Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Wilmette, IL
Though each person’s experience is unique, a common thread is that not knowing where emotions come from adds to suffering. My hope is to provide a nonjudgmental place to better understand your emotions so that you can gain a sense of agency in creating a meaningful life. A meaningful life may involve feeling comfortable sitting alone with your thoughts, the past becoming less haunting, more effective communication in relationships, believing you are good enough as you are, or something else. Whatever you are working towards, I am here to support you.
Though each person’s experience is unique, a common thread is that not knowing where emotions come from adds to suffering. My hope is to provide a nonjudgmental place to better understand your emotions so that you can gain a sense of agency in creating a meaningful life. A meaningful life may involve feeling comfortable sitting alone with your thoughts, the past becoming less haunting, more effective communication in relationships, believing you are good enough as you are, or something else. Whatever you are working towards, I am here to support you.
Val has woven traditional talk therapy and creative techniques to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for individuals, youth and families to work through difficult life experiences. They have extensive experience working with youth and families managing the challenges associated with emotional and behavioral problems, domestic violence, sexual assault, mental health concerns, and various traumatic life events. She believes in an empowerment and strength-based approach while fostering an environment that encourages self-acceptance, self-awareness and growth.
Val has woven traditional talk therapy and creative techniques to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for individuals, youth and families to work through difficult life experiences. They have extensive experience working with youth and families managing the challenges associated with emotional and behavioral problems, domestic violence, sexual assault, mental health concerns, and various traumatic life events. She believes in an empowerment and strength-based approach while fostering an environment that encourages self-acceptance, self-awareness and growth.
Tricia uses a holistic approach to healing and has extensive training in many different modalities including Reiki, IET (Integrative Energy Therapy), Yoga/Meditation, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and mindfulness training. In using the Contextual Change Model, she incorporates these various modalities depending on the needs of the client. She approaches the therapeutic relationship in a collaborative way, focusing on the client’s strengths, helping the client to deepen agency and self-awareness, emphasizing compassion and empathy throughout treatment. Tricia is currently teaching yoga/meditation at her home in Wilmette.
Tricia uses a holistic approach to healing and has extensive training in many different modalities including Reiki, IET (Integrative Energy Therapy), Yoga/Meditation, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and mindfulness training. In using the Contextual Change Model, she incorporates these various modalities depending on the needs of the client. She approaches the therapeutic relationship in a collaborative way, focusing on the client’s strengths, helping the client to deepen agency and self-awareness, emphasizing compassion and empathy throughout treatment. Tricia is currently teaching yoga/meditation at her home in Wilmette.
I am a trans, queer therapist serving the LGBTQIA+ and allied communities from a liberated, decolonized framework.
As a queer, neurodivergent professional, I know the importance of working with a therapist who understands the nuances of these communities' experiences. I believe in forming strong, authentic connections with clients and championing you in your various stages of life and identity. I bring 15 years of advocacy, therapy, community-action and leadership experience to my work, and I am currently licensed to practice therapy in Illinois, Tennessee, and Georgia.
I am a trans, queer therapist serving the LGBTQIA+ and allied communities from a liberated, decolonized framework.
As a queer, neurodivergent professional, I know the importance of working with a therapist who understands the nuances of these communities' experiences. I believe in forming strong, authentic connections with clients and championing you in your various stages of life and identity. I bring 15 years of advocacy, therapy, community-action and leadership experience to my work, and I am currently licensed to practice therapy in Illinois, Tennessee, and Georgia.
I strive to provide a warm, judgment-free environment where patients can explore their mental health goals and discover their inner strengths. I aim to meet patients where they are, offering compassionate support throughout their counseling journey. In sessions, I collaborate with patients to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their values and needs. I have experience helping individuals manage conditions like depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, low self-esteem, major life changes, and compulsive gambling.
I strive to provide a warm, judgment-free environment where patients can explore their mental health goals and discover their inner strengths. I aim to meet patients where they are, offering compassionate support throughout their counseling journey. In sessions, I collaborate with patients to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their values and needs. I have experience helping individuals manage conditions like depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, low self-esteem, major life changes, and compulsive gambling.
