Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Westbrook, ME
Have you ever wondered which experiences in your life most affect how you feel, relate, and react? If the word "relationships" comes to mind, then we should talk. My specializations and work have centered around relationships- your partners, your children, family, and perhaps neighbors. I use humor, evidence-based practices and solution-focused approaches to tailor our time together to unravel relational mysteries. Whether through individual, couples, or family counseling, I can help you adapt to life changes, identify the role of relational wounds and increase understanding of the relationships in our lives.
Have you ever wondered which experiences in your life most affect how you feel, relate, and react? If the word "relationships" comes to mind, then we should talk. My specializations and work have centered around relationships- your partners, your children, family, and perhaps neighbors. I use humor, evidence-based practices and solution-focused approaches to tailor our time together to unravel relational mysteries. Whether through individual, couples, or family counseling, I can help you adapt to life changes, identify the role of relational wounds and increase understanding of the relationships in our lives.
Maybe you're noticing that even the smallest inconveniences feel more difficult to handle than usual. You might be someone who has lived most of their life putting others ahead of yourself, and it’s no longer giving you a positive sense of self. Instead, you notice yourself feeling more tired, easily overwhelmed, and wanting to disconnect from things and people in your life. You might also be hearing that negative voice in your head telling you to ’just get over it’ or that you might even deserve to feel bad because ‘you’re inadequate’. You’ve spent most of your life engaging in this pattern, and feel stuck with changing this.
Maybe you're noticing that even the smallest inconveniences feel more difficult to handle than usual. You might be someone who has lived most of their life putting others ahead of yourself, and it’s no longer giving you a positive sense of self. Instead, you notice yourself feeling more tired, easily overwhelmed, and wanting to disconnect from things and people in your life. You might also be hearing that negative voice in your head telling you to ’just get over it’ or that you might even deserve to feel bad because ‘you’re inadequate’. You’ve spent most of your life engaging in this pattern, and feel stuck with changing this.
Richard specializes in a person-centered approach that focuses on building on existing strengths to help clients solve problems in the moment. They utilize cognitive behavioral models with a focus on empathy and care to help individuals plan for future success, empowering them to make lasting change and find meaning.
Richard specializes in a person-centered approach that focuses on building on existing strengths to help clients solve problems in the moment. They utilize cognitive behavioral models with a focus on empathy and care to help individuals plan for future success, empowering them to make lasting change and find meaning.
If you've made it this far and you're reading this, you must be a Warrior. Really. Having Substance Use Disorder (SUD), or loving someone who has SUD, is not for the weak at heart. I liken it's reach to a tornado, an EF5 tornado actually. But here's the thing; You and I working together - we are to SUD what FEMA is to a tornado. Together, we can pick up the wreckage, organize it, decide what parts you want to keep, which ones you want to fix, and where to start fresh. You are not alone. In fact, 1 in 3 American families are struggling with SUD in the home. 22 Million Americans are in long-term recovery. All of them needed help too.
If you've made it this far and you're reading this, you must be a Warrior. Really. Having Substance Use Disorder (SUD), or loving someone who has SUD, is not for the weak at heart. I liken it's reach to a tornado, an EF5 tornado actually. But here's the thing; You and I working together - we are to SUD what FEMA is to a tornado. Together, we can pick up the wreckage, organize it, decide what parts you want to keep, which ones you want to fix, and where to start fresh. You are not alone. In fact, 1 in 3 American families are struggling with SUD in the home. 22 Million Americans are in long-term recovery. All of them needed help too.
I love working with women and gender-expansive clients who are navigating life transitions, feeling disconnected from themselves, or simply trying to make sense of everything they’re carrying. My clients may be healing from an eating disorder or struggling with body image, adjusting to the perinatal and postpartum seasons, processing trauma, or navigating anxiety, depression, and other mood concerns.
I believe therapy can be a space to slow down, feel understood, and develop a deeper sense of compassion for yourself. My goal isn’t to change who you are, but to help you understand yourself and feel more at home in your life.
I love working with women and gender-expansive clients who are navigating life transitions, feeling disconnected from themselves, or simply trying to make sense of everything they’re carrying. My clients may be healing from an eating disorder or struggling with body image, adjusting to the perinatal and postpartum seasons, processing trauma, or navigating anxiety, depression, and other mood concerns.
I believe therapy can be a space to slow down, feel understood, and develop a deeper sense of compassion for yourself. My goal isn’t to change who you are, but to help you understand yourself and feel more at home in your life.
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.
