Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Hicksville, NY
Ryan Bodine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hicksville, NY 11801
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to ask for help. Especially when you are feeling the effects of stress, anxiety and/or depression. Just by looking for a therapist, you have already taken some of your first steps towards change and the healing process. You are doing great and just like everyone else; it helps to have someone in your corner. That’s where I come in. I am here to listen to your concerns and help you navigate the troubled waters that can be our thoughts and feelings. In my practice I provide a warm empathetic understanding coupled with real down to earth accountability.
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to ask for help. Especially when you are feeling the effects of stress, anxiety and/or depression. Just by looking for a therapist, you have already taken some of your first steps towards change and the healing process. You are doing great and just like everyone else; it helps to have someone in your corner. That’s where I come in. I am here to listen to your concerns and help you navigate the troubled waters that can be our thoughts and feelings. In my practice I provide a warm empathetic understanding coupled with real down to earth accountability.
First Step Directory
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Hicksville, NY 11801
Deirdre built First Step Therapy & Wellness Group from the ground up and has been hands on every step of the way. Her work ethic is indisputable and she is completely invested in creating a cohesive work environment adhering to values such as mutual respect and equality. She believes healthy doses of restraint combined with self discipline are key components to her success both personally and professionally. Deirdre is highly regarded by her peers and is a long-standing staple within the community where she is committed to creating a safe secure environment for her clients and colleagues. Ms. Holland currently maintains an established private practice
Deirdre built First Step Therapy & Wellness Group from the ground up and has been hands on every step of the way. Her work ethic is indisputable and she is completely invested in creating a cohesive work environment adhering to values such as mutual respect and equality. She believes healthy doses of restraint combined with self discipline are key components to her success both personally and professionally. Deirdre is highly regarded by her peers and is a long-standing staple within the community where she is committed to creating a safe secure environment for her clients and colleagues. Ms. Holland currently maintains an established private practice
Rohan Francis
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Hicksville, NY 11801 (Online Only)
Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Stressed or defeated? Life seems complex in new and insurmountable ways these days. Many people struggle to find answers to problems they were never prepared for. I know it’s hard to acknowledge that we don’t know what to do. I understand the weight of asking yourself “Where do I go from here?” I support my clients by providing clarity on how their behavior and unresolved issues affect them in their daily lives. I help my clients slow down and understand what's going on cognitively and physically so that we can break cycles and create new strategies to start finishing unfinished business.
Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Stressed or defeated? Life seems complex in new and insurmountable ways these days. Many people struggle to find answers to problems they were never prepared for. I know it’s hard to acknowledge that we don’t know what to do. I understand the weight of asking yourself “Where do I go from here?” I support my clients by providing clarity on how their behavior and unresolved issues affect them in their daily lives. I help my clients slow down and understand what's going on cognitively and physically so that we can break cycles and create new strategies to start finishing unfinished business.
More Therapists Nearby
Blossoming Lotus Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
We are LGBTQIA+ affirming, non-monogamy affirming and Kink affirming.
Congratulations on taking a step closer to becoming your best self! Are you looking for an inclusive safe space where you can be honest and help heal past traumatic experiences? Do you identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or questioning if you are? We work with folx in all stages of their coming out journey. We specialize working with BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members and those in non-monogamous relationships. We provide affirming surgery letters after our first session because we believe you should not have to wait any longer to be your authentic self.
We are LGBTQIA+ affirming, non-monogamy affirming and Kink affirming.
Congratulations on taking a step closer to becoming your best self! Are you looking for an inclusive safe space where you can be honest and help heal past traumatic experiences? Do you identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or questioning if you are? We work with folx in all stages of their coming out journey. We specialize working with BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members and those in non-monogamous relationships. We provide affirming surgery letters after our first session because we believe you should not have to wait any longer to be your authentic self.
Samantha Stein
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
Syosset, NY 11791
At Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST), Samantha works with individuals facing challenges related to sexual functioning, depression, anxiety, gender and sexual orientation, and relationship skills. She provides support for gender and sexual orientation diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals and helps couples of all types enhance their communication skills. Samantha is also poly-inclusive and kink-aware.
At Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST), Samantha works with individuals facing challenges related to sexual functioning, depression, anxiety, gender and sexual orientation, and relationship skills. She provides support for gender and sexual orientation diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals and helps couples of all types enhance their communication skills. Samantha is also poly-inclusive and kink-aware.
