Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Portland, ME
I work with people navigating life’s many challenges, whether that’s personal or professional growth, managing depression or anxiety, coping with caregiving or chronic illness, processing grief, exploring gender or sexual identity, or navigating polyamory, consensual non-monogamy, kink, or sex work.
I am a licensed therapist in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Vermont, and I provide LGBTQIA-affirming therapy for individuals and couples. My approach is collaborative and grounded in the belief that you are the expert in your own experience.
Seeking therapy often comes during times of stress, change, or uncertainty and taking that first step can be difficult. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore what’s happening in your life and find solutions that fit you.
Together, we’ll identify your goals and build on your strengths, helping you heal, grow, and move toward the life you want.
I work with people navigating life’s many challenges, whether that’s personal or professional growth, managing depression or anxiety, coping with caregiving or chronic illness, processing grief, exploring gender or sexual identity, or navigating polyamory, consensual non-monogamy, kink, or sex work.
I am a licensed therapist in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Vermont, and I provide LGBTQIA-affirming therapy for individuals and couples. My approach is collaborative and grounded in the belief that you are the expert in your own experience.
Seeking therapy often comes during times of stress, change, or uncertainty and taking that first step can be difficult. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore what’s happening in your life and find solutions that fit you.
Together, we’ll identify your goals and build on your strengths, helping you heal, grow, and move toward the life you want.
Pajama‑Forward Therapist here.
If white‑knuckling, self‑shaming, and "try harder" actually worked, you'd have been healed years ago. But for many of us—especially people whose minds race and don't easily power down—it doesn't. Rest can feel impossible. Sometimes substances, distraction, or other coping strategies become the only way to get through the day. That doesn't mean you're broken. It means you've been carrying a lot for a long time. There is more to life than survival mode. A calmer, more meaningful life is possible—but it usually requires going deeper and looking at what's underneath. I'll go there with you.
Pajama‑Forward Therapist here.
If white‑knuckling, self‑shaming, and "try harder" actually worked, you'd have been healed years ago. But for many of us—especially people whose minds race and don't easily power down—it doesn't. Rest can feel impossible. Sometimes substances, distraction, or other coping strategies become the only way to get through the day. That doesn't mean you're broken. It means you've been carrying a lot for a long time. There is more to life than survival mode. A calmer, more meaningful life is possible—but it usually requires going deeper and looking at what's underneath. I'll go there with you.
I help women, queer folks, and neurodivergent folks who feel unhappy and stuck. I use a holistic, intersectional, and compassionate approach to counseling that acknowledges that you are the expert of your own life. The clients I work with face challenges related to neurodivergence, gender, sexuality, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have focused my continuing education on neurodivergent affirming practice in the form of peer consultation, trainings, and self-study.
I help women, queer folks, and neurodivergent folks who feel unhappy and stuck. I use a holistic, intersectional, and compassionate approach to counseling that acknowledges that you are the expert of your own life. The clients I work with face challenges related to neurodivergence, gender, sexuality, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have focused my continuing education on neurodivergent affirming practice in the form of peer consultation, trainings, and self-study.
We all experience challenges during our everyday lives. Sometimes these challenges can seem overwhelming and discouraging. I work with people who want to make changes in their lives to help themselves overcome these difficult experiences. These changes can often be difficult to contemplate, yet alone act on. I strive to create a supportive environment for my clients where they can explore their concerns and the emotions that arise.
We all experience challenges during our everyday lives. Sometimes these challenges can seem overwhelming and discouraging. I work with people who want to make changes in their lives to help themselves overcome these difficult experiences. These changes can often be difficult to contemplate, yet alone act on. I strive to create a supportive environment for my clients where they can explore their concerns and the emotions that arise.
Currently accepting new Couples Therapy clients! Evening and Weekend Appointments are Available! Andrea Tolbert, LCSW offers mental health counseling via Telehealth for individuals, couples, and groups who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or Military Service member/Veteran in Maine, Vermont, Florida, and South Carolina. My clinical specialties are trauma and PTSD, substance misuse and addictions, minority stress, single member family & couples therapy, and polyamory. Sliding scale fee rates are available.
Currently accepting new Couples Therapy clients! Evening and Weekend Appointments are Available! Andrea Tolbert, LCSW offers mental health counseling via Telehealth for individuals, couples, and groups who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or Military Service member/Veteran in Maine, Vermont, Florida, and South Carolina. My clinical specialties are trauma and PTSD, substance misuse and addictions, minority stress, single member family & couples therapy, and polyamory. Sliding scale fee rates are available.
