Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Chevy Chase, MD
Stephanie Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Your feelings and experiences are valid and welcome here! I look to help clients in understanding their emotions and the role emotions play in everyday life. If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, or being overwhelmed, I am here to help. If you are struggling with self-esteem and self-confidence, I am here to help. I have experience working with couples navigating difficulties in their relationship, including non-monogamous relationships. If you are experiencing difficulties relating to sexuality, sexual dysfunction, or sexual identity, you have come to the right place.
Your feelings and experiences are valid and welcome here! I look to help clients in understanding their emotions and the role emotions play in everyday life. If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, or being overwhelmed, I am here to help. If you are struggling with self-esteem and self-confidence, I am here to help. I have experience working with couples navigating difficulties in their relationship, including non-monogamous relationships. If you are experiencing difficulties relating to sexuality, sexual dysfunction, or sexual identity, you have come to the right place.
Gaitee H Beu
Counselor, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
I am a sex-positive, kink-aware therapist and an LGBTQIA2S+ affirming person who deeply honors each client's unique narrative.
My aim is to create a safe space where you can explore, heal, and grow at your own pace. I work with clients struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, including those arising from trauma, life transitions, adverse childhood experiences, sex and intimacy difficulties, and family building/fertility challenges. I am an EMDR-trained, psychodynamically oriented clinician; our sessions will be centered around you, exploring your self-concept, uncovering attachment patterns, building strategies for resilience, and using empirically proven bilateral stimulation for processing past trauma.
I am a sex-positive, kink-aware therapist and an LGBTQIA2S+ affirming person who deeply honors each client's unique narrative.
My aim is to create a safe space where you can explore, heal, and grow at your own pace. I work with clients struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, including those arising from trauma, life transitions, adverse childhood experiences, sex and intimacy difficulties, and family building/fertility challenges. I am an EMDR-trained, psychodynamically oriented clinician; our sessions will be centered around you, exploring your self-concept, uncovering attachment patterns, building strategies for resilience, and using empirically proven bilateral stimulation for processing past trauma.
Lauren Silberman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Issues include but are not limited to discrepant desire, shame,sexually compulsive behavior, infertility, infidelity, and kink exploration.
My office is a place where individuals, couples, families and more can talk through all kinds of relationships with a healthy dose of warmth, encouragement, kindness and humor. I take an active approach, meaning I offer honest dialogue rather than passive listening. I pro-actively help connect the different threads of your life–because no one’s troubles exist in a vacuum. I also respect that while I have expertise in my field, you are the foremost expert on yourself. Whether or not you've been to therapy before, you are welcome.
Issues include but are not limited to discrepant desire, shame,sexually compulsive behavior, infertility, infidelity, and kink exploration.
My office is a place where individuals, couples, families and more can talk through all kinds of relationships with a healthy dose of warmth, encouragement, kindness and humor. I take an active approach, meaning I offer honest dialogue rather than passive listening. I pro-actively help connect the different threads of your life–because no one’s troubles exist in a vacuum. I also respect that while I have expertise in my field, you are the foremost expert on yourself. Whether or not you've been to therapy before, you are welcome.
Maxwell Brooks
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Life comes with many complex challenges. Sometimes we feel alone or inadequate and experience difficulty being fully authentic with others. Often, we lack the necessary support, or open ourselves up to being hurt by others. Mental health is strongly influenced by our ability to get our needs met. Psychotherapy is a process where we take a close look at your needs, including the thoughts and feelings you have when you feel stuck. By identifying, fleshing out and contextualizing your reactions, we gain a deeper and nuanced understanding of you. This process will help you find freedom of choice and greater fulfillment.
Life comes with many complex challenges. Sometimes we feel alone or inadequate and experience difficulty being fully authentic with others. Often, we lack the necessary support, or open ourselves up to being hurt by others. Mental health is strongly influenced by our ability to get our needs met. Psychotherapy is a process where we take a close look at your needs, including the thoughts and feelings you have when you feel stuck. By identifying, fleshing out and contextualizing your reactions, we gain a deeper and nuanced understanding of you. This process will help you find freedom of choice and greater fulfillment.
Taylor Rapuano
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Welcome! I specialize in eating disorders, disordered relationships with food and movement, body image, substance use, and relationship issues. I am equally passionate about cultural humility and competence in psychotherapy—especially for members of marginalized communities—as well as LGBTQIA+ issues. I use a Non-Diet, Health at Every Size (HAES) approach to recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating. I have extensive experience working with eating disorder and substance use patients with a wide range of co-occurring diagnoses, and at all levels of care.