Rosara Torrisi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, MEd, CST, PhD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Huntington, NY 11743
I am dedicated to helping people work through life's unique challenges. I am here to assist you in reaching new solutions and working toward your goals. I can support individuals in coping with depression, anxiety, sexual identity or orientation, life skills for young adults, and sexual dysfunction. Couples or those in relationships may be seeking therapy for communication and relationship skills, sexual enrichment, mismatched desire, premarital counseling, or erectile and orgasm difficulties. I am an LGBT-Affirmative, Kink-Aware, and Poly-Inclusive therapist. I was Voted the number 1 Sex Therapist on Long Island for 2015 and 2017.
I am dedicated to helping people work through life's unique challenges. I am here to assist you in reaching new solutions and working toward your goals. I can support individuals in coping with depression, anxiety, sexual identity or orientation, life skills for young adults, and sexual dysfunction. Couples or those in relationships may be seeking therapy for communication and relationship skills, sexual enrichment, mismatched desire, premarital counseling, or erectile and orgasm difficulties. I am an LGBT-Affirmative, Kink-Aware, and Poly-Inclusive therapist. I was Voted the number 1 Sex Therapist on Long Island for 2015 and 2017.
Kareem Alexander Hewitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roosevelt, NY 11575 (Online Only)
I practice psychotherapy utilizing client-centered, trauma-informed and intersectional; LGBTQ+, kink/Poly+, and gender affirming; Black Queer feminist interventions.
You are just as important to your communities as your communities are to you. This framework grounds the work I do. Western concepts of healing have historically enforced rigid individualism as the ideal way of life. However, I believe that understanding who you are, as both an individual and community member, makes space for your more nuanced, wholesome, and expansive narrative. My work with clients focuses on being present with emotions, navigating individual and collective traumas, reconnecting to your physical body, and empowering healing and joy. I'm hoping for healing and liberation for us all!
I practice psychotherapy utilizing client-centered, trauma-informed and intersectional; LGBTQ+, kink/Poly+, and gender affirming; Black Queer feminist interventions.
You are just as important to your communities as your communities are to you. This framework grounds the work I do. Western concepts of healing have historically enforced rigid individualism as the ideal way of life. However, I believe that understanding who you are, as both an individual and community member, makes space for your more nuanced, wholesome, and expansive narrative. My work with clients focuses on being present with emotions, navigating individual and collective traumas, reconnecting to your physical body, and empowering healing and joy. I'm hoping for healing and liberation for us all!
Jessica Hardial Ma Lcsw Phd(C)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, PhD(c)
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
I am non-monogamous affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming and Kink affirming.
Are you someone who is coming to terms with your identity? A person struggling with anxiety, trauma or coming out? Someone looking for an inclusive safe space where you can finally be honest and begin healing? If you are looking for a Queer Latina to provide you with support and healing from those challenges in life, you found her. I am passionate about my work with BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members and those in non-monogamous relationships.
I am non-monogamous affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming and Kink affirming.
Are you someone who is coming to terms with your identity? A person struggling with anxiety, trauma or coming out? Someone looking for an inclusive safe space where you can finally be honest and begin healing? If you are looking for a Queer Latina to provide you with support and healing from those challenges in life, you found her. I am passionate about my work with BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members and those in non-monogamous relationships.
Brooke Allman Bubbico
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sea Cliff, NY 11579 (Online Only)
I work with people navigating changes in their life, specifically around family planning and care (fertility, pregnancy, parenting), and want help managing stress, anxieties, depression, and fears related to these life changes. My work centers on the mental health of pregnant and postpartum people and their families. Psychologically, the perinatal period is a time of tremendous opportunity for growth, reflection, and repair. It can also bring unanticipated emotional experiences that can feel isolating and uncomfortable. My clients are looking for ways to move through pregnancy and parenthood with more confidence and ease.
I work with people navigating changes in their life, specifically around family planning and care (fertility, pregnancy, parenting), and want help managing stress, anxieties, depression, and fears related to these life changes. My work centers on the mental health of pregnant and postpartum people and their families. Psychologically, the perinatal period is a time of tremendous opportunity for growth, reflection, and repair. It can also bring unanticipated emotional experiences that can feel isolating and uncomfortable. My clients are looking for ways to move through pregnancy and parenthood with more confidence and ease.
Rashel Shamtoob
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Garden City, NY 11530 (Online Only)
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with individuals, families and groups ages 10+. As a school social worker, I have tremendous experience working with children struggling with self-esteem, life transitions, family issues, self-harm, and behavioral diagnoses such as oppositional defiant and conduct disorder. I have extensive experience treating individuals with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, as well as issues with substance and alcohol use. I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where you can truly express yourself as we explore your past traumas and future goals together.
