Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Columbus, OH
My expertise includes: gender identity, military relationships, CNM dynamics, painful sex, sexual anxiety, desire discrepancy, kink, sexual dysfunction, communication challenges, purity culture, and more.
Are you experiencing personal or relational struggles, such as sexual anxieties, intimacy concerns, or shame? I recognize that seeking therapy can be a deeply personal and sometimes challenging step, especially when it involves sensitive topics like sex, identity, and relationships. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring these aspects of your life. Whether you're dealing with sexual concerns, navigating questions around your identity, or seeking to strengthen your relationships, I'm here to listen and support you with compassion and care.
My expertise includes: gender identity, military relationships, CNM dynamics, painful sex, sexual anxiety, desire discrepancy, kink, sexual dysfunction, communication challenges, purity culture, and more.
Are you experiencing personal or relational struggles, such as sexual anxieties, intimacy concerns, or shame? I recognize that seeking therapy can be a deeply personal and sometimes challenging step, especially when it involves sensitive topics like sex, identity, and relationships. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring these aspects of your life. Whether you're dealing with sexual concerns, navigating questions around your identity, or seeking to strengthen your relationships, I'm here to listen and support you with compassion and care.
I have a special interest in working with couples and am particularly passionate about supporting sexually and relationally diverse clients, including LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kink-identified couples and individuals.
I'm passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families build and maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships. I believe that working as a therapist with a person requires comprehending their environment and the vast network of people who influenced their lives, positively as well as negatively. My goal is to guide clients out of their own heads and help them see how their past impacts their present, fostering improved relationships and personal growth. I'm from St. Louis and moved to Columbus to pursue a PhD at OSU. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience working with diverse folks.
I have a special interest in working with couples and am particularly passionate about supporting sexually and relationally diverse clients, including LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and kink-identified couples and individuals.
I'm passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families build and maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships. I believe that working as a therapist with a person requires comprehending their environment and the vast network of people who influenced their lives, positively as well as negatively. My goal is to guide clients out of their own heads and help them see how their past impacts their present, fostering improved relationships and personal growth. I'm from St. Louis and moved to Columbus to pursue a PhD at OSU. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience working with diverse folks.
S. Lee Tepper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43235
Working collaboratively with clients and using a person-centered approach to therapy is central to the care I provide to all clients. I have robust experience and enjoy working with individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, experience substance use addiction, poly/ kink populations, young adults, and those who experience depression, anxiety, and (C)PTSD. As my client, you can expect a confidential, collaborative, and healthy working relationship to best meet your unique goals.
Working collaboratively with clients and using a person-centered approach to therapy is central to the care I provide to all clients. I have robust experience and enjoy working with individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, experience substance use addiction, poly/ kink populations, young adults, and those who experience depression, anxiety, and (C)PTSD. As my client, you can expect a confidential, collaborative, and healthy working relationship to best meet your unique goals.
Krista Predragovich
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Columbus, OH 43214
I consider myself an ally and accomplice to the LGBTQ+ community, and I am sex-positive and kink-affirming.
Wherever you are in life, perhaps encountering a significant change or transition, managing a longstanding or recurring mental health condition, or hoping to shine your own light a little brighter, it would be my pleasure to walk with you on this part of your journey. As a Gestalt trained counselor, I support the individuals I work with to become aware of what they are doing, how they are doing it, and how to make space for change. This collaborative, holistic approach emphasizes self-acceptance and promotes awareness of the ways that unexamined thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can impede growth.
I consider myself an ally and accomplice to the LGBTQ+ community, and I am sex-positive and kink-affirming.
Wherever you are in life, perhaps encountering a significant change or transition, managing a longstanding or recurring mental health condition, or hoping to shine your own light a little brighter, it would be my pleasure to walk with you on this part of your journey. As a Gestalt trained counselor, I support the individuals I work with to become aware of what they are doing, how they are doing it, and how to make space for change. This collaborative, holistic approach emphasizes self-acceptance and promotes awareness of the ways that unexamined thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can impede growth.
I am kink knowledgeable and affirming of monogamous and polyam relationship structures.
I (he/they) am a mental health counselor, and an AASECT certified sex therapist. I prefer to build genuine relationships with my clients, emphasizing teamwork and encouraging your active participation in the counseling process. I'll welcome your humor and shared laughter while helping you to harness inner strengths, self-compassion, and newly developed skills to overcome the obstacles impacting your personal growth. I will bring a trauma informed lens and anti-oppression values to our work together and will trust you as the 'expert' of your own lived experience to help identify realistic solutions to life's challenges.
