Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Gaithersburg, MD
See all therapists in GaithersburgWaitlist for new clients
Sharon Millsaps
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified
Verified
No topic is off limits! I am proudly a LGBT allied and
sex positive
therapist.
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults of all ages, but I have a particular passion for working with college students and LGBT individuals. I also enjoy working with folks with a variety of concerns including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship issues, low self esteem, body image concerns and gaming addiction. With expertise in the treatment of eating disorders, I enjoy helping people develop a healthier relationship with food. I believe in using evidence based practices to achieve the most change in the shortest amount of time. Allow me to help you tackle your goals and gain more fulfillment out of life.
Cj Seitz-Brown
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
As you’re looking for a therapist, it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to, and maybe even sharing aspects of your life that are hard to discuss. My clients often go there with me quickly; they can tell that I will be warm, supportive, nonjudgmental, and honor their trust. My approach to therapy is multicultural, LGBTQ+ affirming, sex/
kink
positive, and I have a background working with first gen people. Clients who want to better understand and express their emotions have found therapy with me helpful for learning communication and skills they weren’t taught growing up.
Brooke Leonard
Counselor, LGPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
*Available* Are you feeling stuck or unsettled? Perhaps your teen or tween is going through a difficult time? Maybe your relationship could use some extra support? Please know that you don’t have to do it alone. I would like to help! From stressed and anxious adults to teens and tweens grappling with dysphoria, anxiety, peer conflict, and more I am happy to offer support to those in need of my service. I am also available to help couples with a variety of concerns such as communication errors, healing from broken trust, and strengthening intimacy all from a neutral, nonjudgemental,
sex positive
and gender affirming perspective.
Joe Gallagher
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC, CCTP, BC-TMH
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Joseph “Joe” Gallagher, LCPC, NCC, CCTP, BC-TMH, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Board Certified-Telemental Health Provider. Joe is a multiculturally competent therapist who is passionate about assisting clients in identifying and achieving their goals. Joe delivers an integrative approach to therapy, believing that every person is intrinsically valuable with a unique story to tell. Joe believes that all individuals have the right to be heard by a caring professional who will provide a safe space to grow and learn to be their best, most happy self.
Erik Mann
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Thanks for stopping by and for allowing me the chance to be of assistance in your journey toward self-discovery. My approach is empathic and non-judgmental, encouraging and supporting clients in finding their own best solutions. I received my Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and am a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Maryland. I completed my APA-accredited internship at the College Counseling Center at New Mexico State University, and have had a variety of training opportunities including in the Chicago Public Schools, private practice, and counseling centers.
Lisa Salins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Mood swings, Guilt and shame, life transitions, avoidance, relationship difficulties, worry, trauma, difficulty concentrating and low self esteem are some of the reasons clients come to me for coping skills. We'll work to reduce the cognitive, emotional and behavioral impact of experiences, thoughts, behavior patterns and mood. Assertiveness and personal autonomy; resolution of early life and family of origin issues; increased effective communication; reduction in guilt, sadness, worrying, rumination, shame, codependency and improved self esteem are my clients therapeutic goals.
Washington Psychological Wellness
Psychologist
Verified
Verified
Washington Psychological Wellness is passionate about helping people live the lives they have envisioned by bringing values of honesty, kindness, humor and compassion to the practice. Therapy can inspire change, create greater self-awareness and improve one's life and relationships. Our clinicians provide a comfortable and collaborative environment in which you can take risks and explore different ways of thinking, feeling and being. Our aim is to help you gain clarity about the underlying causes of problems, provide strategies to help you cope and empower you to trust your inner voice and live each day authentically.
Amanda Cornaglia
Counselor, MS, LGPC
Verified
Verified
I am primarily looking to work with children and adolescents, but I work with clients of any age. We can work together to discover the root of your challenges and then design a treatment plan that fits with your goals. If you are stuck or don't know where to start, we will start there and move forward with purpose.
Elizabeth D Robinson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
Have you been experiencing increased anxiety, depression, fear or loneliness? Are you struggling with emotions and behaviors you would like to change? As humans, we need connections to others for encouragement, especially when we are suffering from the unexpected challenges this world brings. With support and feedback we can find meaning and purpose even through painful events. I combine Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT, to provide a safe, confidential environment where you are free to explore, empower yourself and develop into the person you want to be.
Philicia Ross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
My clients and I work to identify skills to alleviate or eliminate PTSD and trauma, low self-worth, anxiety, abuse, depression, and difficult life transitions, grief and discrimination. I utilize modalities that combine imagery, mindfulness, spirituality, and cognitive techniques in a structured treatment plan designed to meet each client’s specific treatment needs. I work from a person-centered and relational approach. I note how relationships, especially those you have with yourself, affect how you move in your world. I also utilize a trauma-informed perspective to recognize how things of the past may inform you in the present.