Welcome! I specialize in eating disorders, disordered relationships with food and movement, body image, substance use, and relationship issues. I am equally passionate about cultural humility and competence in psychotherapy—especially for members of marginalized communities—as well as LGBTQIA+ issues. I use a Non-Diet, Health at Every Size (HAES) approach to recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating. I have extensive experience working with eating disorder and substance use patients with a wide range of co-occurring diagnoses, and at all levels of care.
Renu K. Aldrich
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20825 (Online Only)
Therapy can benefit you wherever you are in life, whether it's in the midst of a crisis, if you're feeling distant from a partner or your parents, or if you simply want to know yourself better. Providing therapy is a sacred calling for me, and I am honored to empower either individuals, couples, families, or groups to reach goals or explore the unknown. I use a systemic approach to help clients in the context of environments and identities. Together, we can grow and become the authors of our own stories. By accepting who we are and our imperfections, we increase our ability to love ourselves and connect more deeply with others.
Therapy can benefit you wherever you are in life, whether it's in the midst of a crisis, if you're feeling distant from a partner or your parents, or if you simply want to know yourself better. Providing therapy is a sacred calling for me, and I am honored to empower either individuals, couples, families, or groups to reach goals or explore the unknown. I use a systemic approach to help clients in the context of environments and identities. Together, we can grow and become the authors of our own stories. By accepting who we are and our imperfections, we increase our ability to love ourselves and connect more deeply with others.
Laura Place
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
You've been on a journey just to figure out who you are and even though some of the pieces have come together, you could use a hand figuring out what to do with those pieces. Or you know just who you are and what you want for your life, but you can't seem to figure out how to manage the day to day challenges of adulting that everyone else seems to breeze through. You know you want and need a change, but you're not sure how to get there-and you've gotten pretty discouraged when you try without getting the results you need. I'm here to be a skilled and experienced guide to help you along any and all of those journeys.
You've been on a journey just to figure out who you are and even though some of the pieces have come together, you could use a hand figuring out what to do with those pieces. Or you know just who you are and what you want for your life, but you can't seem to figure out how to manage the day to day challenges of adulting that everyone else seems to breeze through. You know you want and need a change, but you're not sure how to get there-and you've gotten pretty discouraged when you try without getting the results you need. I'm here to be a skilled and experienced guide to help you along any and all of those journeys.
Rowan Blackmon
LPC, LCPC, RCT-C
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Because no two patients are alike, therapy should be tailored to each patient, rather than trying to treat everyone with the same theoretical approach. I believe that a therapist’s job is to guide the patient as they learn to change the behaviors and thinking styles that may have once been helpful, but are now getting in their way. Most importantly, I believe it is a therapist's job to teach their patients the skills necessary to eventually function independent of their therapist, allowing them to eventually leave therapy instead of being stuck with having weekly sessions for the rest of their lives!
Because no two patients are alike, therapy should be tailored to each patient, rather than trying to treat everyone with the same theoretical approach. I believe that a therapist’s job is to guide the patient as they learn to change the behaviors and thinking styles that may have once been helpful, but are now getting in their way. Most importantly, I believe it is a therapist's job to teach their patients the skills necessary to eventually function independent of their therapist, allowing them to eventually leave therapy instead of being stuck with having weekly sessions for the rest of their lives!
Dr. Leanna Brisson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
You are always on call for the people in your life. But where do you fit into the equation? Sometimes life moves so fast, there's so much to get done, that we don't stop and truly experience how we're feeling about the way things are going. And when things don't naturally click, you might move into people-pleasing mode, leading to confusion of how we got here and a loss of ownership of your life. Imagine a life where you steer through your world, finding it deeply satisfying, rewarding, and completely your own. I will take this journey with you as we venture into finding you again.
You are always on call for the people in your life. But where do you fit into the equation? Sometimes life moves so fast, there's so much to get done, that we don't stop and truly experience how we're feeling about the way things are going. And when things don't naturally click, you might move into people-pleasing mode, leading to confusion of how we got here and a loss of ownership of your life. Imagine a life where you steer through your world, finding it deeply satisfying, rewarding, and completely your own. I will take this journey with you as we venture into finding you again.
Dr. Mariam Gregorian
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
When we are struggling with our mental health, the question often asked is “What’s wrong with you?” instead of “What happened to you?” Sadly, many people who have reached out for help have found themselves shamed, invalidated, and in worse shape than they were before. My goal is to provide an affirming and safe therapeutic environment for all identities, and I welcome individuals who are trying therapy for the first time, as well as those who have had previous experiences. I regularly work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and life transitions.
