group practice currently offering individual, couples, family, and group therapies. Our therapists value collaboration, education, and transparency because treatment should make sense to you. In order to best meet your needs, your therapist will strive to understand your unique circumstances. We believe in a team approach to treatment. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your personal goals and struggles. We offer a safe, supportive, and open environment for you to explore your struggles and strive for personal growth.
I envision a therapeutic partnership with a client who is not only open but actively prepared to engage in the profound introspective work necessary to truly understand their underlying motivations and the roots of their emotional experiences. This journey involves a courageous willingness to delve into the self, to explore past experiences, present patterns, and future aspirations with honesty and a desire for growth.
I envision a therapeutic partnership with a client who is not only open but actively prepared to engage in the profound introspective work necessary to truly understand their underlying motivations and the roots of their emotional experiences. This journey involves a courageous willingness to delve into the self, to explore past experiences, present patterns, and future aspirations with honesty and a desire for growth.
My ideal client looks strong on the outside but feels like they’re quietly falling apart inside. They overthink, hold everything together, and feel unseen in their relationships. They want to stop performing “fine” and start feeling real, steady, clear, and connected. Some struggle with personality patterns that keep them stuck; others are couples unsure whether to stay or separate. What they want most is relief. They need clarity, honesty, and change that finally feels different, not just talked about.
My ideal client looks strong on the outside but feels like they’re quietly falling apart inside. They overthink, hold everything together, and feel unseen in their relationships. They want to stop performing “fine” and start feeling real, steady, clear, and connected. Some struggle with personality patterns that keep them stuck; others are couples unsure whether to stay or separate. What they want most is relief. They need clarity, honesty, and change that finally feels different, not just talked about.
Existence is weird, isn’t it? One moment you’re spiraling with questions like, “Why am I even here? Who am I?”—and the next you’re riding a wave of main-character energy like nothing can stop you. Then suddenly, you’re face-planting straight back into the existential void. If you’re tired of doing all that alone, that’s where I come in. You don’t have to have everything figured out for healing to happen. You get to show up exactly as you are—confused, curious, overwhelmed, hopeful, all of it—and we can still do meaningful work. You can trust me: I went to clown school. But seriously. Creative expression can help us survive.
Existence is weird, isn’t it? One moment you’re spiraling with questions like, “Why am I even here? Who am I?”—and the next you’re riding a wave of main-character energy like nothing can stop you. Then suddenly, you’re face-planting straight back into the existential void. If you’re tired of doing all that alone, that’s where I come in. You don’t have to have everything figured out for healing to happen. You get to show up exactly as you are—confused, curious, overwhelmed, hopeful, all of it—and we can still do meaningful work. You can trust me: I went to clown school. But seriously. Creative expression can help us survive.
Max offers expert psychotherapy for teens and young adults who seek profound progress, success, and happiness. You may be surprised at how quickly you'll notice positive changes in your life when working with Max. Max specializes in treating: Social anxiety, loneliness, relationships issues, self-confidence, quarter-life crisis, college transition, lack of purpose, trust issues, breakups, and self-worth.
Max offers expert psychotherapy for teens and young adults who seek profound progress, success, and happiness. You may be surprised at how quickly you'll notice positive changes in your life when working with Max. Max specializes in treating: Social anxiety, loneliness, relationships issues, self-confidence, quarter-life crisis, college transition, lack of purpose, trust issues, breakups, and self-worth.
More Therapists Nearby
You are good. Rarely do folks act in ways that don't make sense to them. Maybe you are experiencing frustration in relationships. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by sadness, fears, or exhaustion. You are human. In this space you will be heard and validated as you discover more about yourself and develop compassion for the parts of you that may seem most dark. And sometimes the path to wellness is to allow ourselves to be discovered more deeply.
You are good. Rarely do folks act in ways that don't make sense to them. Maybe you are experiencing frustration in relationships. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by sadness, fears, or exhaustion. You are human. In this space you will be heard and validated as you discover more about yourself and develop compassion for the parts of you that may seem most dark. And sometimes the path to wellness is to allow ourselves to be discovered more deeply.
I specialize in working with adults seeking change. My approach to counseling is client-centered and trauma-informed, encouraging the expression of personal narrative to build self-understanding and community. I support clients in the use of art-making as a grounding tool to process experiences and relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. My intention is to establish a collaborative space alongside clients that fosters bravery; where we can collect helpful coping tools as we work toward clients' goals together. To me, "healing" lies in seeking peace and a sense of wholeness, and not in achieving "perfection."
I specialize in working with adults seeking change. My approach to counseling is client-centered and trauma-informed, encouraging the expression of personal narrative to build self-understanding and community. I support clients in the use of art-making as a grounding tool to process experiences and relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. My intention is to establish a collaborative space alongside clients that fosters bravery; where we can collect helpful coping tools as we work toward clients' goals together. To me, "healing" lies in seeking peace and a sense of wholeness, and not in achieving "perfection."
I am informed and affirming of LGBTQIA+ and kink communities.
As a LCPC, AaSECT Certified Sex Therapist, and CRC offer trauma informed, attachment oriented care for partners and individuals. I blend evidence based therapy with somatic, sex therapy, and mindfulness tools. LGBTQIA+ and kink informed and affirming. Virtual, flexible scheduling. We build skills, heal ruptures, and grow intimacy, at your pace.
I am informed and affirming of LGBTQIA+ and kink communities.
As a LCPC, AaSECT Certified Sex Therapist, and CRC offer trauma informed, attachment oriented care for partners and individuals. I blend evidence based therapy with somatic, sex therapy, and mindfulness tools. LGBTQIA+ and kink informed and affirming. Virtual, flexible scheduling. We build skills, heal ruptures, and grow intimacy, at your pace.
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.
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.
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.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Sexologist (ABS), Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200), and have been a psychotherapist in private practice for almost ten years. I am also the owner, CEO, and Clinical Director of Mindful Therapy & Wellness. I have extensive experience as a rehabilitation counselor on Chicago's northside, have taught graduate level counseling courses at DePaul University, and have been a yoga instructor for over 15 years.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Sexologist (ABS), Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200), and have been a psychotherapist in private practice for almost ten years. I am also the owner, CEO, and Clinical Director of Mindful Therapy & Wellness. I have extensive experience as a rehabilitation counselor on Chicago's northside, have taught graduate level counseling courses at DePaul University, and have been a yoga instructor for over 15 years.
If you’ve struggled to find a therapist who truly understands your world, I want you to know, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. I’m honored to work with individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, are part of consensual non-monogamous relationships, gamers, LARPers, creatives, and those who walk a nontraditional path.
With me, you’re invited to bring your full self, cape, controller, or character sheet included. I offer in-person and virtual therapy sessions across the state of Illinois, including evening and Saturday appointments!
If you’ve struggled to find a therapist who truly understands your world, I want you to know, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. I’m honored to work with individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, are part of consensual non-monogamous relationships, gamers, LARPers, creatives, and those who walk a nontraditional path.
With me, you’re invited to bring your full self, cape, controller, or character sheet included. I offer in-person and virtual therapy sessions across the state of Illinois, including evening and Saturday appointments!
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.
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.
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 receive 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 receive ongoing clinical mentorship from Jessica Fern, author of Polysecure.
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.
See more therapy options for Glencoe
Nearby Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists Searches for Glencoe
- Bannockburn
- Deerfield
- Evanston
- Glenview
- Highland Park
- Kenilworth
- Morton Grove
- Northbrook
- Northfield
- Skokie
- Wilmette
- Winnetka
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.