Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Northbrook, IL
There is hope in the stories we carry, in the resilience that remains in us when everything seems lost. - Kao Kalia Yang, in The Song Poet
This feeling described by Kao is a concept that exists within all of us. With hope and resilience, we push through moments of hardship along the way. I hope to support and guide such feelings of hope and resilience as an underlying principle in our work, as we navigate your therapeutic journey in healing, understanding, acceptance, and exploration.
There is hope in the stories we carry, in the resilience that remains in us when everything seems lost. - Kao Kalia Yang, in The Song Poet
This feeling described by Kao is a concept that exists within all of us. With hope and resilience, we push through moments of hardship along the way. I hope to support and guide such feelings of hope and resilience as an underlying principle in our work, as we navigate your therapeutic journey in healing, understanding, acceptance, and exploration.
I am a Clinical Health Psychologist and I specialize in providing comprehensive psychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults. I have extensive training and strong experience in providing diagnostic clarification for Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Attention Deficits, Thought Disorders, Personality Disorders, Bariatric Pre-Surgical Evaluations, Neuropsychological Screenings, First Responders/Police and Pre-Employment screenings, and more.
I am a Clinical Health Psychologist and I specialize in providing comprehensive psychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults. I have extensive training and strong experience in providing diagnostic clarification for Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Attention Deficits, Thought Disorders, Personality Disorders, Bariatric Pre-Surgical Evaluations, Neuropsychological Screenings, First Responders/Police and Pre-Employment screenings, and more.
Amanda Barr
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-P, MA
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that every person possesses innate creativity and that art can serve as a powerful tool for communication and self-exploration within the therapeutic space. As an art therapist and counselor, I seek to build a collaborative and affirming relationship with my clients to encourage the journey of discovery, healing, and personal growth. I use an eclectic approach, incorporating existential, Adlerian, and person-centered theories from an anti-oppressive and liberatory lens to support clients in building skills and gaining insight.
I believe that every person possesses innate creativity and that art can serve as a powerful tool for communication and self-exploration within the therapeutic space. As an art therapist and counselor, I seek to build a collaborative and affirming relationship with my clients to encourage the journey of discovery, healing, and personal growth. I use an eclectic approach, incorporating existential, Adlerian, and person-centered theories from an anti-oppressive and liberatory lens to support clients in building skills and gaining insight.
Here & Now offers comprehensive psychiatry and therapy services. Our integrative psychiatrist and physicians assistants combine conventional and natural treatments to help you achieve lasting wellness, not just manage symptoms. We also have a compassionate team of therapists who provide a safe, non-judgmental place to work together to develop a treatment plan and help you achieve your personal goals. Depending on your needs we can pair talk Therapy with other wellness treatments such as psychiatry, art therapy and neurofeedback to accelerate and amplify wellness benefits.
Here & Now offers comprehensive psychiatry and therapy services. Our integrative psychiatrist and physicians assistants combine conventional and natural treatments to help you achieve lasting wellness, not just manage symptoms. We also have a compassionate team of therapists who provide a safe, non-judgmental place to work together to develop a treatment plan and help you achieve your personal goals. Depending on your needs we can pair talk Therapy with other wellness treatments such as psychiatry, art therapy and neurofeedback to accelerate and amplify wellness benefits.
Hi there! Seeking help can be hard, so I want to say that I'm proud of you. You deserve this and more. Your self-awareness has allowed you to say, "This is not how my story will end." As your therapist, I will not tell you what to do. Instead, l will help you author a story that is true to you. I will help you heal from the wounds of your past and explore how your past impacts your present. I will help you release the thoughts and feelings that weigh heavy on your heart and hold you back. I will help you build boundaries and break barriers. I will walk beside you until you're ready to walk alone.