Wherever you are on your journey, whatever may be taking place inside your mind, your body, or around you in this moment— welcome. As a social worker for over a decade, my experience includes work with adolescents, twenty-somethings, and adults in the non-profit and private sectors. I ground my practice in values of intersectionality, warmth, and creativity. I use the lens of relational psychodynamics, feminism, and queer theory to support both individuals and couples. By giving voice and space to the unconscious, we’re able to access greater awareness, compassion, and ultimately healing.
Wherever you are on your journey, whatever may be taking place inside your mind, your body, or around you in this moment— welcome. As a social worker for over a decade, my experience includes work with adolescents, twenty-somethings, and adults in the non-profit and private sectors. I ground my practice in values of intersectionality, warmth, and creativity. I use the lens of relational psychodynamics, feminism, and queer theory to support both individuals and couples. By giving voice and space to the unconscious, we’re able to access greater awareness, compassion, and ultimately healing.
Is the stress of work or school overwhelming you? Are your relationships difficult? Are you struggling with feelings of shame or vulnerability? Do you feel unsatisfied? My training and experience as a counselor has led me to a deep understanding of how we live in our worlds: with our families, within our relationships, and even how we perceive ourselves. I work with people struggling with sleep concerns and have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). I assist individuals struggling from sleep issues to help increase energy during the day, sleep more deeply, and re-initiate sleep after wakings.
Is the stress of work or school overwhelming you? Are your relationships difficult? Are you struggling with feelings of shame or vulnerability? Do you feel unsatisfied? My training and experience as a counselor has led me to a deep understanding of how we live in our worlds: with our families, within our relationships, and even how we perceive ourselves. I work with people struggling with sleep concerns and have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). I assist individuals struggling from sleep issues to help increase energy during the day, sleep more deeply, and re-initiate sleep after wakings.
Starting therapy can be intimidating, but it is essential to understanding and healing. Therapy can help you confront challenges and reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit.
Starting therapy can be intimidating, but it is essential to understanding and healing. Therapy can help you confront challenges and reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit.
In both therapy and life, I find great joy in supporting the empowerment and resilience of my clients so that they may be free to embrace a life of vitality and healthy connection. My hope is that my authenticity, humor, and compassionate challenging can help my clients find the courage and bravery to look at what’s not working in their life and cultivate something better. I specialize in helping adults find even deeper healing through learning how to regulate your nervous system, resolving the lingering effects of difficult or traumatic experiences and creating an inner sense of safety and confidence.
In both therapy and life, I find great joy in supporting the empowerment and resilience of my clients so that they may be free to embrace a life of vitality and healthy connection. My hope is that my authenticity, humor, and compassionate challenging can help my clients find the courage and bravery to look at what’s not working in their life and cultivate something better. I specialize in helping adults find even deeper healing through learning how to regulate your nervous system, resolving the lingering effects of difficult or traumatic experiences and creating an inner sense of safety and confidence.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in Complex Trauma, Athletics and Performance, Gender-Affirming Care, Gambling, Alcohol and Drug use. I work with adolescents, adults, and athletic populations using a collaborative approach that fosters a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. My goal is to work together with you to help navigate your life’s journey. If you have ever felt blocked or unreasonably triggered, have had flashbacks to unpleasant moments in your life, or are unreasonably afraid of the future, we can work towards more adaptive responses to otherwise detrimental, "freezing" moments.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in Complex Trauma, Athletics and Performance, Gender-Affirming Care, Gambling, Alcohol and Drug use. I work with adolescents, adults, and athletic populations using a collaborative approach that fosters a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. My goal is to work together with you to help navigate your life’s journey. If you have ever felt blocked or unreasonably triggered, have had flashbacks to unpleasant moments in your life, or are unreasonably afraid of the future, we can work towards more adaptive responses to otherwise detrimental, "freezing" moments.
The quote “Be you, love you, all ways, always” by Alex Elle has always resonated with me. I have noticed when clients are able to be kinder and more accepting of their own journey, when they're able to look at and respond to themselves, they would to their best friend in the same situation. My approach to therapy is meeting the client where they are at and making a personalized plan to minimize feelings of overwhelmedness to help them accomplish their goals. My therapeutic style is approachable, collaborative, and creative. I incorporate art, music, movement, and other imaginative exercises in my practice, empowering my clients.