When we are struggling with our mental health, the question often asked is “What’s wrong with you?” instead of “What happened to you?” Sadly, many people who have reached out for help have found themselves shamed, invalidated, and in worse shape than they were before. My goal is to provide an affirming and safe therapeutic environment for all identities, and I welcome individuals who are trying therapy for the first time, as well as those who have had previous experiences. I regularly work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and life transitions.
Dr. Brian Peacock
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
My ideal clients are adolescents or adults needing evaluation after experiencing sudden emergence of mental health symptoms or hospitalization. They or their loved ones seek clarity in understanding their condition and charting a path toward healing. I also provide adult ADHD evaluations and pre-evaluations for clients considering psychedelic-assisted therapies. Finally, I provide short-term therapy for those experiencing depression, anxiety, interpersonal trouble, or otherwise seeking a better way of relating to life.
My ideal clients are adolescents or adults needing evaluation after experiencing sudden emergence of mental health symptoms or hospitalization. They or their loved ones seek clarity in understanding their condition and charting a path toward healing. I also provide adult ADHD evaluations and pre-evaluations for clients considering psychedelic-assisted therapies. Finally, I provide short-term therapy for those experiencing depression, anxiety, interpersonal trouble, or otherwise seeking a better way of relating to life.
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Alan L Marcus
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Picking a therapist to work with can be overwhelming. Feeling comfortable and understood by your therapist is critical. During our first session we will explore what brought you to me. Together we identify your struggles, develop a treatment plan, discuss whether you feel comfortable with me, and that our plan makes sense to you. I am a Licensed Psychologist with over 20 years of experience. A certified IMAGO, Gottman, Equine Assisted and Diplomat in Sex Therapy, we will talk openly and candidly about your life. Together, we will explore your concerns, past and present and mindfully identify changes for you to consider.
Picking a therapist to work with can be overwhelming. Feeling comfortable and understood by your therapist is critical. During our first session we will explore what brought you to me. Together we identify your struggles, develop a treatment plan, discuss whether you feel comfortable with me, and that our plan makes sense to you. I am a Licensed Psychologist with over 20 years of experience. A certified IMAGO, Gottman, Equine Assisted and Diplomat in Sex Therapy, we will talk openly and candidly about your life. Together, we will explore your concerns, past and present and mindfully identify changes for you to consider.
Jessica Gottlieb
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Navigating transition or change can be HARD; I partner with you to help make it easier. Together we will uncover and explore patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting to help you feel better and live the life you want for yourself. In our work, I hope you feel heard, understood, and cared for. I acknowledge societal inequities in our work together, such as racism, sexism, and ageism. I hope to do all this while maintaining a sense of humor and not taking myself too seriously. I work with adults and older adolescents throughout the state of Maryland online, and I also provide "Walk & Talk" Therapy outside in Bethesda, MD.
Navigating transition or change can be HARD; I partner with you to help make it easier. Together we will uncover and explore patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting to help you feel better and live the life you want for yourself. In our work, I hope you feel heard, understood, and cared for. I acknowledge societal inequities in our work together, such as racism, sexism, and ageism. I hope to do all this while maintaining a sense of humor and not taking myself too seriously. I work with adults and older adolescents throughout the state of Maryland online, and I also provide "Walk & Talk" Therapy outside in Bethesda, MD.
Jeannie Dougherty
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MAPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Are you struggling to care for yourself and your family? Are you feeling burned out? Are you struggling to stay happy and healthy in your relationships? What's worked in the past isn't working now? Are you prepared for the future and know don't have the right tools? My job is to help you harness your power and develop the necessary coping skills and plans for today and your future. Exhaustion, frantic thinking, and limited coping skills are not enough. This won't get you through this year.
Are you struggling to care for yourself and your family? Are you feeling burned out? Are you struggling to stay happy and healthy in your relationships? What's worked in the past isn't working now? Are you prepared for the future and know don't have the right tools? My job is to help you harness your power and develop the necessary coping skills and plans for today and your future. Exhaustion, frantic thinking, and limited coping skills are not enough. This won't get you through this year.
Brooke Bralove Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Through psychotherapy, every person has the capacity to grow and change and live the life they’ve always imagined. I can help you recognize and alter patterns in your life, develop new skills to enhance your relationships with family, friends, and partners, and move toward greater joy and personal fulfillment. I specialize in treating individuals and couples with anxiety & depression, low self-esteem, postpartum depression, parenting issues, sexual & physical abuse, domestic violence, trauma, and work-related stress. I also specialize in working with women who struggle to show up authentically in their lives.
