Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Columbus, OH

If you’re a human being on this planet, odds are you’ve been through things that have left a lasting negative impact on your mental health. You've also likely experienced feelings of shame when it comes to your sexuality that you never asked for. While you may have been told that you’re broken, that your sexuality is something to be ashamed of, or you’re just "bad" at relationships; my goal is to help you re-write those narratives that hold you back from having the life you want. Whether you're experiencing mental health concerns, sexual related concerns, or you're just feeling "stuck" in life, we can work through it together.

Every person has the inherent ability to grow, heal and transform their lives. My name is Jayme Richards and I provide therapy for individuals and couples using a mindfulness lens. My areas of expertise include trauma, anxiety, and depression. I work with individuals in both traditional and non- traditional relationships. I am personally LGBTQA+ and ENM proud. Other areas of knowledge include working with sexuality concerns, body image issues, life transitions, self-acceptance, and ADHD management.

Let's face it, intimacy and relationships are complicated. When you and your partner are arguing in circles, sleeping on opposite sides of the bed, and feel like roommates and not lovers it can be tough to know how to find the right help. You need someone who can understand your relationship, really see your patterns that make you feel so stuck, and can help you feel close again. As a relationship specialist I am here to untangle it and help you feel connected again. My client is your relationship and together we will navigate your challenges on a path towards healing.

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.

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, 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.

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.

Ms. Sara Bates is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation trained in Trauma-Informed Care for All, Family Therapy, Gender-Affirming Care and 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.

My ideal client has discovered they want more in their relationships with themselves and others. I serve as a guide to help them execute goals that work for them. I focus on sex therapy, sexuality and gender, and body acceptance in overcoming eating disorders. I also work heavily with depression, anxiety, and relational needs (both monogamous and non-monogamous and inclusive of BDSM dynamics). I look forward to making these connections.

Our unique stories equip us with specific challenges and sometimes with problematic coping skills. When burdened with depression, anxiety, difficult situations, or other struggles, it can seem impossible to escape those challenges. Sometimes our very identity comes into question and it takes tremendous courage and strength to face such existential questions. The healing process involves recognizing our potential to overcome challenges, and to begin the process of building holistic contentment in all parts of our life. Seeking help can be one of the most difficult parts of this process.

Let's be real, life can be overwhelming, isolating, and difficult to navigate alone. But there’s good news - it can get better. Therapy is a way to relieve that sense of aloneness and form a trusting, collaborative relationship with someone who accepts you as you are and who supports your goals. Through our work together you will develop insight and new skills to help manage problems - and feel seen, heard, and empowered.

My goals in therapy are to collaborate with my clients to help them reach their full potential and to improve their quality world. I look at my clients holistically and do not define them by the symptoms that led them to therapy. I am a Certified Sex Therapist recognized through AASECT, and work with clients on topics related to sexual identity/orientation, relationship structures, sexual dysfunctions, and kink /BDSM. I also work with clients addressing concerns including depression, anxiety, life transitions, and older adulthood/lifestyle changes.

I have a holistic and active approach which means my desire is to see deep transformational change. I specialize in trauma-Informed care: healing from PTSD, (including Complex PTSD), toxic stress, emotional regulation issues including depression, anxiety, and other mood difficulties, relationship problems & attachment issues. I use a combination of Somatic Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am polyvagal-informed and focus heavily on somatic (body-based) mindfulness and meditation practices.

Leora Williams is committed to helping clients learn, who they are with no judgment, work through trauma, find freedom within themselves, and strengthen families and relationships through finding safety and security within their interpersonal relationships again. Leora specializes in couples and co-parenting relationships.

There are so many of us who have felt like outsiders our entire lives, pretending to be someone else to fit in. It might be because of Neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, CPTSD), or your body size or the traumas that have lead you to feel that no one would understand or accept who you really are. The truth is that changing to fit in isn't the solution. You deserve to accept who you are right now. You can learn more supportive ways of coping or communicating, but the essence of who you are is worthy and deserving of love.