Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Sandusky County, OH
I am excited for the opportunity to join you in your process of change! I enjoy working with teens and adults to develop thinking patterns and behaviors that support personal goals. Experienced with depression, BPD, anxiety, trauma, OCD, BiPolar, Adjustment, ADHD, and self esteem. My passion is teen and young adult issues, including the changes that come with transitioning from youth to adulthood, unstable moods, identity formation, and peer relations.
I am excited for the opportunity to join you in your process of change! I enjoy working with teens and adults to develop thinking patterns and behaviors that support personal goals. Experienced with depression, BPD, anxiety, trauma, OCD, BiPolar, Adjustment, ADHD, and self esteem. My passion is teen and young adult issues, including the changes that come with transitioning from youth to adulthood, unstable moods, identity formation, and peer relations.
Virtual sessions only: Access therapy wherever, and from wherever in Ohio! I believe in the power of holistic health and full-spectrum therapy. Individuals and couples welcome! My goal is to promote positive self-image and self-esteem in all individuals, regardless of any diagnosis. To me, there is nothing more important in session than YOU and what you have come to discuss. I would be happy to walk with you along whatever journey you are exploring. Sliding-scale or reduced fees for sessions available and negotiable. Reach out today and let's figure out how to make life more manageable, hopeful, and enjoyable. You deserve it!
Virtual sessions only: Access therapy wherever, and from wherever in Ohio! I believe in the power of holistic health and full-spectrum therapy. Individuals and couples welcome! My goal is to promote positive self-image and self-esteem in all individuals, regardless of any diagnosis. To me, there is nothing more important in session than YOU and what you have come to discuss. I would be happy to walk with you along whatever journey you are exploring. Sliding-scale or reduced fees for sessions available and negotiable. Reach out today and let's figure out how to make life more manageable, hopeful, and enjoyable. You deserve it!
Online Therapists
Clients who work with me are looking to explore possible neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD) through a neuro-affirming comprehensive evaluation, and have a space to process during the Grief, Relief, and Belief Cycle by another late diagnosed adult who gets it. I assist clients in reprocessing traumatic experiences such as sexual abuse/assault, complex traumas, childhood wounds, etc. without them reliving it using EMDR. I also provide mental health immigration evaluations for Extreme Hardship, VAWA, U- and T-Visas, & Asylum cases.
Clients who work with me are looking to explore possible neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD) through a neuro-affirming comprehensive evaluation, and have a space to process during the Grief, Relief, and Belief Cycle by another late diagnosed adult who gets it. I assist clients in reprocessing traumatic experiences such as sexual abuse/assault, complex traumas, childhood wounds, etc. without them reliving it using EMDR. I also provide mental health immigration evaluations for Extreme Hardship, VAWA, U- and T-Visas, & Asylum cases.
Dr. Gabor Maté describes healing as “the movement toward wholeness,” a perspective that deeply informs my work as a trauma-informed, person-centered therapist. I work with adults navigating trauma, life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, and the lasting impact of experiences that required you to disconnect from yourself in order to survive. I believe therapy can be a place to soften, exhale, and return to yourself; as well as a space to feel seen, supported, and no longer alone in what you carry. My hope is to support you in moving toward greater authenticity, embodiment, self-trust, and alignment.
Dr. Gabor Maté describes healing as “the movement toward wholeness,” a perspective that deeply informs my work as a trauma-informed, person-centered therapist. I work with adults navigating trauma, life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, and the lasting impact of experiences that required you to disconnect from yourself in order to survive. I believe therapy can be a place to soften, exhale, and return to yourself; as well as a space to feel seen, supported, and no longer alone in what you carry. My hope is to support you in moving toward greater authenticity, embodiment, self-trust, and alignment.
My practice is based less on types of presenting issues and more on some fundamental assumptions about humanity: 1) Any client I work with is doing the best they can in the moment I meet them, 2) all people respond to compassion and understanding, and all people are injured by shaming and 3) two opposing things can be true at the same time, and much of our suffering is an inability to sit with that belief. Whoever you are and whatever your reason for seeking treatment, I will meet you exactly where you are the moment you walk in my virtual door. I consider myself your partner in your journey to find and be your most authentic self.