The quote “Be you, love you, all ways, always” by Alex Elle has always resonated with me. I have noticed when clients are able to be kinder and more accepting of their own journey, when they're able to look at and respond to themselves, they would to their best friend in the same situation. My approach to therapy is meeting the client where they are at and making a personalized plan to minimize feelings of overwhelmedness to help them accomplish their goals. My therapeutic style is approachable, collaborative, and creative. I incorporate art, music, movement, and other imaginative exercises in my practice, empowering my clients.
Getting started in therapy can feel like a challenging first step to feeling better. At our practice, we strive to make this a smooth transition where you will feel heard and understood. Our primary goal is focused on developing and maintaining a safe, open, empathetic, and trusting dynamic with each client. Together we can move through difficult or challenging life experiences in a warm and accessible way.
Getting started in therapy can feel like a challenging first step to feeling better. At our practice, we strive to make this a smooth transition where you will feel heard and understood. Our primary goal is focused on developing and maintaining a safe, open, empathetic, and trusting dynamic with each client. Together we can move through difficult or challenging life experiences in a warm and accessible way.
If anxiety feels like the frantic stage mom running your life, or if trauma feels like quicksand pulling you down, therapy can be the space where you find balance and a way forward. Many of my clients come to their first session feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and weighed down by the pressure of holding it all together. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, a specific phobia, PTSD, or life transitions such as pregnancy and postpartum, relationship changes, career shifts, and family adjustments, this can be the safe space for you.
If anxiety feels like the frantic stage mom running your life, or if trauma feels like quicksand pulling you down, therapy can be the space where you find balance and a way forward. Many of my clients come to their first session feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and weighed down by the pressure of holding it all together. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, a specific phobia, PTSD, or life transitions such as pregnancy and postpartum, relationship changes, career shifts, and family adjustments, this can be the safe space for you.
My areas of specialty include: big life transitions; recovery from trauma & difficult childhoods; depression and anxiety; coping with chronic illness; substance misuse; LGBTQ+; transgender identity (including working with parents and family members of trans individuals); as well as kink-aware therapy (my graduate research covered BDSM/ kink).
I offer client-centered supportive & insight-oriented therapy, & enjoy connecting deeply with people at all stages of recovery from psychological worries—from those interested in trying therapy for the first time to folks returning for another period of healing, exploration, & growth. I have a warm, non-judgmental temperament that allows people to share what brings them into session, even when the issues may feel overwhelming or hard to talk about. After receiving my clinical MSW at the internationally recognized Smith College School for Social Work, I completed a post-graduate Fellowship at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute.
My areas of specialty include: big life transitions; recovery from trauma & difficult childhoods; depression and anxiety; coping with chronic illness; substance misuse; LGBTQ+; transgender identity (including working with parents and family members of trans individuals); as well as kink-aware therapy (my graduate research covered BDSM/ kink).
I offer client-centered supportive & insight-oriented therapy, & enjoy connecting deeply with people at all stages of recovery from psychological worries—from those interested in trying therapy for the first time to folks returning for another period of healing, exploration, & growth. I have a warm, non-judgmental temperament that allows people to share what brings them into session, even when the issues may feel overwhelming or hard to talk about. After receiving my clinical MSW at the internationally recognized Smith College School for Social Work, I completed a post-graduate Fellowship at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute.
My ideal style of therapy is suited to clients who believe that the relationship between therapist and client is paramount to the ability to change. I believe that change happens at the crossroads of challenge and non-judgement and this is the primary focus of my treatment- creating a safe environment in which clients believe they can present their issues and have them challenged in a supportive and non-judgemental way. I firmly believe that all clients have the ability to heal and grow regardless of personal, historical, professional and relational challenges.
My ideal style of therapy is suited to clients who believe that the relationship between therapist and client is paramount to the ability to change. I believe that change happens at the crossroads of challenge and non-judgement and this is the primary focus of my treatment- creating a safe environment in which clients believe they can present their issues and have them challenged in a supportive and non-judgemental way. I firmly believe that all clients have the ability to heal and grow regardless of personal, historical, professional and relational challenges.