I am kink knowledgeable and affirming of monogamous and polyam relationship structures.
I (he/they) am a mental health counselor, and an AASECT certified sex therapist. I prefer to build genuine relationships with my clients, emphasizing teamwork and encouraging your active participation in the counseling process. I'll welcome your humor and shared laughter while helping you to harness inner strengths, self-compassion, and newly developed skills to overcome the obstacles impacting your personal growth. I will bring a trauma informed lens and anti-oppression values to our work together and will trust you as the 'expert' of your own lived experience to help identify realistic solutions to life's challenges.
Queer Owned & Staffed - Affirming Pathways
Marriage & Family Therapist, IMFT, LPCC, LSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43215
We're here to help with challenges such as finding your authentic self, navigating gender, sexual/affectional, and relationship diverse minority stressors, disclosures, LGBTQ+ family and youth support, relational topics, ethical non-monogamy, Kink/BDSM, trauma, and neurodiversity (with diagnosed clinicians), and more!.
We have immediate availability! As a Queer-Owned and staffed group practice, we pride ourselves on working with our gender, sexual/affectional, and relationship structure diverse communities (LGBTQ+, non-monogamy, BDSM, and Kink). We offer free 15-minute consults with any clinician, allowing you to ask personal, professional, or logistical questions to ensure your therapist meets YOUR needs and preferences. Our priority is a therapeutic space where everyone feels safe, respected, and understood. We are committed to providing knowledgeable and affirming mental healthcare for all individuals, relationships, families, and youth!
We're here to help with challenges such as finding your authentic self, navigating gender, sexual/affectional, and relationship diverse minority stressors, disclosures, LGBTQ+ family and youth support, relational topics, ethical non-monogamy, Kink/BDSM, trauma, and neurodiversity (with diagnosed clinicians), and more!.
We have immediate availability! As a Queer-Owned and staffed group practice, we pride ourselves on working with our gender, sexual/affectional, and relationship structure diverse communities (LGBTQ+, non-monogamy, BDSM, and Kink). We offer free 15-minute consults with any clinician, allowing you to ask personal, professional, or logistical questions to ensure your therapist meets YOUR needs and preferences. Our priority is a therapeutic space where everyone feels safe, respected, and understood. We are committed to providing knowledgeable and affirming mental healthcare for all individuals, relationships, families, and youth!
Sara Bartley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43235
I am sex and kink positive.
Your courage is admirable - seeking support can feel like staring up the face of a mountain. I respect the delicate nature of inner work and consider it an earned privilege to be invited into spaces where healing and growth can happen. Everyone is welcome. I especially enjoy collaborating with individuals and couples who • Hope to discover new and more authentic parts of themselves • Desire to strengthen their relationships & capacity for emotional intimacy • Seek to explore their unique sexual values • Are facing trauma recovery, self-esteem issues, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, religious trauma, or life transitions.
I am sex and kink positive.
Your courage is admirable - seeking support can feel like staring up the face of a mountain. I respect the delicate nature of inner work and consider it an earned privilege to be invited into spaces where healing and growth can happen. Everyone is welcome. I especially enjoy collaborating with individuals and couples who • Hope to discover new and more authentic parts of themselves • Desire to strengthen their relationships & capacity for emotional intimacy • Seek to explore their unique sexual values • Are facing trauma recovery, self-esteem issues, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, religious trauma, or life transitions.
The Empowering Space
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43085
I am trans affirming, gender affirming, kink and poly affirming.
I am a Licensed Social Worker. I have earned my Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University and brings more than 6 years of clinical experience and expertise working with queer folks, adolescents, couples, and families. I specialize in the treatment of adolescents and young adults who are struggling to cope with anxiety, mood, trauma, sexual issues, and relationship issues. I also have experience in working with the queer community on an array of issues and concerns.
I am trans affirming, gender affirming, kink and poly affirming.
I am a Licensed Social Worker. I have earned my Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University and brings more than 6 years of clinical experience and expertise working with queer folks, adolescents, couples, and families. I specialize in the treatment of adolescents and young adults who are struggling to cope with anxiety, mood, trauma, sexual issues, and relationship issues. I also have experience in working with the queer community on an array of issues and concerns.
Relationship Issues - Trauma - Lgbtqia+ Issues - Irene O'Neill
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, SEP, NARM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43214
I am sex and kink positive and affirm consensual non-monogamy, polycule, family and non-traditional family dynamics.