Struggling? I get it. We all need a little help here and there on this journey. Maybe you’re feeling stuck repeating patterns you’d like to change, experiencing conflict in your relationships, transitioning to a new stage of life, or living with the effects of trauma; whatever the flavor of discomfort, I want to help you sort through it, and free you up to move forward in life with peace and satisfaction. My approach to therapy is existential and person-centered. I believe we all have what we need inside of us to heal ourselves, and my job is to hold compassionate space and walk alongside you on that road.
Struggling? I get it. We all need a little help here and there on this journey. Maybe you’re feeling stuck repeating patterns you’d like to change, experiencing conflict in your relationships, transitioning to a new stage of life, or living with the effects of trauma; whatever the flavor of discomfort, I want to help you sort through it, and free you up to move forward in life with peace and satisfaction. My approach to therapy is existential and person-centered. I believe we all have what we need inside of us to heal ourselves, and my job is to hold compassionate space and walk alongside you on that road.
I use Internal Family Systems or "parts work" and somatic experiential approaches to help you develop curiosity towards your problems, reduce inner criticism, foster awareness of your body/mind/spirit, and build a warm relationship with yourself. I will take the time to get to know you, your specific challenges, and hopes.
I use Internal Family Systems or "parts work" and somatic experiential approaches to help you develop curiosity towards your problems, reduce inner criticism, foster awareness of your body/mind/spirit, and build a warm relationship with yourself. I will take the time to get to know you, your specific challenges, and hopes.
Sometimes the state of our world can feel so scary and heartbreaking that we feel immobilized. Much of our potential is blocked by feeling overwhelmed by the day to day challenge of struggling to advocate for ourselves in our communities, the world, even in our own thoughts and beliefs! It is easy to feel anxious, alone and simultaneously at war with ourselves. I am passionate about helping you recognize and tap into your own capacities some of which may currently be dormant in order to support you to be more fully who you are.
Sometimes the state of our world can feel so scary and heartbreaking that we feel immobilized. Much of our potential is blocked by feeling overwhelmed by the day to day challenge of struggling to advocate for ourselves in our communities, the world, even in our own thoughts and beliefs! It is easy to feel anxious, alone and simultaneously at war with ourselves. I am passionate about helping you recognize and tap into your own capacities some of which may currently be dormant in order to support you to be more fully who you are.
I'm glad you are here. Please read on to see if we might be a good fit. Please note I only have two openings: Tues biweekly 9:30am; Thurs biweekly 5:30pm. Many people come to therapy feeling weighed down by relationship struggles, anxious thoughts, self-doubt, or the lingering effects of past trauma. I support young adults as they navigate life transitions, discover their voice, and build self-trust. I am currently pursuing certification in Sex Therapy and welcome conversations around sexuality. Together, we'll uncover your strengths, ease self-doubt, and move toward a life with more clarity, confidence, and fulfillment.
I'm glad you are here. Please read on to see if we might be a good fit. Please note I only have two openings: Tues biweekly 9:30am; Thurs biweekly 5:30pm. Many people come to therapy feeling weighed down by relationship struggles, anxious thoughts, self-doubt, or the lingering effects of past trauma. I support young adults as they navigate life transitions, discover their voice, and build self-trust. I am currently pursuing certification in Sex Therapy and welcome conversations around sexuality. Together, we'll uncover your strengths, ease self-doubt, and move toward a life with more clarity, confidence, and fulfillment.
Dr. Sarah Durant
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LMHC, NCC, ACS
4 Endorsed
Portland, ME 04101
Have you found yourself running into the same patterns over and over in relationships or in life? Perhaps therapy can help you to understand the root of these problems and make some meaningful changes. As a therapist, I provide a safe and compassionate environment where you can feel understood and supported, while offering current research-based treatment and psychoeducation related to your current goals for therapy. For more information about my practice and background, please see my website and send a message here or by email to contact me.
Have you found yourself running into the same patterns over and over in relationships or in life? Perhaps therapy can help you to understand the root of these problems and make some meaningful changes. As a therapist, I provide a safe and compassionate environment where you can feel understood and supported, while offering current research-based treatment and psychoeducation related to your current goals for therapy. For more information about my practice and background, please see my website and send a message here or by email to contact me.
