Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Worthington, OH
I bring with a reverence for story, complexity, and contradiction to therapy. As a queer, fat femme, I hold space with intention and compassion. My practice centers those often pushed to the margins - Queer, Trans, Non-binary, Neurodivergent, Disabled, Fat, chronically ill, and non-monogamous folks, as well as those surviving oppressive systems.
I bring with a reverence for story, complexity, and contradiction to therapy. As a queer, fat femme, I hold space with intention and compassion. My practice centers those often pushed to the margins - Queer, Trans, Non-binary, Neurodivergent, Disabled, Fat, chronically ill, and non-monogamous folks, as well as those surviving oppressive systems.
I became a therapist because I know how isolating it can feel to navigate the world without spaces that truly honor all of who you are. As a queer, black woman, I’ve carried the weight of moving through systems that weren’t built with me in mind. Those experiences taught me the importance of having a place where you can show up fully—without judgment, without code-switching, and without apology. My work is grounded in creating affirming, nonjudgmental spaces for people navigating the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and mental health. I hope each session leaves you feeling more grounded, empowered & connected to yourself.
I became a therapist because I know how isolating it can feel to navigate the world without spaces that truly honor all of who you are. As a queer, black woman, I’ve carried the weight of moving through systems that weren’t built with me in mind. Those experiences taught me the importance of having a place where you can show up fully—without judgment, without code-switching, and without apology. My work is grounded in creating affirming, nonjudgmental spaces for people navigating the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and mental health. I hope each session leaves you feeling more grounded, empowered & connected to yourself.
I believe wholeheartedly in the resilience of my clients, and that means I know that you are the expert in your own life. My role as a therapist is simply to help restore your confidence in yourself through a lens of compassion, creativity, humor (at times), and non-judgement. You already have all that you need - I'm just here to help you access it!
And because sometimes talking just doesn't cut it, I love using art, writing, and other creative mediums to help de-mystify the therapy space and help clients express themselves a little easier. Therapy should work for YOU, not the other way around.
I believe wholeheartedly in the resilience of my clients, and that means I know that you are the expert in your own life. My role as a therapist is simply to help restore your confidence in yourself through a lens of compassion, creativity, humor (at times), and non-judgement. You already have all that you need - I'm just here to help you access it!
And because sometimes talking just doesn't cut it, I love using art, writing, and other creative mediums to help de-mystify the therapy space and help clients express themselves a little easier. Therapy should work for YOU, not the other way around.
Brianna Badenhop
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, CST
1 Endorsed
Worthington, OH 43085
Waitlist for new clients
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.
Common client goals include: relieving depression/anxiety, adjusting to transitions, improving self-confidence, and building healthy relationships. Former clients describe me as genuine, honest, attentive, and warm, with a good sense of humor.
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.
Common client goals include: relieving depression/anxiety, adjusting to transitions, improving self-confidence, and building healthy relationships. Former clients describe me as genuine, honest, attentive, and warm, with a good sense of humor.
Would you like someone to unburden your daily struggles to? I’d be honored to be that person who truly listens and helps you find the answers you are looking for. I know being in this space makes you vulnerable, and it can be intimidating. Walking through the door is the first step towards healing and finding a better balance in your life. Allow me to challenge you to reach your goals.
Would you like someone to unburden your daily struggles to? I’d be honored to be that person who truly listens and helps you find the answers you are looking for. I know being in this space makes you vulnerable, and it can be intimidating. Walking through the door is the first step towards healing and finding a better balance in your life. Allow me to challenge you to reach your goals.
Do you struggle with anxiety, emotional pain, or a loss of your sense of self that affects your ability to connect with others and live your life to the fullest? Do you feel lost or frustrated from making an effort for years to handle your distress? Do you ever wonder if there is anything left to try? Now more than ever, people are feeling overwhelmed with finding their place in life and navigating their own minds.