Hi there! Seeking help can be hard, so I want to say that I'm proud of you. You deserve this and more. Your self-awareness has allowed you to say, "This is not how my story will end." As your therapist, I will not tell you what to do. Instead, l will help you author a story that is true to you. I will help you heal from the wounds of your past and explore how your past impacts your present. I will help you release the thoughts and feelings that weigh heavy on your heart and hold you back. I will help you build boundaries and break barriers. I will walk beside you until you're ready to walk alone.
You deserve to be loud, messy, sensitive and angry- and loved exactly for who you are. You’ve gotten used to living with your anxiety, but it’s a struggle. Things are hectic and your mind just never stops. If you’re waiting for the world to slow down, you may be waiting for a while. I know what it’s like to try to control your world through endless schedules and to-do lists, to power through, to live on auto-pilot. To ignore long-held family stories that influence how you show up in the world, to criticize yourself so harshly. Together in therapy, we can begin by helping you slow down enough and get curious about what's next.
You deserve to be loud, messy, sensitive and angry- and loved exactly for who you are. You’ve gotten used to living with your anxiety, but it’s a struggle. Things are hectic and your mind just never stops. If you’re waiting for the world to slow down, you may be waiting for a while. I know what it’s like to try to control your world through endless schedules and to-do lists, to power through, to live on auto-pilot. To ignore long-held family stories that influence how you show up in the world, to criticize yourself so harshly. Together in therapy, we can begin by helping you slow down enough and get curious about what's next.
I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, CPTSD, emotional dysregulation, overwhelm, crises of identity/spirituality, existential dread, poly/ kink/BDSM, and LGBTQIA+-related issues.
I identify as deeply spiritual, queer, an artist, a mindfulness teacher, and a therapist deeply committed to the art of healing through empathy and conversation. I believe too many people go through life confusing their true self with the person folks would like them to be. I feel honored to walk alongside his clients as they parse their identities, meeting the authentic individual as they uncover new parts of their self. I take pride in bringing compassion and care to sessions with my clients. I also work with couples through an EFT lens.
I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, CPTSD, emotional dysregulation, overwhelm, crises of identity/spirituality, existential dread, poly/ kink/BDSM, and LGBTQIA+-related issues.
I identify as deeply spiritual, queer, an artist, a mindfulness teacher, and a therapist deeply committed to the art of healing through empathy and conversation. I believe too many people go through life confusing their true self with the person folks would like them to be. I feel honored to walk alongside his clients as they parse their identities, meeting the authentic individual as they uncover new parts of their self. I take pride in bringing compassion and care to sessions with my clients. I also work with couples through an EFT lens.
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.
Hello! I’m Brittany, a therapist helping adults and couples explore their emotions in a non-judgmental, sex-positive space. I specialize in neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, identity, sexuality, CNM/open relationships, trauma, and sex-related issues. My approach fosters self-discovery, emotional growth, and healing in a supportive, collaborative environment. I became a therapist out of curiosity to understand human behavior, feeling honored to help people create change during their vulnerable times. Let's work together to help you grow!
Hello! I’m Brittany, a therapist helping adults and couples explore their emotions in a non-judgmental, sex-positive space. I specialize in neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, identity, sexuality, CNM/open relationships, trauma, and sex-related issues. My approach fosters self-discovery, emotional growth, and healing in a supportive, collaborative environment. I became a therapist out of curiosity to understand human behavior, feeling honored to help people create change during their vulnerable times. Let's work together to help you grow!
Hannah approaches therapy as a dance between the client and the therapist, where she allows the client to lead her on their journey. Hannah creates a space of both comfort and depth that allows clients to explore the inner workings of their minds as well as their day-to-day lives and relationships. With attention to both past and present aspects of her client’s experiences, Hannah holds the space for both exploration and solution-seeking.
Hannah approaches therapy as a dance between the client and the therapist, where she allows the client to lead her on their journey. Hannah creates a space of both comfort and depth that allows clients to explore the inner workings of their minds as well as their day-to-day lives and relationships. With attention to both past and present aspects of her client’s experiences, Hannah holds the space for both exploration and solution-seeking.