Seeking counseling is a sign of hope. I strive to create a compassionate, grounded, and non-judgmental collaboration with you to facilitate change and help you move forward in a meaningful way. Let's tap into your strengths to get the most out of our sessions, making space for new insights and skills, and improving communication. My expertise includes helping people heal from past hurts and traumas, navigating life transitions, relationships (family, intimacy, parenting), depression, anxiety, stress reduction, conflict resolution, and grief/loss. I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are committed to growth.
Seeking counseling is a sign of hope. I strive to create a compassionate, grounded, and non-judgmental collaboration with you to facilitate change and help you move forward in a meaningful way. Let's tap into your strengths to get the most out of our sessions, making space for new insights and skills, and improving communication. My expertise includes helping people heal from past hurts and traumas, navigating life transitions, relationships (family, intimacy, parenting), depression, anxiety, stress reduction, conflict resolution, and grief/loss. I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are committed to growth.
Is anxiety or trauma leaving you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck? I support women and LGBTQIA+ folks who are navigating anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress. My work is grounded in somatic therapy, an approach that focuses on how experiences live in the body and nervous system, not just in our thoughts. We will work together to build internal safety so your nervous system can begin to release patterns of overwhelm and protection that no longer serve you.
In our work, we gently support emotional processing while helping your nervous system find more balance and regulation.
Is anxiety or trauma leaving you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck? I support women and LGBTQIA+ folks who are navigating anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress. My work is grounded in somatic therapy, an approach that focuses on how experiences live in the body and nervous system, not just in our thoughts. We will work together to build internal safety so your nervous system can begin to release patterns of overwhelm and protection that no longer serve you.
In our work, we gently support emotional processing while helping your nervous system find more balance and regulation.
My practice is a place for those who seek refuge from stigma, which includes but is not limited to, LGBTQ+, kink, ethical non monogamy, and sex worker communities.
Welcome! I believe therapy is a place to heal from past hurts, learn healthy behaviors, and recognize the strength you have to feel whole. Living with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues can leave you feeling isolated. There is hope for healing, change, and growth!
My practice is a place for those who seek refuge from stigma, which includes but is not limited to, LGBTQ+, kink, ethical non monogamy, and sex worker communities.
Welcome! I believe therapy is a place to heal from past hurts, learn healthy behaviors, and recognize the strength you have to feel whole. Living with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues can leave you feeling isolated. There is hope for healing, change, and growth!
If you are seeking a therapist who prioritizes the client relationship and creating a comfortable yet productive experience, I'd love to work together. Through a process of collaborative exploration, we can focus on relationships, general satisfaction, life transitions, emotional processing, self-awareness/authenticity, and more. I am down to earth, value lightness and humor, and truly find joy in my work.
I offer 30, 45, and 60 minute sessions monthly, biweekly, or weekly to allow flexibility and meet client needs.
If you are seeking a therapist who prioritizes the client relationship and creating a comfortable yet productive experience, I'd love to work together. Through a process of collaborative exploration, we can focus on relationships, general satisfaction, life transitions, emotional processing, self-awareness/authenticity, and more. I am down to earth, value lightness and humor, and truly find joy in my work.
I offer 30, 45, and 60 minute sessions monthly, biweekly, or weekly to allow flexibility and meet client needs.
I am a licensed counselor committed to relational work with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families. My approach is collaborative and grounded in the belief that you hold strengths we can build upon to create meaningful change. I offer a safe, affirming space where all parts of you are welcomed without judgment. My work is informed by emotion-focused and attachment-based approaches, helping us explore emotional experiences, understand relational patterns, and strengthen secure connection with self & others. Together, we will work with curiosity and compassion to support meaningful change in your relationships and sense of self.
I am a licensed counselor committed to relational work with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families. My approach is collaborative and grounded in the belief that you hold strengths we can build upon to create meaningful change. I offer a safe, affirming space where all parts of you are welcomed without judgment. My work is informed by emotion-focused and attachment-based approaches, helping us explore emotional experiences, understand relational patterns, and strengthen secure connection with self & others. Together, we will work with curiosity and compassion to support meaningful change in your relationships and sense of self.
Accepting clients for July 2026. I work with couples, individuals, and families navigating anxiety, OCD, heartbreak, shame, trauma, relationship issues, belonging, and self-worth.