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with individuals, families and groups ages 10+. As a school social worker, I have tremendous experience working with children struggling with self-esteem, life transitions, family issues, self-harm, and behavioral diagnoses such as oppositional defiant and conduct disorder. I have extensive experience treating individuals with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, as well as issues with substance and alcohol use. I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where you can truly express yourself as we explore your past traumas and future goals together.
Maria Vais
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
The foundation of my therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but I also incorporate other methodologies to meet the needs of each unique individual. My approach as a therapist is flexible because I understand the importance of your individuality. My goal is for my clients to feel safe and comfortable when they start therapy whether it be their first time or they have had past experiences. My style is to be interactive and engage with my clients while providing an environment that is safe, non-judgmental and supportive. I sometimes use worksheets, recommend books and phone apps to support the work we do together.
The foundation of my therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but I also incorporate other methodologies to meet the needs of each unique individual. My approach as a therapist is flexible because I understand the importance of your individuality. My goal is for my clients to feel safe and comfortable when they start therapy whether it be their first time or they have had past experiences. My style is to be interactive and engage with my clients while providing an environment that is safe, non-judgmental and supportive. I sometimes use worksheets, recommend books and phone apps to support the work we do together.
Vaughn L. Jenkins
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Baldwin, NY 11510 (Online Only)
As Black men a lot of us have been socialized in ways that makes maintaining deep relationships a challenge. Whether the cause is unresolved trauma, communication skills that need improvement, socialized masculinity or anything else, allowing the issue to go unresolved creates tension with others where there should be harmony. A lot of us developed defenses for remaining safe in a world we feel isn’t safe for us. However, we create worlds within our relationships and when we continue to deploy defenses in spaces that are safe for us we prevent ourselves from loving and receiving love to the best of our ability.
As Black men a lot of us have been socialized in ways that makes maintaining deep relationships a challenge. Whether the cause is unresolved trauma, communication skills that need improvement, socialized masculinity or anything else, allowing the issue to go unresolved creates tension with others where there should be harmony. A lot of us developed defenses for remaining safe in a world we feel isn’t safe for us. However, we create worlds within our relationships and when we continue to deploy defenses in spaces that are safe for us we prevent ourselves from loving and receiving love to the best of our ability.
Deyanira Ruiz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hempstead, NY 11552 (Online Only)
Whether therapy is a new step for you or a path you stepped off from and are trying to return to, I commend you for making the move. Therapy is an opportunity to increase self- awareness, build skills, nurture healing and live a more authentic life. Our work will be informed by the expert in the room: you. Feelings of anxiety, depression, stress and isolation are at an all-time high. Ingrained, unproductive thoughts and behaviors, old patterns, new fears may have caused disruptions in your life, and you are now ready to face them. Thru therapy you will not be doing it alone.
Whether therapy is a new step for you or a path you stepped off from and are trying to return to, I commend you for making the move. Therapy is an opportunity to increase self- awareness, build skills, nurture healing and live a more authentic life. Our work will be informed by the expert in the room: you. Feelings of anxiety, depression, stress and isolation are at an all-time high. Ingrained, unproductive thoughts and behaviors, old patterns, new fears may have caused disruptions in your life, and you are now ready to face them. Thru therapy you will not be doing it alone.
Kristie Lomangino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Wantagh, NY 11793 (Online Only)
Life is a journey. Sometimes you can travel alone, but there are times in everyone’s life when they could use someone to walk with them and help them reach their goals. I believe everyone is doing the best they can at all times, sometimes that means checking off all of the things on the to-do list, and other times, that means stumbling out of bed. I enjoy assisting people in living their most authentic life; to help figure out what went so right that they were able to check off all those items, or to help identify the barriers to getting out of bed and getting on that journey.
Life is a journey. Sometimes you can travel alone, but there are times in everyone’s life when they could use someone to walk with them and help them reach their goals. I believe everyone is doing the best they can at all times, sometimes that means checking off all of the things on the to-do list, and other times, that means stumbling out of bed. I enjoy assisting people in living their most authentic life; to help figure out what went so right that they were able to check off all those items, or to help identify the barriers to getting out of bed and getting on that journey.
Laura Moran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, CASAC
Verified Verified
Carle Place, NY 11514 (Online Only)
Many people suffer needlessly with anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. They can feel doomed to repeat the same self-defeating patterns over and over again. Therapy can help you address these issues and move forward with your life. I am a licensed clinical therapist with years of experience working with individuals and couples. Currently, I am available to work with you remotely, as long as you live anywhere in the State of New York. My approach is customized to suit your needs, utilizing a variety of behavioral and psychodynamic frameworks while establishing a trusting and judgement-free therapeutic space.