Taking the step to start therapy and/or find a new therapist is a significant and courageous decision. I am honored to accompany my clients on their journey towards what they most want for themselves and finding relief from the challenges they’re facing. If you feel stuck despite your best efforts and/or doing other types of therapy, or if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or seeking more fulfilling and connected relationships, I’m here to help. Meaningful change begins within and starts with your own relationship with yourself.
I am sex and kink positive and affirm consensual non-monogamy, polycule, family and non-traditional family dynamics.
Taking the step to start therapy and/or find a new therapist is a significant and courageous decision. I am honored to accompany my clients on their journey towards what they most want for themselves and finding relief from the challenges they’re facing. If you feel stuck despite your best efforts and/or doing other types of therapy, or if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or seeking more fulfilling and connected relationships, I’m here to help. Meaningful change begins within and starts with your own relationship with yourself.
Molly M Heit
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43220
Congratulations for taking the first step in thinking about entering therapy. Life can throw many curve balls and can be very challenging to even get through the day. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, empathetic, trauma informed and sex-positive experience for all my clients as they navigate their own personal, relationship, gender or sexuality related concerns. I will work along with you to new pathways to healing and happiness. Additionally, I am fluent in American Sign Language as 2nd language with significant knowledge in Deaf Culture and can work with individuals/couples who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Congratulations for taking the first step in thinking about entering therapy. Life can throw many curve balls and can be very challenging to even get through the day. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, empathetic, trauma informed and sex-positive experience for all my clients as they navigate their own personal, relationship, gender or sexuality related concerns. I will work along with you to new pathways to healing and happiness. Additionally, I am fluent in American Sign Language as 2nd language with significant knowledge in Deaf Culture and can work with individuals/couples who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Caleb Sargent
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43205
I am a sex-positive therapist, and affirming to those in the LGBTQ+, kink, poly, fat and consensual non-monogamy communities.
Every interaction in our lives creates our story. These stories can come from family experiences, media, marginalization, oppression, trauma, and much more. Over time, a collection of these may cause us to fall into depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, out of control sexual behavior, or other mental health issues. In therapy, my goal is to provide a warm, genuine, and collaborative environment to understand the development of these stories and how we can change them.
I am a sex-positive therapist, and affirming to those in the LGBTQ+, kink, poly, fat and consensual non-monogamy communities.
Every interaction in our lives creates our story. These stories can come from family experiences, media, marginalization, oppression, trauma, and much more. Over time, a collection of these may cause us to fall into depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, out of control sexual behavior, or other mental health issues. In therapy, my goal is to provide a warm, genuine, and collaborative environment to understand the development of these stories and how we can change them.
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I am sex positive, kink positive, and have formal training in sexuality, sexual functioning, and general sexual health.
Therapeutically, I have always been drawn to the way we relate to the body. Your body is your home, but many of us feel disconnected from ourselves due to the pressures and oppression we face in the modern world. I have worked with clients on many of these spots of disconnection ranging from eating disorders to chronic illness to sexuality and pleasure. Using the tenets of Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness, and sex therapy approaches, I hope to make this space feel a little more like home again.
I am sex positive, kink positive, and have formal training in sexuality, sexual functioning, and general sexual health.
Therapeutically, I have always been drawn to the way we relate to the body. Your body is your home, but many of us feel disconnected from ourselves due to the pressures and oppression we face in the modern world. I have worked with clients on many of these spots of disconnection ranging from eating disorders to chronic illness to sexuality and pleasure. Using the tenets of Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness, and sex therapy approaches, I hope to make this space feel a little more like home again.
Sara Grace Bates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43228 (Online Only)
Ms. Sara Bates is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation trained in Trauma-Informed Care for All, Family Therapy, Perinatal Therapy, Sex-Positive Therapy, Pleasure Education and Intimacy Coaching, Couples Counseling, CBT, DBT, and IFS; treating both adolescents and adult populations. Her clinical approach is to meet the clients where they are, by building on personal strengths and supporting them through life’s difficult challenges. She provides EAP services as a contractor, for local and federal law enforcement agencies. Reiki Master/Teacher certified, for stress relief practices and coping strategies.