My practice is based less on types of presenting issues and more on some fundamental assumptions about humanity: 1) Any client I work with is doing the best they can in the moment I meet them, 2) all people respond to compassion and understanding, and all people are injured by shaming and 3) two opposing things can be true at the same time, and much of our suffering is an inability to sit with that belief. Whoever you are and whatever your reason for seeking treatment, I will meet you exactly where you are the moment you walk in my virtual door. I consider myself your partner in your journey to find and be your most authentic self.
Immediate availability for new clients! As a social worker, my therapeutic approach is collaborative - we're teammates. Sessions are generally solution-focused, and use tools from many research-based modalities to help you reach your goals, both emotional (ex: decrease anxiety and depression) and practical (ex: life skills). We can focus on identity development, gender transition, disability and chronic illness, suicidal ideation and self-harm, queer or polyamorous relationships, religion and spirituality, and much more! (Please Note: Unfortunately, I cannot accept any insurance. Affirming Pathways is out-of-pocket pay only.)
Immediate availability for new clients! As a social worker, my therapeutic approach is collaborative - we're teammates. Sessions are generally solution-focused, and use tools from many research-based modalities to help you reach your goals, both emotional (ex: decrease anxiety and depression) and practical (ex: life skills). We can focus on identity development, gender transition, disability and chronic illness, suicidal ideation and self-harm, queer or polyamorous relationships, religion and spirituality, and much more! (Please Note: Unfortunately, I cannot accept any insurance. Affirming Pathways is out-of-pocket pay only.)
Are you ready to move beyond survival mode and start living with more clarity, balance and confidence? If so, therapy can help! I work with adults who want to heal from the past and learn how to regulate their emotions so they can create meaningful connections in their lives. Therapy with me is collaborative and supportive. We move at a pace that feels right for you while also focusing on practical tools that can help you feel more empowered in your daily life.
Are you ready to move beyond survival mode and start living with more clarity, balance and confidence? If so, therapy can help! I work with adults who want to heal from the past and learn how to regulate their emotions so they can create meaningful connections in their lives. Therapy with me is collaborative and supportive. We move at a pace that feels right for you while also focusing on practical tools that can help you feel more empowered in your daily life.
Do you feel like something is holding you back? Getting in your way? Many people run into barriers- barriers that keep them from achieving their goals, get in the way of their relationships or keep them from moving on. These barriers can look like anxiety, depression, trauma, communication patterns, etc. This is where I can help! I have worked with crisis services and trauma survivors my whole career; and trauma can look different for everyone! I enjoy nothing more than helping clients identify the barriers that are holding them back, constructing a plan to break it down and take steps towards doing so.
Do you feel like something is holding you back? Getting in your way? Many people run into barriers- barriers that keep them from achieving their goals, get in the way of their relationships or keep them from moving on. These barriers can look like anxiety, depression, trauma, communication patterns, etc. This is where I can help! I have worked with crisis services and trauma survivors my whole career; and trauma can look different for everyone! I enjoy nothing more than helping clients identify the barriers that are holding them back, constructing a plan to break it down and take steps towards doing so.
I help teens and adults navigate anxiety, depression, identity concerns, relationship struggles, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. As a member of the LGBTQ+ Community, I create an affirming space where all identities are respected. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth, with treatment tailored to your goals—whether building coping skills, improving relationships, or finding balance. Together, we’ll work toward a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and hopeful.
I help teens and adults navigate anxiety, depression, identity concerns, relationship struggles, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. As a member of the LGBTQ+ Community, I create an affirming space where all identities are respected. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth, with treatment tailored to your goals—whether building coping skills, improving relationships, or finding balance. Together, we’ll work toward a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and hopeful.