I offer Weekend availability. I’m here to hold space for all of who you are—loud, quiet, curious, unsure—whatever that looks like. If you're an immigrant, first-gen American, or neurodivergent navigating the intersections of culture, faith, and identity, you're not alone. As a first-gen Muslim American (English is my second language), I’ve wrestled with those same layers—and still do. I know how difficult and meaningful that journey can be. I also have experience with individuals with ADHD and Autism, and I genuinely love helping people find their voice and their rhythm.
I offer Weekend availability. I’m here to hold space for all of who you are—loud, quiet, curious, unsure—whatever that looks like. If you're an immigrant, first-gen American, or neurodivergent navigating the intersections of culture, faith, and identity, you're not alone. As a first-gen Muslim American (English is my second language), I’ve wrestled with those same layers—and still do. I know how difficult and meaningful that journey can be. I also have experience with individuals with ADHD and Autism, and I genuinely love helping people find their voice and their rhythm.
Maybe you have been living with depression and anxiety or feeling outcasted in life for as long as you can remember. Perhaps you're an adult who was recently given or is self-diagnosed as neurodivergent. You could be an individual, couple, or polycule seeking out new ways to build and maintain healthy intimacy or looking to explore your varying personal and sexual identities. No matter what brings you to therapy, I firmly believe that human connection is at the center of each of our past, present, and future lived experiences.
Maybe you have been living with depression and anxiety or feeling outcasted in life for as long as you can remember. Perhaps you're an adult who was recently given or is self-diagnosed as neurodivergent. You could be an individual, couple, or polycule seeking out new ways to build and maintain healthy intimacy or looking to explore your varying personal and sexual identities. No matter what brings you to therapy, I firmly believe that human connection is at the center of each of our past, present, and future lived experiences.
I prioritize empowerment, growth, & collaboration to support youth and adults. I am passionate and skilled in working with children, adolescences, young adults, adults, couples, and families. I create a safe space for each client to explore themselves and their place in the world around them. I use an integrative approach to therapy in order to cultivate and support each client’s individual needs. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood dysregulation, adjustment, trauma, identity, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, child development, behavior problems, social skills, family planning, & life changes
I prioritize empowerment, growth, & collaboration to support youth and adults. I am passionate and skilled in working with children, adolescences, young adults, adults, couples, and families. I create a safe space for each client to explore themselves and their place in the world around them. I use an integrative approach to therapy in order to cultivate and support each client’s individual needs. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood dysregulation, adjustment, trauma, identity, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, child development, behavior problems, social skills, family planning, & life changes
As a fat-positive and genderqueer therapist, I’m passionate about creating a space where all bodies and identities are honored. My work centers around helping clients heal from fatphobia, body shame, and the impact of systemic oppression, while building a more compassionate relationship with themselves. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that feels affirming, curious, and grounded — a place where you can show up fully as you are.
As a fat-positive and genderqueer therapist, I’m passionate about creating a space where all bodies and identities are honored. My work centers around helping clients heal from fatphobia, body shame, and the impact of systemic oppression, while building a more compassionate relationship with themselves. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that feels affirming, curious, and grounded — a place where you can show up fully as you are.
As a Latino, I realize it can be difficult to challenge the social norms that we grew up with. Our hardships are often hidden beneath layers of cultural expectations and pressures. Core values like family loyalty, faith, and resilience aren’t inherently harmful, but they can make it more difficult to speak up when we struggle. Perhaps you've even minimized your pain or questioned if it's "bad enough". Whether you're navigating religious trauma/PTSD, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, or a mix of all five, my goal is to help you heal and explore what it means to be a whole person, not just someone living up to external expectations.
As a Latino, I realize it can be difficult to challenge the social norms that we grew up with. Our hardships are often hidden beneath layers of cultural expectations and pressures. Core values like family loyalty, faith, and resilience aren’t inherently harmful, but they can make it more difficult to speak up when we struggle. Perhaps you've even minimized your pain or questioned if it's "bad enough". Whether you're navigating religious trauma/PTSD, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, or a mix of all five, my goal is to help you heal and explore what it means to be a whole person, not just someone living up to external expectations.
