Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Saint Paul, MN
Laura Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55114
I have training in working with older adults, grief and loss, and LGBTQIA+ issues, and am passionate about providing strengths-based, sex positive, and queer affirming care.
Currently accepting new clients. Do you want to get unstuck, find ease in the hard parts of life, and build your capacity for joy and resilience? I work with couples, parents, and individuals who want to build whole and healthy relationships with themselves and others. I can help you develop sustainable skills and strategies to improve your relationships and to navigate the hard parts of life, like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I have training in working with older adults, grief and loss, and LGBTQIA+ issues, and am passionate about providing strengths-based, sex positive, and queer affirming care.
Currently accepting new clients. Do you want to get unstuck, find ease in the hard parts of life, and build your capacity for joy and resilience? I work with couples, parents, and individuals who want to build whole and healthy relationships with themselves and others. I can help you develop sustainable skills and strategies to improve your relationships and to navigate the hard parts of life, like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Nique Belleville
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, RYT
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55104
I work with couples who experience lack of effective communication, struggle with sexual desire, and connection. I am a PREPARE/ENERICH facilitator and can facilitate pre-marital counseling. I work with youth and adolescents who currently or have experienced trauma, anxiety, and depression. I do ADHD coaching with adolescents, their parents, and adults. I work with the Queer community as I am an openly Queer therapist. I work with people of color as I identify as a person of color as well. I work with the Kink community and gender and sexual health issues.
I work with couples who experience lack of effective communication, struggle with sexual desire, and connection. I am a PREPARE/ENERICH facilitator and can facilitate pre-marital counseling. I work with youth and adolescents who currently or have experienced trauma, anxiety, and depression. I do ADHD coaching with adolescents, their parents, and adults. I work with the Queer community as I am an openly Queer therapist. I work with people of color as I identify as a person of color as well. I work with the Kink community and gender and sexual health issues.
Stephanie Mankowski
Counselor, MA, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55104 (Online Only)
In our sessions you get to focus on creating happiness and satisfaction. You deserve to feel free to be yourself, love who you are, and create the life you want. I provide a safe space that welcomes everyone and all conversations. I have worked with a variety of people focusing on trauma, purpose, anxiety, depression, stress, empowerment, sexuality, gender, interpersonal skills, mood swings, psychosis, suicide ideation, communication, attachment and more. I also create a safe space for, but not limited to, people who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+, Kink, Queer, and Non-monogamous communities.
In our sessions you get to focus on creating happiness and satisfaction. You deserve to feel free to be yourself, love who you are, and create the life you want. I provide a safe space that welcomes everyone and all conversations. I have worked with a variety of people focusing on trauma, purpose, anxiety, depression, stress, empowerment, sexuality, gender, interpersonal skills, mood swings, psychosis, suicide ideation, communication, attachment and more. I also create a safe space for, but not limited to, people who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+, Kink, Queer, and Non-monogamous communities.
Melia McCubbin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55114
For some people, this may include kink/BDSM, polyamory, open relationships, or swinging.
Personal growth and recovery is an ongoing process of finding the next reachable foothold on the way toward your goal. You have already begun the first step in your work by looking for someone to talk to. We will work together to help you figure out a path to your goals and to find the confidence to lift yourself to the next reachable step along the way. Common issues I work with include depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, concerns related to sexual health or sexual functioning, sexual and gender identity, trauma, and bipolar disorder.
For some people, this may include kink/BDSM, polyamory, open relationships, or swinging.
Personal growth and recovery is an ongoing process of finding the next reachable foothold on the way toward your goal. You have already begun the first step in your work by looking for someone to talk to. We will work together to help you figure out a path to your goals and to find the confidence to lift yourself to the next reachable step along the way. Common issues I work with include depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, concerns related to sexual health or sexual functioning, sexual and gender identity, trauma, and bipolar disorder.
Anna Crosby
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Another passion of mine is helping couples who are navigating alternative relationship modalities, such as non-monogamy, polyamory and BDSM/kink partnerships.