Life can be overwhelming at times, and taking the first steps to meet with a therapist can be scary. I will meet you where you are at, and together we can develop goals and skills to meet these goals at your own pace. I believe every individual has their own needs, meaning a therapy session will look different for every person. I tailor my sessions to best fit the needs of my clients, using a variety of interventions from frameworks that align with my client's values and beliefs.
Life can be overwhelming at times, and taking the first steps to meet with a therapist can be scary. I will meet you where you are at, and together we can develop goals and skills to meet these goals at your own pace. I believe every individual has their own needs, meaning a therapy session will look different for every person. I tailor my sessions to best fit the needs of my clients, using a variety of interventions from frameworks that align with my client's values and beliefs.
I’m a Queer, non-binary counselor, I provide counseling for adults, children & adolescents (ages 8-18), & couples for a wide array of concerns. I specialize in gender-affirming care, trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar, as well as relationship, sexuality & intimacy concerns. I prioritize LGBTQIA clients & relationship styles of polyamory & ethical non-monogamy.
I utilize trauma-informed care, & I am trained in EMDR therapy for trauma. I provide a feminist & person-centered approach to therapy for processing personal meaning. I teach dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills & how to apply them towards reaching personal goals.
I’m a Queer, non-binary counselor, I provide counseling for adults, children & adolescents (ages 8-18), & couples for a wide array of concerns. I specialize in gender-affirming care, trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar, as well as relationship, sexuality & intimacy concerns. I prioritize LGBTQIA clients & relationship styles of polyamory & ethical non-monogamy.
I utilize trauma-informed care, & I am trained in EMDR therapy for trauma. I provide a feminist & person-centered approach to therapy for processing personal meaning. I teach dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills & how to apply them towards reaching personal goals.
Jaret's approach to therapy is a collaborative journey where the client and therapist work together authentically to address the client's goals and needs. Jaret specializes in anxiety, OCD, and LGBTQ+ issues. He believes that the essence of human nature is to continually move towards growth in positive ways. Jaret seeks to empower you on your journey to radical self-acceptance through helping you find meaning in your story utilizing a nonjudgmental approach. He received his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Ohio State University and has training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD.
Jaret's approach to therapy is a collaborative journey where the client and therapist work together authentically to address the client's goals and needs. Jaret specializes in anxiety, OCD, and LGBTQ+ issues. He believes that the essence of human nature is to continually move towards growth in positive ways. Jaret seeks to empower you on your journey to radical self-acceptance through helping you find meaning in your story utilizing a nonjudgmental approach. He received his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Ohio State University and has training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD.
Go from Struggle to Strength & Selfhood. You could use AI or any other strengths finder tool, but Nothing Compares to the way a Human can Hold Space for You. A Life Coach can notice when your face lights up about a particular topic, inviting you to notice your energy shift, asking the right question so you explore more. True Strengths are natural, Energized parts of your identity. As a Life Coach, I use powerful questioning to help shift focus away from weaknesses. So You can Transform. A Human, Life Coach (Me) can be attuned toward your energy, asking the right questions to unlock Selfhood & Strength so You can be Sincerely You.
Go from Struggle to Strength & Selfhood. You could use AI or any other strengths finder tool, but Nothing Compares to the way a Human can Hold Space for You. A Life Coach can notice when your face lights up about a particular topic, inviting you to notice your energy shift, asking the right question so you explore more. True Strengths are natural, Energized parts of your identity. As a Life Coach, I use powerful questioning to help shift focus away from weaknesses. So You can Transform. A Human, Life Coach (Me) can be attuned toward your energy, asking the right questions to unlock Selfhood & Strength so You can be Sincerely You.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by big emotions or find yourself stuck in challenging relationships? Maybe you worry about being left, have trouble trusting, or struggle to set healthy boundaries. If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t feel quite right, I invite you to give this another chance. I understand how difficult it can be to feel alone, misunderstood, or caught in cycles of conflict and self-doubt. My approach offers real tools and genuine support to help you cope, connect, and build a life that feels more fulfilling.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by big emotions or find yourself stuck in challenging relationships? Maybe you worry about being left, have trouble trusting, or struggle to set healthy boundaries. If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t feel quite right, I invite you to give this another chance. I understand how difficult it can be to feel alone, misunderstood, or caught in cycles of conflict and self-doubt. My approach offers real tools and genuine support to help you cope, connect, and build a life that feels more fulfilling.