Through psychotherapy, every person has the capacity to grow and change and live the life they’ve always imagined. I can help you recognize and alter patterns in your life, develop new skills to enhance your relationships with family, friends, and partners, and move toward greater joy and personal fulfillment. I specialize in treating individuals and couples with anxiety & depression, low self-esteem, postpartum depression, parenting issues, sexual & physical abuse, domestic violence, trauma, and work-related stress. I also specialize in working with women who struggle to show up authentically in their lives.
Lori Shapiro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, lCISWC, AASECT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
HeartWerq Lori Shapiro, LICSW Senior Clinician Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Therapist, Marriage and Couples Therapist (She/Her) Lori Shapiro is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience. Her practice focuses on working with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of issues, including couples counseling, sex therapy, relationship difficulties, sexual and gender identity support, as well as unique individual challenges. Lori has received degrees from Florida Atlantic University and Barry University (Master’s in Social Work) and also has a certification in sex therapy f
HeartWerq Lori Shapiro, LICSW Senior Clinician Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Therapist, Marriage and Couples Therapist (She/Her) Lori Shapiro is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience. Her practice focuses on working with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of issues, including couples counseling, sex therapy, relationship difficulties, sexual and gender identity support, as well as unique individual challenges. Lori has received degrees from Florida Atlantic University and Barry University (Master’s in Social Work) and also has a certification in sex therapy f
Molly Boehm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Ready for less surviving and more flourishing? Less chaos and more ease? You feel like a hot mess, pouring so much energy into getting by. You want success at school or work, better connections with your partner, friends, and family, and a satisfying sex life. You wish you could have more fun. But past failures, disappointments, heartbreak, or regrets keep haunting you. It feels like the pandemic reinforced these mental and emotional shackles.
Ready for less surviving and more flourishing? Less chaos and more ease? You feel like a hot mess, pouring so much energy into getting by. You want success at school or work, better connections with your partner, friends, and family, and a satisfying sex life. You wish you could have more fun. But past failures, disappointments, heartbreak, or regrets keep haunting you. It feels like the pandemic reinforced these mental and emotional shackles.
Dr. Stephanie Bathurst
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LCMFT, CKCT, CPLC, CIMHP
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
As a PhD Sexologist and award-winning Therapist, my passion is rebuilding connection and intimacy for couples or multi-person partnerships who have lost one another. I am a Certified Integrative Medicine Specialist for Mental Health. I offer a holistic and herbal approach to treating mental health disorders while eclectically integrating traditional treatment models that are evidence-based for a whole-system approach that amplifies effect. LCMFT licensed in MD, VA, HI, FL! Clinical Coaching and alternative healing offering in other states. Trained in the following: EF-cT, Gottman, EMDR, NVC, CBT, Mindfulness, Sex Therapy, Tapping
As a PhD Sexologist and award-winning Therapist, my passion is rebuilding connection and intimacy for couples or multi-person partnerships who have lost one another. I am a Certified Integrative Medicine Specialist for Mental Health. I offer a holistic and herbal approach to treating mental health disorders while eclectically integrating traditional treatment models that are evidence-based for a whole-system approach that amplifies effect. LCMFT licensed in MD, VA, HI, FL! Clinical Coaching and alternative healing offering in other states. Trained in the following: EF-cT, Gottman, EMDR, NVC, CBT, Mindfulness, Sex Therapy, Tapping
Dr. Candace A. Koman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
What would it feel like to have someone help you navigate life’s challenges? Using an integrative approach, I work collaboratively with clients to better understand feelings of anxiety, sadness, frustration, and how to manage them. We discuss what you wish to get out of therapy and, using techniques from evidence-based approaches, work towards making sure you get the most out of our time together. My training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Relational-Cultural Therapy.
What would it feel like to have someone help you navigate life’s challenges? Using an integrative approach, I work collaboratively with clients to better understand feelings of anxiety, sadness, frustration, and how to manage them. We discuss what you wish to get out of therapy and, using techniques from evidence-based approaches, work towards making sure you get the most out of our time together. My training includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Relational-Cultural Therapy.
Restore Tranquility, LLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I work with people who are overwhelmed with life, worried about the future and stretched thin. Many tend to feel stuck in their careers or personal relationships at a time when they should be enjoying the life they have built. There are so many things that can interfere with our ability to live the happy, healthy, meaningful lives we most want to live. Do you struggle to make sustainable changes in your life?
I work with people who are overwhelmed with life, worried about the future and stretched thin. Many tend to feel stuck in their careers or personal relationships at a time when they should be enjoying the life they have built. There are so many things that can interfere with our ability to live the happy, healthy, meaningful lives we most want to live. Do you struggle to make sustainable changes in your life?
See more therapy options for Chevy Chase
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.