Are you sick of only talking about logistics in your relationship? Do you long for moments of fun and connection? I am an attachment-oriented therapist who sees couples who are ready to find each other again. We can work together to increase communication, look into your shared needs and dreams, and plan for how to meet them as a team. We can talk through value differences and how to make space for each other even when you don’t see eye to eye. As a student intern I am supported by my supervisor, allowing double the insight for your care!
Another passion of mine is helping couples who are navigating alternative relationship modalities, such as non-monogamy, polyamory and BDSM/kink partnerships.
Are you sick of only talking about logistics in your relationship? Do you long for moments of fun and connection? I am an attachment-oriented therapist who sees couples who are ready to find each other again. We can work together to increase communication, look into your shared needs and dreams, and plan for how to meet them as a team. We can talk through value differences and how to make space for each other even when you don’t see eye to eye. As a student intern I am supported by my supervisor, allowing double the insight for your care!
Linda Pozen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55116
I am committed to creating a therapy space that is kink-affirming, sex worker-affirming, and welcoming to folks in all relationship dynamics, whether intentional monogamy, polyamory, relationship anarchy, or others.
I work with clients to help them better navigate their experiences and move through the world as their most aligned, authentic and grounded version of themselves. I have experience working with adults who were unhoused, adults and children experiencing trauma or who have received trauma-related diagnoses, adults and adolescents who identify as neurodivergent and folks in the LGTBQ+ community. I also work with trans, non-binary and gender-expansive clients to author their own identities including supporting social and medical transition.
I am committed to creating a therapy space that is kink-affirming, sex worker-affirming, and welcoming to folks in all relationship dynamics, whether intentional monogamy, polyamory, relationship anarchy, or others.
I work with clients to help them better navigate their experiences and move through the world as their most aligned, authentic and grounded version of themselves. I have experience working with adults who were unhoused, adults and children experiencing trauma or who have received trauma-related diagnoses, adults and adolescents who identify as neurodivergent and folks in the LGTBQ+ community. I also work with trans, non-binary and gender-expansive clients to author their own identities including supporting social and medical transition.
Christy Rushfeldt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LADC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Waitlist for new clients
I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (21952) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (303042). I work from a trauma aware, person centered, sex positive and harm reduction based perspective. I am queer identified and use she, her and hers pronouns. If you've found my profile, welcome and I look forward to learning more about you. Most of my experience is in working with people with a history of traumatic experiences, people who want to discuss/potentially make changes to their substance use, LGBTQIA + people and people living with or impacted by HIV.
I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (21952) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (303042). I work from a trauma aware, person centered, sex positive and harm reduction based perspective. I am queer identified and use she, her and hers pronouns. If you've found my profile, welcome and I look forward to learning more about you. Most of my experience is in working with people with a history of traumatic experiences, people who want to discuss/potentially make changes to their substance use, LGBTQIA + people and people living with or impacted by HIV.
Calvin Hauer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55105
You don't need to educate me on the legitimacy of your sexuality, relationship, and/or relationship with kink.
When I think about my ideal clients, I think about all the folks I used to serve as a sex educator. Having spent the past 10+ years in sex education, I believe that many of us carry cultural stigma due to sex negative ideals perpetrated by our society. As a therapist I specialize in working with: Kinky clients, non-monogamous clients, clients that work within the sex industry, and clients that are figuring out their sexuality. My ideal clients are looking for a therapist that is affirming of their relationship with sexuality and who will not shame you for your sexual identity.
You don't need to educate me on the legitimacy of your sexuality, relationship, and/or relationship with kink.
When I think about my ideal clients, I think about all the folks I used to serve as a sex educator. Having spent the past 10+ years in sex education, I believe that many of us carry cultural stigma due to sex negative ideals perpetrated by our society. As a therapist I specialize in working with: Kinky clients, non-monogamous clients, clients that work within the sex industry, and clients that are figuring out their sexuality. My ideal clients are looking for a therapist that is affirming of their relationship with sexuality and who will not shame you for your sexual identity.
Ashley Tokuda
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55102
I specialize in working with the LGBT+ community, people who identify as neurodivergent, those with trauma and relationship issues (queer, ENM, Kink etc. I don't work with CIS, straight couples). I have a passion for supporting trans identifying clients as they advocate for their needs within the medical system, supporting clients navigating open relationships, and supporting parents who are navigating the needs of their neurodivergent children. I practice from a sex positive, health at every size, harm reduction lens. I ask my clients to show up as their authentic self and my clients can expect the same from me.