Sometimes we feel stuck in life. Stuck in anxiety, stress, or depression. Or we struggle with painful dating/relationship patterns, low self-worth, health issues, or social and work pressures. I can help you get unstuck, learn skills (like boundary setting), and increase self-insight and understanding. I help people overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, insecurities, family issues, and transitions with school, work, and relationships. We sometimes struggle to find meaning and joy in life. I can help you reconnect to what matters most to you, to what you love about life, and help you find a way forward with vitality and purpose.
Sometimes we feel stuck in life. Stuck in anxiety, stress, or depression. Or we struggle with painful dating/relationship patterns, low self-worth, health issues, or social and work pressures. I can help you get unstuck, learn skills (like boundary setting), and increase self-insight and understanding. I help people overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, insecurities, family issues, and transitions with school, work, and relationships. We sometimes struggle to find meaning and joy in life. I can help you reconnect to what matters most to you, to what you love about life, and help you find a way forward with vitality and purpose.
I want to help you create a life you love! Click on my website link to book a session directly with me now. I work with women to help create happiness in relationships, work and life. I am trauma focused. Heal the parts of you that need to release trauma, sadness, grief, limiting beliefs that you may have learned early in life. It all starts with accepting and being happy with yourself. You're valuable!
I want to help you create a life you love! Click on my website link to book a session directly with me now. I work with women to help create happiness in relationships, work and life. I am trauma focused. Heal the parts of you that need to release trauma, sadness, grief, limiting beliefs that you may have learned early in life. It all starts with accepting and being happy with yourself. You're valuable!
I have successfully used Traumatic Incident Reduction with my clients for 25 years. TIR is an Evidence-Based Practice. It is a rapid (compared to traditional therapy) method of effectively reducing traumatic stress from emotionally or physically painful past events resulting in permanent elimination of PTSD symptomatology, enabling you to move on with a greatly improved quality of life. I use Life Stress Reduction which makes use of an array of techniques designed to relieve issues such as depression, anxiety, anger problems, relationship difficulties, job/career concerns, financial problems, health concerns, grief/loss and more.
I have successfully used Traumatic Incident Reduction with my clients for 25 years. TIR is an Evidence-Based Practice. It is a rapid (compared to traditional therapy) method of effectively reducing traumatic stress from emotionally or physically painful past events resulting in permanent elimination of PTSD symptomatology, enabling you to move on with a greatly improved quality of life. I use Life Stress Reduction which makes use of an array of techniques designed to relieve issues such as depression, anxiety, anger problems, relationship difficulties, job/career concerns, financial problems, health concerns, grief/loss and more.
In an ever-changing landscape of tension and unprecedented levels of stress, people just want to be heard and try to make some sense of the world around them.
In an ever-changing landscape of tension and unprecedented levels of stress, people just want to be heard and try to make some sense of the world around them.
As a therapist and social worker I work with people to better understand their place in the world around them and to develop a healthy relationship with themselves. I approach everyone as a whole person made up of all the experiences and identities they bring to the table. At the core of my practice is working with you to understand yourself and your relationship with the world better so you can write the story of your own life instead of having other people and your emotions write it for you. I work with kids 12 and above and with adults at any stage of their life.
As a therapist and social worker I work with people to better understand their place in the world around them and to develop a healthy relationship with themselves. I approach everyone as a whole person made up of all the experiences and identities they bring to the table. At the core of my practice is working with you to understand yourself and your relationship with the world better so you can write the story of your own life instead of having other people and your emotions write it for you. I work with kids 12 and above and with adults at any stage of their life.
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.
As a clinician, I will meet you where you are in life. Unsure of your place right now? I can help you figure that out. Do you feel stuck and like you struggle to find the right words? Do you answer with “I don’t know” a lot? I will work with you to find language that captures your experience. My role will be in supporting you to find solutions for where you feel most stuck so you can grow into yourself and find a sense of purpose. We will build on your strengths and explore where in your life you wish to make changes.
As a clinician, I will meet you where you are in life. Unsure of your place right now? I can help you figure that out. Do you feel stuck and like you struggle to find the right words? Do you answer with “I don’t know” a lot? I will work with you to find language that captures your experience. My role will be in supporting you to find solutions for where you feel most stuck so you can grow into yourself and find a sense of purpose. We will build on your strengths and explore where in your life you wish to make changes.
Do you struggle with overwhelming and unpredictable waves of emotion? Find yourself doing well in certain areas of your life, like work, but feel frustrated or out of control at home or in relationships? Perhaps you’re a queer or trans person having trouble dealing with regular life and the daily news cycle. My practice specialties including helping people understand and heal from complex trauma, and working with queer and transgender folks. I can also help with a wide range of difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and single incident traumas. Additionally, I provide free assessment and letters for gender affirming surgery.