Ms. Sara Bates is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation trained in Trauma-Informed Care for All, Family Therapy, Perinatal Therapy, Sex-Positive Therapy, Pleasure Education and Intimacy Coaching, Couples Counseling, CBT, DBT, and IFS; treating both adolescents and adult populations. Her clinical approach is to meet the clients where they are, by building on personal strengths and supporting them through life’s difficult challenges. She provides EAP services as a contractor, for local and federal law enforcement agencies. Reiki Master/Teacher certified, for stress relief practices and coping strategies.
Amber Raffeld
Marriage & Family Therapist, IMFT, SEP, NARM L2
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43215
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you are navigating anxiety, challenges in relationships, accumulated stress, past trauma, communication, and attuning to needs of yourself and others, I would be honored to participate in you feeling a greater connection to your experiences, yourself, and with others in relationship. I provide specializations in Somatic Experiencing, NeuroAffective Relational Model, ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, LGBTQIA+, kink positive, accumulated stress, and trauma. I enjoy providing individual, couple, consensual non-monogamy, polycule, family and non-traditional family mental health services.
Whether you are navigating anxiety, challenges in relationships, accumulated stress, past trauma, communication, and attuning to needs of yourself and others, I would be honored to participate in you feeling a greater connection to your experiences, yourself, and with others in relationship. I provide specializations in Somatic Experiencing, NeuroAffective Relational Model, ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, LGBTQIA+, kink positive, accumulated stress, and trauma. I enjoy providing individual, couple, consensual non-monogamy, polycule, family and non-traditional family mental health services.
Paul Courtland Soper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S, CST, CCTP
Verified Verified
Columbus, OH 43201
I am currently taking new telehealth clients for sex therapy, couples therapy and trauma therapy. My ideal client wants to heal. With all the trauma from the past few years, self-work has never been more necessary and normalized. Coming out of a global pandemic, with relationships and sex lives suffering, we all need to be intentional about rebuilding emotional, mental and sexual health. Whether you’re trying to heal from trauma, improve communication and intimacy in your relationship(s), explore polyamory or consensual non monogamy, or explore sexual and/or gender identity, I believe I can help you to achieve your personal goals.
I am currently taking new telehealth clients for sex therapy, couples therapy and trauma therapy. My ideal client wants to heal. With all the trauma from the past few years, self-work has never been more necessary and normalized. Coming out of a global pandemic, with relationships and sex lives suffering, we all need to be intentional about rebuilding emotional, mental and sexual health. Whether you’re trying to heal from trauma, improve communication and intimacy in your relationship(s), explore polyamory or consensual non monogamy, or explore sexual and/or gender identity, I believe I can help you to achieve your personal goals.
Dr. Bowen Marshall
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor , MA, LPCC-S, PhD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43235 (Online Only)
I also specialize in couples counseling, polyamorous relationships, and on identity, intimacy, sex, kink, and fetishes.
I believe the most important question we can ask ourselves is, "What do I want?" I believe that everyone has an ability to move towards growth, healing, and fulfillment. I approach therapy from a perspective learning and believe that the more we learn about ourselves, the better able we are to make choices about how we want to move forward in life. I use an integrative framework to address each client’s individual needs. I work from a trauma informed lens and use interventions from existential, Attachment Theory, Gottman, ACT, IPT, and EFT.
I also specialize in couples counseling, polyamorous relationships, and on identity, intimacy, sex, kink, and fetishes.
I believe the most important question we can ask ourselves is, "What do I want?" I believe that everyone has an ability to move towards growth, healing, and fulfillment. I approach therapy from a perspective learning and believe that the more we learn about ourselves, the better able we are to make choices about how we want to move forward in life. I use an integrative framework to address each client’s individual needs. I work from a trauma informed lens and use interventions from existential, Attachment Theory, Gottman, ACT, IPT, and EFT.
New Directions Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43215 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I love working with all different types of people wanting to change how they respond to life. My ideal clients want to learn how to respond to life, rather than react to life. The last four years have been hard and everyone can benefit from therapy. The couples I work best are seeking help with their sex life. A lot of couples I work with are also seeking help related to Polyamory/ENM and or Kink. I am happy to work with individuals, couples, and different and varying relationship designs and configurations.
I love working with all different types of people wanting to change how they respond to life. My ideal clients want to learn how to respond to life, rather than react to life. The last four years have been hard and everyone can benefit from therapy. The couples I work best are seeking help with their sex life. A lot of couples I work with are also seeking help related to Polyamory/ENM and or Kink. I am happy to work with individuals, couples, and different and varying relationship designs and configurations.