Many people suffer needlessly with anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. They can feel doomed to repeat the same self-defeating patterns over and over again. Therapy can help you address these issues and move forward with your life. I am a licensed clinical therapist with years of experience working with individuals and couples. Currently, I am available to work with you remotely, as long as you live anywhere in the State of New York. My approach is customized to suit your needs, utilizing a variety of behavioral and psychodynamic frameworks while establishing a trusting and judgement-free therapeutic space.
Samantha Silverman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Farmingdale, NY 11735 (Online Only)
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe change comes from within you when you are ready. Once you have taken that first step, I will be there to help facilitate your therapeutic journey. Having a safe place to speak openly about what troubles you are facing is my top priority. Together let's improve relationships, coping and healing from life's challenges, and achieving emotional relief using compassion and mindfulness.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe change comes from within you when you are ready. Once you have taken that first step, I will be there to help facilitate your therapeutic journey. Having a safe place to speak openly about what troubles you are facing is my top priority. Together let's improve relationships, coping and healing from life's challenges, and achieving emotional relief using compassion and mindfulness.
Tahanie Fenelon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Garden City, NY 11530 (Online Only)
I believe therapy is a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist. My goal is to help clients start working on the goals that they set out for themselves. I believe in creating a supportive environment so that clients feel comfortable throughout their journey in therapy. I find it truly fulfilling to be able to collaborate with clients and work towards actualizing goals.
I believe therapy is a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist. My goal is to help clients start working on the goals that they set out for themselves. I believe in creating a supportive environment so that clients feel comfortable throughout their journey in therapy. I find it truly fulfilling to be able to collaborate with clients and work towards actualizing goals.
Cynthia Dunn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rockville Centre, NY 11570 (Online Only)
Cynthia Dunn LCSW-R is an experienced telehealth therapist who has expertise working with people of all ages. She is licensed and trained to provide guidance and encouragement to adolescents and their families as well as adults who are struggling with social and emotional issues, stress management, behavioral problems, trauma, bereavement and much more. She guides all of her clients using evidence based therapeutic practices and prides herself in helping her clients to maintain accountability, develop self-reliance, and achieve healthy interdependence.
Cynthia Dunn LCSW-R is an experienced telehealth therapist who has expertise working with people of all ages. She is licensed and trained to provide guidance and encouragement to adolescents and their families as well as adults who are struggling with social and emotional issues, stress management, behavioral problems, trauma, bereavement and much more. She guides all of her clients using evidence based therapeutic practices and prides herself in helping her clients to maintain accountability, develop self-reliance, and achieve healthy interdependence.
Jennifer Padrone
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhasset, NY 11030
Dr. Padrone is a NYS Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Psychotherapy for adults, seniors, young adults and couples utilizing psychodynamic, attachment-based, Internal Family Systems and Mindfulness-based approaches. Treatment of anxiety disorders (including panic, OCD, and generalized anxiety), mood disorders (including major depression and bipolar disorders), eating disorders and psychological correlates of chronic pain. Addiction recovery strategies as well as harm reduction approach to substance misuse. Trauma-informed psychotherapy with neuropsychology patient education.
Dr. Padrone is a NYS Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Psychotherapy for adults, seniors, young adults and couples utilizing psychodynamic, attachment-based, Internal Family Systems and Mindfulness-based approaches. Treatment of anxiety disorders (including panic, OCD, and generalized anxiety), mood disorders (including major depression and bipolar disorders), eating disorders and psychological correlates of chronic pain. Addiction recovery strategies as well as harm reduction approach to substance misuse. Trauma-informed psychotherapy with neuropsychology patient education.
Maria Rowley
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mill Neck, NY 11765 (Online Only)
You generally have your act together and have some good insight into yourself, maybe from doing therapy or maybe you’ve just figured some things out yourself along the way. You’ve got some areas you’d like to work on anyway. Maybe life’s thrown a few stumbling blocks in the road lately, or you’ve been feeling a little down. Or possibly, you’re reevaluating some aspect of your life: career, relationships, life goals, living room decor, or something else entirely, and you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around your head. Either way, you could use some help sorting through stuff and dealing with life stressors.
You generally have your act together and have some good insight into yourself, maybe from doing therapy or maybe you’ve just figured some things out yourself along the way. You’ve got some areas you’d like to work on anyway. Maybe life’s thrown a few stumbling blocks in the road lately, or you’ve been feeling a little down. Or possibly, you’re reevaluating some aspect of your life: career, relationships, life goals, living room decor, or something else entirely, and you’ve got too many thoughts swirling around your head. Either way, you could use some help sorting through stuff and dealing with life stressors.
See more therapy options for Hicksville
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.