Whether you are seeking therapeutic support to find new perspectives on old issues or have been confronted with a new crisis, finding the right therapist can seem daunting. Regardless of your presenting problem, you will be welcomed into a safe, nonjudgmental environment. We will work thru the dilemma and come to a resolution that enables you to feel better. I began my career specializing in children and adolescents in the school setting and have expanded to young adults, adults, seniors, couples and families. Particular foci throughout my career have included neurodivergence & ongoing support and advocacy of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Whether you are seeking therapeutic support to find new perspectives on old issues or have been confronted with a new crisis, finding the right therapist can seem daunting. Regardless of your presenting problem, you will be welcomed into a safe, nonjudgmental environment. We will work thru the dilemma and come to a resolution that enables you to feel better. I began my career specializing in children and adolescents in the school setting and have expanded to young adults, adults, seniors, couples and families. Particular foci throughout my career have included neurodivergence & ongoing support and advocacy of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Hello and welcome! I'm we're here to help you navigate life’s challenges, from anxiety and depression to relationship issues and life transitions. I specialize in men’s issues, family conflict, grief, trauma, and PTSD. Whether you’re struggling with self-harm, sleep issues, stress, or compulsive behaviors like gambling, I’m committed to providing a safe space for healing. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, IFS, SBA, and MBCT, to support your unique needs. Let’s work together toward positive change! 11/06/25
Hello and welcome! I'm we're here to help you navigate life’s challenges, from anxiety and depression to relationship issues and life transitions. I specialize in men’s issues, family conflict, grief, trauma, and PTSD. Whether you’re struggling with self-harm, sleep issues, stress, or compulsive behaviors like gambling, I’m committed to providing a safe space for healing. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, IFS, SBA, and MBCT, to support your unique needs. Let’s work together toward positive change! 11/06/25
If you are ready to find ways to be your truest self, move through your grief, anxiety, trauma or depressive symptoms either long held or recent, I may be a good fit for you. As a former Naprapath, now therapist, my understanding of the connection between the mind and body has proved powerful to clients trying to understand the inner relationship between these two parts of ourselves. I often hear words like, 'stuck,' 'numb,' 'confused,' 'alone,' 'outsider.' Trying to put words to what ones experience is can be daunting at best. Giving voice to experiences is transforming.
If you are ready to find ways to be your truest self, move through your grief, anxiety, trauma or depressive symptoms either long held or recent, I may be a good fit for you. As a former Naprapath, now therapist, my understanding of the connection between the mind and body has proved powerful to clients trying to understand the inner relationship between these two parts of ourselves. I often hear words like, 'stuck,' 'numb,' 'confused,' 'alone,' 'outsider.' Trying to put words to what ones experience is can be daunting at best. Giving voice to experiences is transforming.
Seeking therapy can be such a challenge. I will help you navigate this journey through developing a trusting therapeutic relationship in an environment of emotional safety. My goal as a therapist is to collaborate with you to create a supportive, safe space for you to grow at your own pace. We are all dynamic individuals, and I believe our experiences in therapy should reflect that. I use an integrative approach to therapy - meaning I pull techniques from several evidence-based practices in order to create an experience tailored to best suit your unique needs.
Seeking therapy can be such a challenge. I will help you navigate this journey through developing a trusting therapeutic relationship in an environment of emotional safety. My goal as a therapist is to collaborate with you to create a supportive, safe space for you to grow at your own pace. We are all dynamic individuals, and I believe our experiences in therapy should reflect that. I use an integrative approach to therapy - meaning I pull techniques from several evidence-based practices in order to create an experience tailored to best suit your unique needs.
Victoria Baum - The Relationship Changer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LMHC, BC-TMH
Serves Area
Being heard, understood, supported and appreciated can make the difference in how we experience life. Whether it is individual counseling or relationship counseling you seek, we will work together to improve how you think and feel about yourself, your relationship(s) and therefore, your life. I will help guide you to express your feelings, your thoughts and most importantly, learn to take the actions required to achieve the positive outcomes you seek. Making real change is not easy, however, I believe, with assistance, we can achieve great things working together.
Being heard, understood, supported and appreciated can make the difference in how we experience life. Whether it is individual counseling or relationship counseling you seek, we will work together to improve how you think and feel about yourself, your relationship(s) and therefore, your life. I will help guide you to express your feelings, your thoughts and most importantly, learn to take the actions required to achieve the positive outcomes you seek. Making real change is not easy, however, I believe, with assistance, we can achieve great things working together.
See more therapy options for Wilmette
Nearby Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists Searches for Wilmette
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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.