It is difficult to go through life with a million little voices in your head telling you every negative thing about yourself. It can feel impossible to find moments of joy and contentment when life itself is already so unpredictable, and thoughts of fear and failure start to creep in. Even though opening the door to therapy can be scary and/or overwhelming, I will bring warmth, compassion, and a touch of humor to make it more comfortable and relaxed. There is no "one size fits all" theory to therapy- every session will be personalized to my client and what best fits their needs.
It is difficult to go through life with a million little voices in your head telling you every negative thing about yourself. It can feel impossible to find moments of joy and contentment when life itself is already so unpredictable, and thoughts of fear and failure start to creep in. Even though opening the door to therapy can be scary and/or overwhelming, I will bring warmth, compassion, and a touch of humor to make it more comfortable and relaxed. There is no "one size fits all" theory to therapy- every session will be personalized to my client and what best fits their needs.
It can be difficult to ask for support, especially when you aren't sure how it all works. I will work with you to create a treatment plan that makes sense to you and meets your unique goals. Jenn values creating an authentic therapeutic relationship and creating space for vulnerability in treatment. Jenn believes that regardless of age, race, or gender identity, counseling can be a profound and meaningful experience for any person. Jenn strives to provide a judgment-free environment for her patients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Jenn believes that authenticity, humor, and trust are essential.
It can be difficult to ask for support, especially when you aren't sure how it all works. I will work with you to create a treatment plan that makes sense to you and meets your unique goals. Jenn values creating an authentic therapeutic relationship and creating space for vulnerability in treatment. Jenn believes that regardless of age, race, or gender identity, counseling can be a profound and meaningful experience for any person. Jenn strives to provide a judgment-free environment for her patients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Jenn believes that authenticity, humor, and trust are essential.
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.
Seeking out support and treatment can be very anxiety-provoking, especially when you feel like you do not understand how treatment works. I believe in developing a collaborative relationship with my patient where treatment is transparent and makes sense to you. Through education, skill-building, and supportive conversation, we will work together to accomplish your goals. We will not only address the struggles that concern you, but we will identify and build on your unique areas of strength. This will promote resiliency to stress and help you successfully navigate the complications of life.
Seeking out support and treatment can be very anxiety-provoking, especially when you feel like you do not understand how treatment works. I believe in developing a collaborative relationship with my patient where treatment is transparent and makes sense to you. Through education, skill-building, and supportive conversation, we will work together to accomplish your goals. We will not only address the struggles that concern you, but we will identify and build on your unique areas of strength. This will promote resiliency to stress and help you successfully navigate the complications of life.
I'm also furry-, kink-, and poly-friendly.
Accepting New Clients - I firmly believe in individualized, custom care for each of my clients. Just as “one size fits all” clothing never really fits anybody there is no “no size fits all” therapy in my practice. If you are going to put your time and trust in me then the least I can do is provide customized, evidence-based care. I honor the belief that each client is an expert on him, her, or themselves. My clients are equal partners in their care. In addition to this, clients also seem to enjoy my laid-back and caring approach.
I'm also furry-, kink-, and poly-friendly.
Accepting New Clients - I firmly believe in individualized, custom care for each of my clients. Just as “one size fits all” clothing never really fits anybody there is no “no size fits all” therapy in my practice. If you are going to put your time and trust in me then the least I can do is provide customized, evidence-based care. I honor the belief that each client is an expert on him, her, or themselves. My clients are equal partners in their care. In addition to this, clients also seem to enjoy my laid-back and caring approach.
See more therapy options for Northbrook
Nearby Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists Searches for Northbrook
- Bannockburn
- Deerfield
- Glencoe
- Glenview
- Highland Park
- Kenilworth
- Morton Grove
- Niles
- Northfield
- Wheeling
- 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.