I specialize in working with the LGBT+ community, people who identify as neurodivergent, those with trauma and relationship issues (queer, ENM, Kink etc. I don't work with CIS, straight couples). I have a passion for supporting trans identifying clients as they advocate for their needs within the medical system, supporting clients navigating open relationships, and supporting parents who are navigating the needs of their neurodivergent children. I practice from a sex positive, health at every size, harm reduction lens. I ask my clients to show up as their authentic self and my clients can expect the same from me.
Katie O'Dowd
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Waitlist for new clients
I strive to create a therapy space that is non-judgmental, culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, LGBTQIA affirming & sex positive.
Hi there! I’m so glad you’re considering therapy, a brave first step in itself. I enjoy working with adult and emerging adult populations, and I have a particular affinity for working with emerging adults and college/grad students. I believe that a large part of healing happens in relationship with others, and I’m here to build a collaborative partnership with you where together we can create a path towards a more fulfilling life. I use a person-centered, interpersonal, & psychodynamic approach to therapy, while remaining adaptive to the unique needs of each client. I look forward to hearing what brings you here.
I strive to create a therapy space that is non-judgmental, culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, LGBTQIA affirming & sex positive.
Hi there! I’m so glad you’re considering therapy, a brave first step in itself. I enjoy working with adult and emerging adult populations, and I have a particular affinity for working with emerging adults and college/grad students. I believe that a large part of healing happens in relationship with others, and I’m here to build a collaborative partnership with you where together we can create a path towards a more fulfilling life. I use a person-centered, interpersonal, & psychodynamic approach to therapy, while remaining adaptive to the unique needs of each client. I look forward to hearing what brings you here.
Jennifer Hooyman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55106
I focus on helping you build and maintain healthy relationships: personal, professional, romantic and sexual relationships. This includes individual counseling, couples counseling, and sex therapy. In individual counseling we can talk through trauma, negative thoughts, adjustments, questions of identity, happiness, or life goals. If you are having questions about intimacy, desire, shame, kink, sexual performance or desire, sex therapy may be right for you. You may be feeling a loss of connection, a wall of miscommunication and a mountain of unmet needs within your relationship and I will help you find that connection and joy.
I focus on helping you build and maintain healthy relationships: personal, professional, romantic and sexual relationships. This includes individual counseling, couples counseling, and sex therapy. In individual counseling we can talk through trauma, negative thoughts, adjustments, questions of identity, happiness, or life goals. If you are having questions about intimacy, desire, shame, kink, sexual performance or desire, sex therapy may be right for you. You may be feeling a loss of connection, a wall of miscommunication and a mountain of unmet needs within your relationship and I will help you find that connection and joy.
15 Second Videos
Maya Mineoi
Alaina McNallie
Kate Hanten
Modern Attunement Therapy
Patrick Castrenze
Alyssa Perau
Mitchel Paulson
Jessica Jacovitch
Kimberly Brady
Sam Secord
Relationship Therapy Center
Asel Kulmeshkenova
Nicolle Dirksen
Valentine Counseling Services, LLC
Bethany Thomas
Austin Jacobsen
Julia Rodriguez
Ruby Levine
Sydney Rose Eckert
Kayla Estenson Williams
Mary E. Woodward
Sacred Spaces Therapy
Jennifer Reddig
Kelly Pertzsch
Jac Stringer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55101 (Online Only)
I am a trans-genderqueer femme, disabled radical activist & social worker. I practice trauma-focused feminist therapy exclusively for trans youth & young adults ages 13-25. I provide healthcare letters for all ages, youth and adults, in one 30 min session. My specialties surround gender & sexuality, & trauma survivors experiencing depression, bipolar, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, disability, chronic pain, multiples/alters, dissociation, sexual assault, & histories with abuse & violence. I am body, sex, & kink positive, poly-inclusive, value accountability, & recognize the intersectional impact of systematic oppression.