Anna Kozitzky
Counselor, LCPC
Verified
Verified
If you're looking for a safe, secure outlet for sharing your thoughts, experiences and beliefs where you will be believed without blame, bias or judgment, counseling can help. If you want support in managing your anxiety, dealing with your relationships or addressing past issues, I am so glad you reached out. You deserve support. If you have experienced situations in your life that have left you shaken, unsettled, or may be impacting how you currently feel about yourself and others, counseling can help you find your self. While I have a specialty in trauma, I am a firm believer that anyone can benefit from therapy if they want it.
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Cj Seitz-Brown
Shannon Grimsley
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Chelsea Fry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
Do these statements resonate with you? You feel like you're treading water or drowning. The weight of the world feels so heavy that you can't leave your bed. You feel overwhelmed by difficult relationships. I have helped clients navigate these issues in the context of their anxiety and depression. I’ve also developed a passion for LGBTQ counseling and sex health. Perhaps you are on a gender or sexuality journey or you are curious in pursuing a certain lifestyle with your partner. Regardless of what brings you here, we will work together to draw the roadmap for your personal fulfillment, peace, and growth.
Emotional and Behavioral Health, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWC, CCPT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a therapist, I will help you identify your own internal strengths and external resources. We will work together as a team to explore past trauma and defuse its impact on your life today. We will work together to identify your sources of stress and joy, your hopes and fears, and work on moving you towards a path of your own choosing. You will learn how to be present in your own life. You really don't have to face all the challenges alone. You especially don't have to feel trapped by stress, depressed mood or anxiety. There is a way through and out, so long as you are willing to try.
Waitlist for new clients
Marvida Lake
Counselor, LGPC
Verified
Verified
Motherhood, transitions, grief, young adulthood, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ identity stressors, career stress, irrational thoughts, sadness, worry, relationships, trauma, self esteem and concentration issues are my areas of clinical expertise. I use Trauma Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to decrease and manage the frequency, duration and intensity of their symptoms. I'll incorporate your values, identities, faith and cultural practices and belief systems. We will identify symptoms and implement long-term coping strategies that are practical for your personality and lifestyle.
Joanne Bagshaw & Associates
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
You may feel like you’re the only one experiencing sexual challenges in your relationship, but difficulties like low desire, painful sex, or premature ejaculation are more common than you think. If you’ve been afraid to talk about your sexual challenges, you probably feel alone, overwhelmed, and unsure about what to do. If you’re in a relationship, you and your partner may have stopped talking about sex, deepening the disconnection and feelings of loneliness and shame. Fortunately, there is a way out of this negative cycle, and you can create the sex life and relationship you desire.
Madeline Hays Sharp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
Are you feeling stuck and wanting to make a shift to find more happiness and contentment? Seeking help can be challenging, yet so important for healing. Sometimes life gently encourages us to step into change and other times it can be forceful in its approach. I am here to walk along side you through your journey, supporting you by highlighting your strengths and working with you to find the best path towards healing. I am a compassionate, warm, genuine, and caring professional who honors the entire spectrum of human experience. I believe in creating a non-judgmental, safe, and authentic therapeutic relationship to support healing.
Erin Nkele
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
Welcome! I am the Owner and Co-Founder of Melanated Wellness, LLC. Our mission places particular emphasis on better serving and empowering the Black, Neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA communities. I specialize in working with adolescents, 16 and older, through adulthood as they navigate their journeys of growth, healing, and development. Training and clinical expertise at Melanated Wellness is centered upon compassionate treatment for issues related to trauma, anxiety, PTSD, neurodiversity and sexual and gender identity. Clients will be welcomed to a collaborative space where they can identify their needs to begin working towards wellness.
Arvin Sanders
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified
Verified
Do you ever feel like no one really listens to you or understands you? Are you a person of color or a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and feel discriminated against or rejected? Life comes with many challenges and while you may try your hardest to beat those challenges but sometimes you need a little help. So how can I help? My goal is to assist you with self-discovery, self-healing, and empowerment to face life head-on. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents with of various racial identities and/or sexual identities.
Phranci Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LGPC
Verified
Verified
The idea of going to therapy can be daunting and challenging for many…but it doesn’t have to be. (It can actually be pretty fun!) You tell me what you want, and I do what I can to help you achieve it. Sure, there may be challenging moments because I may push you out of your comfort zone at times, but I’m great at listening and understanding what my clients want and need.
Not accepting new clients
Deborah A Hinton
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
I have worked with a wide range of clients in the 25+ years I have been in practice, and my ideal clients have the following in common: they know there are changes they want or need to make, and they are ready to do the work necessary.
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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.