Maryann McQuillian Omalloy
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC-S, LICDC-C, PREGamb
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43215
I am a sex positive therapist skilled in the areas of sexuality and relationship structure minorities including consensual non monogamy, BDSM/ Kink, leather, and those who practice alternative spiritualities.
Knowledge brings awareness to parts of ourselves that need nurturance, acceptance, healing, and support. Although encouraged to mask or hide our true selves, my goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you can explore your self and needs with openness and support. I saw how using experience, strength, hope, and empathy could bring about significant and insightful changes in a person’s way of life. As someone who has lived their life in the gray area, often not fitting into socially created boxes, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of making space for all of my client’s identities, roles, and experiences in counseling.
I am a sex positive therapist skilled in the areas of sexuality and relationship structure minorities including consensual non monogamy, BDSM/ Kink, leather, and those who practice alternative spiritualities.
Knowledge brings awareness to parts of ourselves that need nurturance, acceptance, healing, and support. Although encouraged to mask or hide our true selves, my goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you can explore your self and needs with openness and support. I saw how using experience, strength, hope, and empathy could bring about significant and insightful changes in a person’s way of life. As someone who has lived their life in the gray area, often not fitting into socially created boxes, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of making space for all of my client’s identities, roles, and experiences in counseling.
I have specific experience working with BDSM/ kink, ENM/CNM, and sex workers.
I'm fairly eclectic in my therapy style but at the end of the day it is all about what serves you, the client. I particularly love working with the queer community and/or neurodivergent folks. I can't wait to hear from you!
I have specific experience working with BDSM/ kink, ENM/CNM, and sex workers.
I'm fairly eclectic in my therapy style but at the end of the day it is all about what serves you, the client. I particularly love working with the queer community and/or neurodivergent folks. I can't wait to hear from you!
As a queer & nonbinary therapist (they/them pronouns), I'm committed to providing an affirming and sex-positive space for queer and transgender clients, and folks in ethically non-monogamous relationships and kink communities.
I have openings now! My priority is to create space for you to feel welcome to share your stressors, goals, and experiences, and feel heard and affirmed. We will focus on your whole self - your environment, relationships, and history - and how these impact your perspective and sense of self. I enjoy working with adults managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and relationship concerns. My goal is to invite others who have marginalized identities to feel both safe and challenged in my (virtual) office, and to build the skills and confidence they need to grow into the version of themselves they hope to be.
As a queer & nonbinary therapist (they/them pronouns), I'm committed to providing an affirming and sex-positive space for queer and transgender clients, and folks in ethically non-monogamous relationships and kink communities.
I have openings now! My priority is to create space for you to feel welcome to share your stressors, goals, and experiences, and feel heard and affirmed. We will focus on your whole self - your environment, relationships, and history - and how these impact your perspective and sense of self. I enjoy working with adults managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and relationship concerns. My goal is to invite others who have marginalized identities to feel both safe and challenged in my (virtual) office, and to build the skills and confidence they need to grow into the version of themselves they hope to be.
See more therapy options for Columbus
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Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists
Why might an individual want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
A sex-positive or kinky individual may want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist because the client may feel safer and more supported discussing their experiences and challenges. A therapist who identifies as kink-friendly will have experience with clients having diverse sexual preferences and will likely be nonjudgmental and supportive about issues brought to the table. It is important to note that sex-positive, kink-allied individuals may find equal success with therapists who do not have such specialized knowledge and background. The most important factor in the success of therapy is for the client and practitioner to form a strong, trusting bond.
Do therapists have special training to gain expertise in sex-positive, kink-allied treatment?
Generally, no. There are limited training programs and unofficial accreditations that therapists can pursue, but a therapist’s expertise will ultimately come from their previous experience with similar clients, their engagement with organizations that promote sex positivity or kink-allied lifestyles, and the importance they place on safety and cultural sensitivity.
How can individuals recognize a good sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
An experienced therapist is able to help clients explore their sexual identity and expression and relieve any discomfort or stigma attached to discussing such matters and the client’s overall challenges. A therapist who is sex-positive and kink-allied is able to create an environment that honors a client’s experience and sexual preferences. To recognize a good therapist, clients can simply ask directly about topics and issues important to them and gauge their comfort level and connection with a clinician based on the responses.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist with a focus on sex positivity and alternative sexual lifestyles?
Some individuals may feel most comfortable knowing that the clinician they’re working with has a commitment to creating an atmosphere of sex positivity and has experience with relationship diversity and alternative relationship structures. Working with a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist may help clients respect their own challenges and improve identity-affirming treatment.