I am a trans-genderqueer femme, disabled radical activist & social worker. I practice trauma-focused feminist therapy exclusively for trans youth & young adults ages 13-25. I provide healthcare letters for all ages, youth and adults, in one 30 min session. My specialties surround gender & sexuality, & trauma survivors experiencing depression, bipolar, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, disability, chronic pain, multiples/alters, dissociation, sexual assault, & histories with abuse & violence. I am body, sex, & kink positive, poly-inclusive, value accountability, & recognize the intersectional impact of systematic oppression.
Sound Mind Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MPH, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55104
My specialties include working with adults 18 and up who have trouble with anxiety, depression, trauma and attachment Issues, the LGBTQIA+ community, those navigating racial Identity, cultural and systemic Oppression, family of origin trauma, those exploring polyamorous life styles, kink/diverse sexualities and career coaching.
Hi, I'm so glad your here! My name is Tammie and I'm a Licensed clinical therapist. My practice includes a focus on trauma and symptoms associated. I can help with difficulties managing anxiety, depression, sexual health and dysfunction, self care, gender identity, sexual exploration and attachment issues.
My specialties include working with adults 18 and up who have trouble with anxiety, depression, trauma and attachment Issues, the LGBTQIA+ community, those navigating racial Identity, cultural and systemic Oppression, family of origin trauma, those exploring polyamorous life styles, kink/diverse sexualities and career coaching.
Hi, I'm so glad your here! My name is Tammie and I'm a Licensed clinical therapist. My practice includes a focus on trauma and symptoms associated. I can help with difficulties managing anxiety, depression, sexual health and dysfunction, self care, gender identity, sexual exploration and attachment issues.
Elliot C Nuckols
Licensed Professional Counselor, MPS, LADC
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55107
Waitlist for new clients
Much of my work is centered around gender – from issues surrounding identity exploration, to social/medical transition, to gender dysphoria, to gender-identity-related interpersonal challenges. Some of my favorite work is in helping to bridge the communication gaps between teens and their families after a teen has come out as trans/gender nonconforming! I also have experience with depression, anxiety, substance use, military families, sexuality and sexual health, emetophobia (phobia of vomit), phase-of-life challenges, uncertainty/anxiety about the future, kink/BDSM, and partner conflict/miscommunication.
Much of my work is centered around gender – from issues surrounding identity exploration, to social/medical transition, to gender dysphoria, to gender-identity-related interpersonal challenges. Some of my favorite work is in helping to bridge the communication gaps between teens and their families after a teen has come out as trans/gender nonconforming! I also have experience with depression, anxiety, substance use, military families, sexuality and sexual health, emetophobia (phobia of vomit), phase-of-life challenges, uncertainty/anxiety about the future, kink/BDSM, and partner conflict/miscommunication.
Erin C Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Waitlist for new clients
Estimated 8-12 week wait. I have been a therapist for over 15 years and currently own a group practice in Edina. I provide therapy for individuals who want help with sexual concerns, disordered eating maintenance/body image recovery, prenatal/postpartum issues, burnout/moral injury in helping fields, trauma recovery, and problematic drinking/sober curiosities. I want to understand what it is you hold most dear and find meaningful in your life and relationships. By doing this, I can help you identify and navigate how to align with your values, intentionally, through awareness of unhelpful patterns and incremental behavioral change.
Estimated 8-12 week wait. I have been a therapist for over 15 years and currently own a group practice in Edina. I provide therapy for individuals who want help with sexual concerns, disordered eating maintenance/body image recovery, prenatal/postpartum issues, burnout/moral injury in helping fields, trauma recovery, and problematic drinking/sober curiosities. I want to understand what it is you hold most dear and find meaningful in your life and relationships. By doing this, I can help you identify and navigate how to align with your values, intentionally, through awareness of unhelpful patterns and incremental behavioral change.
Nikita Tavares
Pre-Licensed Professional, MPS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Your experience is valid whether it be sadness, anxiety/worry, lack of self-trust, substance use/misuse, low motivation, a sense of disconnect from yourself or others, or difficulty adjusting. You may feel like you are moving through life without purpose or meaning, like your brain is on autopilot reacting to the world instead of responding mindfully. As a therapist, I help people tap into their inner healing systems in order to understand and welcome all parts of themselves. My goal is to help you feel empowered in approaching life and your relationships with greater clarity, ease, calm, creativity, and confidence.