Together we’ll slow down, make sense of what you’re feeling, and look for ways forward toward a more grounded and empowered way of being in an uncertain world.
My work is oriented toward emotional freedom and acceptance, exploring personal and systemic/generational patterns with creativity and honesty, and building courageous and aligned relationships.
I bring my whole self to this work, with collaboration, humor, and reverence for the human experience.
Accepting clients for July 2026. I work with couples, individuals, and families navigating anxiety, OCD, heartbreak, shame, trauma, relationship issues, belonging, and self-worth.
Together we’ll slow down, make sense of what you’re feeling, and look for ways forward toward a more grounded and empowered way of being in an uncertain world.
My work is oriented toward emotional freedom and acceptance, exploring personal and systemic/generational patterns with creativity and honesty, and building courageous and aligned relationships.
I bring my whole self to this work, with collaboration, humor, and reverence for the human experience.
Life can present many unexpected and sometimes overwhelming experiences that can linger in your body-mind, limiting your ability to live with a sense of joy, connection, safety and purpose. Whether it occurred during a single event or repeated trauma, recently or in childhood, it can have lifelong effects: anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, chronic health issues. Your history does not need to define you. In our work together, you will develop new pathways to promote a sense of well-being, health and resilience. You will learn practices to feel calm, curious, present and attend to what arises in your life.
Life can present many unexpected and sometimes overwhelming experiences that can linger in your body-mind, limiting your ability to live with a sense of joy, connection, safety and purpose. Whether it occurred during a single event or repeated trauma, recently or in childhood, it can have lifelong effects: anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, chronic health issues. Your history does not need to define you. In our work together, you will develop new pathways to promote a sense of well-being, health and resilience. You will learn practices to feel calm, curious, present and attend to what arises in your life.
Are you ready to ditch your anxiety? Sick of people pleasing? Finding yourself in a seemingly never-ending cycle of fight or flight, and it feels impossible to be your authentic self? If this sounds like you, you're not alone. I work primarily with adults who live with anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence- helping to guide my clients to a place of acceptance, empowerment, and self-confidence. In our work together, I will introduce new coping skills (you deserve relief!), help to define your goals, and walk the journey alongside you.
Are you ready to ditch your anxiety? Sick of people pleasing? Finding yourself in a seemingly never-ending cycle of fight or flight, and it feels impossible to be your authentic self? If this sounds like you, you're not alone. I work primarily with adults who live with anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence- helping to guide my clients to a place of acceptance, empowerment, and self-confidence. In our work together, I will introduce new coping skills (you deserve relief!), help to define your goals, and walk the journey alongside you.
You’re feeling stuck, maybe in the same fight with your partner, the loneliness of dating, or the grief of a breakup. You crave deeper connection but often find yourself people-pleasing, overthinking, or shutting down. You want to stop repeating old patterns and start showing up with more clarity, confidence, and emotional honesty.
I specialize in couples therapy and relationship-focused individual therapy. My clients are ready to go beyond understanding why they feel stuck and begin creating lasting change in how they show up with themselves and the people they care about most.
You’re feeling stuck, maybe in the same fight with your partner, the loneliness of dating, or the grief of a breakup. You crave deeper connection but often find yourself people-pleasing, overthinking, or shutting down. You want to stop repeating old patterns and start showing up with more clarity, confidence, and emotional honesty.
I specialize in couples therapy and relationship-focused individual therapy. My clients are ready to go beyond understanding why they feel stuck and begin creating lasting change in how they show up with themselves and the people they care about most.
Empowering Your Journey to Mental Well-Being I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over ten years of experience assisting individuals and couples in navigating difficult times. I believe deeply in the power of personal autonomy and self-determination. My mission is to assist you in attaining optimal mental health, emotional well-being, and personal empowerment.
Empowering Your Journey to Mental Well-Being I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over ten years of experience assisting individuals and couples in navigating difficult times. I believe deeply in the power of personal autonomy and self-determination. My mission is to assist you in attaining optimal mental health, emotional well-being, and personal empowerment.
See more therapy options for Portland
Nearby Sex-Positive & Kink-Friendly Therapists Searches for Portland
- Biddeford
- Cape Elizabeth
- Cumberland Foreside
- Falmouth
- Freeport
- Gorham
- Saco
- Scarborough
- South Portland
- Westbrook
- Windham
- Yarmouth
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.