Mariah Payne
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, C-AAIS
3 Endorsed
Elyria, OH 44035
Waitlist for new clients
My clients come from a variety of identities, orientations, and have diverse needs. I work largely with people experiencing minority stress, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and managing stressors. Often, my clients are looking to add to their mental health tool box, increase their understanding of themself, and develop healthier relationships (with themselves, others and/or their mental health). I provide services for individuals and relationships (ex: couples, families, and relationship groups).
My clients come from a variety of identities, orientations, and have diverse needs. I work largely with people experiencing minority stress, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and managing stressors. Often, my clients are looking to add to their mental health tool box, increase their understanding of themself, and develop healthier relationships (with themselves, others and/or their mental health). I provide services for individuals and relationships (ex: couples, families, and relationship groups).
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.
My priority is to invite clients who have marginalized identities to feel both safe and challenged in my (virtual) office, and to help them build the skills and confidence they need to grow into the version of themselves they hope to be. We will focus on your whole self, your experiences, relationships, and environments, and how these impact your emotions, thoughts, and beliefs about yourself and the world. I enjoy working with adults managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and relationship concerns. My ideal client wants to be challenged, wants to grow, and is ready for the work of therapy and healing.
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.
My priority is to invite clients who have marginalized identities to feel both safe and challenged in my (virtual) office, and to help them build the skills and confidence they need to grow into the version of themselves they hope to be. We will focus on your whole self, your experiences, relationships, and environments, and how these impact your emotions, thoughts, and beliefs about yourself and the world. I enjoy working with adults managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and relationship concerns. My ideal client wants to be challenged, wants to grow, and is ready for the work of therapy and healing.
Lauren Kustec is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Akron and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Lauren has experience working with individuals, couples, and families from various backgrounds and of all ages. Lauren has provided treatment to individuals with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, and other mental health issues that impact daily living.
Lauren Kustec is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Akron and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Lauren has experience working with individuals, couples, and families from various backgrounds and of all ages. Lauren has provided treatment to individuals with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, and other mental health issues that impact daily living.
I am an independently licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience working across inpatient settings, community mental health, and private practice. I received my graduate degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and Art Therapy in Los Angeles, CA and my undergraduate degree at Columbus College of Art & Design. I focus on relationship dynamics, interpersonal challenges, and trauma-informed care. I currently offer virtual therapy sessions exclusively, allowing me to work with adolescents, adults, parents, couples, and families in a flexible and accessible way.
I am an independently licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience working across inpatient settings, community mental health, and private practice. I received my graduate degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and Art Therapy in Los Angeles, CA and my undergraduate degree at Columbus College of Art & Design. I focus on relationship dynamics, interpersonal challenges, and trauma-informed care. I currently offer virtual therapy sessions exclusively, allowing me to work with adolescents, adults, parents, couples, and families in a flexible and accessible way.
I enjoy working with those who need support in exploring their experience. The modern human experience is complicated, and I hope to help folks who want to better understand themselves.
I enjoy working with those who need support in exploring their experience. The modern human experience is complicated, and I hope to help folks who want to better understand themselves.
You are not alone. You matter. Hope matters. Are you wrestling with difficult feelings, life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, spiritual/religious issues, substance abuse, partner betrayal or other trauma? If so, I'm here to help. Providing therapy has been my life's work for 35 years. I treasure working with adults to help them grow and find joy and meaning in life.
You are not alone. You matter. Hope matters. Are you wrestling with difficult feelings, life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, spiritual/religious issues, substance abuse, partner betrayal or other trauma? If so, I'm here to help. Providing therapy has been my life's work for 35 years. I treasure working with adults to help them grow and find joy and meaning in life.
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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.