Your experience is valid whether it be sadness, anxiety/worry, lack of self-trust, substance use/misuse, low motivation, a sense of disconnect from yourself or others, or difficulty adjusting. You may feel like you are moving through life without purpose or meaning, like your brain is on autopilot reacting to the world instead of responding mindfully. As a therapist, I help people tap into their inner healing systems in order to understand and welcome all parts of themselves. My goal is to help you feel empowered in approaching life and your relationships with greater clarity, ease, calm, creativity, and confidence.
Julia S Fox
Counselor, MA, LPCC, RYT
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55104 (Online Only)
Immediate availability for online only! Suffering is a common part of life, and as painful as it can be, it can also be a great source of change and growth. I believe a warm, accepting, and non-judgmental space is essential in order for you to feel supported in sharing your story, emotions, and participating in a change process. I place a large emphasis on the therapeutic relationship- using an integrated approach based on the needs of each individual. I also am the type of therapist that will challenge you, ask questions, provide insight, and work with you collaboratively to address what is most important to you.
Immediate availability for online only! Suffering is a common part of life, and as painful as it can be, it can also be a great source of change and growth. I believe a warm, accepting, and non-judgmental space is essential in order for you to feel supported in sharing your story, emotions, and participating in a change process. I place a large emphasis on the therapeutic relationship- using an integrated approach based on the needs of each individual. I also am the type of therapist that will challenge you, ask questions, provide insight, and work with you collaboratively to address what is most important to you.
Laura Jopp
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55114
When life gets hard, practicing self-compassion often takes a back seat to your problems. You may be finding that feelings of hopelessness and negative self-talk have become barriers to your healing. Through therapy, we can work together to ignite your self-compassion by re-working your patterns of thinking, exploring your past experiences, and connecting yourself deeply with your emotions.
When life gets hard, practicing self-compassion often takes a back seat to your problems. You may be finding that feelings of hopelessness and negative self-talk have become barriers to your healing. Through therapy, we can work together to ignite your self-compassion by re-working your patterns of thinking, exploring your past experiences, and connecting yourself deeply with your emotions.
Jessica Luehring
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55114
I believe that improving your relationship with yourself improves everything. Self-work can be some of the most difficult work to engage in, but together we can make it some of the most rewarding work that you’ve ever done. Interpersonal relationships, mental health concerns, work life, all of these and more can make us feel confused about who we are, where we fit in and how to move forward. My focus is in helping individuals and couples navigate difficult feelings, identify and change dysfunctional thoughts and patterns, and overcome challenging situations in order to enjoy a life that they deserve.
I believe that improving your relationship with yourself improves everything. Self-work can be some of the most difficult work to engage in, but together we can make it some of the most rewarding work that you’ve ever done. Interpersonal relationships, mental health concerns, work life, all of these and more can make us feel confused about who we are, where we fit in and how to move forward. My focus is in helping individuals and couples navigate difficult feelings, identify and change dysfunctional thoughts and patterns, and overcome challenging situations in order to enjoy a life that they deserve.
Shauna K Zotalis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55114
You are considering divorce and fear how it will affect your children. Or you're divorced and met someone and want to blend your families, but are worried about the difficulties that blending brings. These family transitions are full of significant challenges such as grief over the breakup of the family, confusion over stepparent roles and responsibilities, hostile co-parenting relationships, jealousy of ex-spouses or stepchildren, and more. You want happy and healthy relationships with partners, exes, children, and stepchildren. You hope for a sense of "we-ness" as a new family unit and crave peace and balance in the future.
You are considering divorce and fear how it will affect your children. Or you're divorced and met someone and want to blend your families, but are worried about the difficulties that blending brings. These family transitions are full of significant challenges such as grief over the breakup of the family, confusion over stepparent roles and responsibilities, hostile co-parenting relationships, jealousy of ex-spouses or stepchildren, and more. You want happy and healthy relationships with partners, exes, children, and stepchildren. You hope for a sense of "we-ness" as a new family unit and crave peace and balance in the future.
See more therapy options for Saint Paul
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.