Do you struggle with overwhelming and unpredictable waves of emotion? Find yourself doing well in certain areas of your life, like work, but feel frustrated or out of control at home or in relationships? Perhaps you’re a queer or trans person having trouble dealing with regular life and the daily news cycle. My practice specialties including helping people understand and heal from complex trauma, and working with queer and transgender folks. I can also help with a wide range of difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and single incident traumas. Additionally, I provide free assessment and letters for gender affirming surgery.
You might be here because talking to each other has gotten harder lately. Maybe you feel misunderstood or seem to have the same argument on repeat. Maybe you just miss feeling close. If you’re trying to figure out what’s really going on, how to break old communication patterns, or how to reconnect in a way that feels good for both of you—couples therapy can help. You don't have to sort through this alone. I work with couples and adults who want to feel happier in their relationships. Couples therapy gives you a clearer, calmer space to explore what's going on under the surface and rebuild the way you talk, listen, and connect.
You might be here because talking to each other has gotten harder lately. Maybe you feel misunderstood or seem to have the same argument on repeat. Maybe you just miss feeling close. If you’re trying to figure out what’s really going on, how to break old communication patterns, or how to reconnect in a way that feels good for both of you—couples therapy can help. You don't have to sort through this alone. I work with couples and adults who want to feel happier in their relationships. Couples therapy gives you a clearer, calmer space to explore what's going on under the surface and rebuild the way you talk, listen, and connect.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
Move Therapy and Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCPC, CCTP-II, PMH-C, RYT
Portland, ME 04101
We support adults experiencing emotional challenges including chronic stress, anxiety, sadness and depression, low self-concept, self-doubt, feelings being stuck, overwhelmed or hopeless and struggles with identity development and relationship challenges.
We support adults experiencing emotional challenges including chronic stress, anxiety, sadness and depression, low self-concept, self-doubt, feelings being stuck, overwhelmed or hopeless and struggles with identity development and relationship challenges.
I take a collaborative approach to therapy and believe you carry with you the answers necessary to move toward change and healing. Whether we are working toward a particular goal or engaging in a broader process of self-discovery, it is my job to facilitate, engage and empower. Your role is to bring your whole self and be open to the process as we build skills, increase internal motivation, and work toward a newly imagined future experience.
I take a collaborative approach to therapy and believe you carry with you the answers necessary to move toward change and healing. Whether we are working toward a particular goal or engaging in a broader process of self-discovery, it is my job to facilitate, engage and empower. Your role is to bring your whole self and be open to the process as we build skills, increase internal motivation, and work toward a newly imagined future experience.
None of this is easy. Whether you're adjusting to a change, like parenting or job loss, and looking to find your identity, or becoming aware of a problematic pattern in your life, like constant anxiety, difficulty with relationships, or intense emotions. You don't have to feel overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, shame, or anger any more. Let's talk about it and find some strategies to soothe it now, and stop it from reoccurring. If you're reluctant about therapy, I can reassure you that I'm not here to judge, and want to make it a safe and fun environment.
None of this is easy. Whether you're adjusting to a change, like parenting or job loss, and looking to find your identity, or becoming aware of a problematic pattern in your life, like constant anxiety, difficulty with relationships, or intense emotions. You don't have to feel overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, shame, or anger any more. Let's talk about it and find some strategies to soothe it now, and stop it from reoccurring. If you're reluctant about therapy, I can reassure you that I'm not here to judge, and want to make it a safe and fun environment.
I understand myself in this role as a fellow traveler along the road who has devoted particular time and attention to learning the skills necessary to hold the kind of space that most effectively evokes the healing, release, and the profound wisdom that we all carry within. I work primarily with Internal Family Systems therapy. I believe this to be a particularly appropriate approach for our times as it is inherently a consent-based practice that moves precisely at the pace we are each ready for, and also creates space for touching the burdens we inherited intergenerationally/ancestrally.
I understand myself in this role as a fellow traveler along the road who has devoted particular time and attention to learning the skills necessary to hold the kind of space that most effectively evokes the healing, release, and the profound wisdom that we all carry within. I work primarily with Internal Family Systems therapy. I believe this to be a particularly appropriate approach for our times as it is inherently a consent-based practice that moves precisely at the pace we are each ready for, and also creates space for touching the burdens we inherited intergenerationally/ancestrally.
See more therapy options for Westbrook
Nearby Sex-Positive & Kink-Friendly Therapists Searches for Westbrook
- Biddeford
- Cape Elizabeth
- Cumberland Foreside
- Falmouth
- Freeport
- Kennebunk
- Portland
- Saco
- Scarborough
- South Portland
- 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.