Do you struggle with anxiety, emotional pain, or a loss of your sense of self that affects your ability to connect with others and live your life to the fullest? Do you feel lost or frustrated from making an effort for years to handle your distress? Do you ever wonder if there is anything left to try? Now more than ever, people are feeling overwhelmed with finding their place in life and navigating their own minds.
Gabby Silone
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Worthington, OH 43085
Waitlist for new clients
Reaching out for counseling can be scary or intimidating. It can also be challenging to find the right "fit" with a therapist. I hope to offer a place where clients can feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Seeking counseling can help you make sense of your past, present, and your future. If you are feeling down, anxious, lost, or just off and your current coping skills aren't working, starting therapy might be a good next step.
Reaching out for counseling can be scary or intimidating. It can also be challenging to find the right "fit" with a therapist. I hope to offer a place where clients can feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Seeking counseling can help you make sense of your past, present, and your future. If you are feeling down, anxious, lost, or just off and your current coping skills aren't working, starting therapy might be a good next step.
Are you exhausted from carrying life's burdens on your own? As a therapist, my goal is to walk alongside clients who are navigating transitions and challenges in life and offer empathy and input along the way. I believe therapy is not "one size fits all" and use an individualized approach in my work with clients. My previous experience has included working in crisis management, behavioral health and substance use treatment, and medical social work. I have several areas of interest including working with LGBTQ individuals and their families, pregnant/postpartum clients, women's issues and military/Veterans and their families.
Are you exhausted from carrying life's burdens on your own? As a therapist, my goal is to walk alongside clients who are navigating transitions and challenges in life and offer empathy and input along the way. I believe therapy is not "one size fits all" and use an individualized approach in my work with clients. My previous experience has included working in crisis management, behavioral health and substance use treatment, and medical social work. I have several areas of interest including working with LGBTQ individuals and their families, pregnant/postpartum clients, women's issues and military/Veterans and their families.
If you are seeking a therapist to help you make positive changes in your life, I'm here for you. I have extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, Military Service Members & Veterans. To assist you with the transitions you are facing in your life, I'll create a therapeutic environment where you can be your authentic self.
If you are seeking a therapist to help you make positive changes in your life, I'm here for you. I have extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, Military Service Members & Veterans. To assist you with the transitions you are facing in your life, I'll create a therapeutic environment where you can be your authentic self.
Irene O'Neill
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, SEP, NARM
1 Endorsed
Worthington, OH 43085
Engaging in therapy can feel vulnerable, and I respect the courage it takes to consider this step. Whether you're feeling stuck in your life or impacted by anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, or LGBTQIA+ exploration, you're not alone. I believe healing is possible for everyone, no matter where you are in your journey. Therapy isn’t about 'fixing' you—it’s about helping you reconnect with your whole self and experience life in a more grounded, authentic way. As we explore how your past experiences shape your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we’ll work together to help you create the life you most want.
Engaging in therapy can feel vulnerable, and I respect the courage it takes to consider this step. Whether you're feeling stuck in your life or impacted by anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, or LGBTQIA+ exploration, you're not alone. I believe healing is possible for everyone, no matter where you are in your journey. Therapy isn’t about 'fixing' you—it’s about helping you reconnect with your whole self and experience life in a more grounded, authentic way. As we explore how your past experiences shape your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we’ll work together to help you create the life you most want.
Ryan Michael Ziegler
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, MLIS, LPCC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I practice counseling from a humanistic perspective, valuing people's intrinsic potential to move toward growth and healing. I collaborate with clients, providing the space and opportunity to explore the nature of their relationship with self and their relationship with others. I seek balance in my work. I respect that my work with clients often needs to shift fluidly between different approaches: practical concerns such as skills-building and decision-making, internal explorations of experience, and existential concerns regarding discovering or creating meaning and purpose.
I practice counseling from a humanistic perspective, valuing people's intrinsic potential to move toward growth and healing. I collaborate with clients, providing the space and opportunity to explore the nature of their relationship with self and their relationship with others. I seek balance in my work. I respect that my work with clients often needs to shift fluidly between different approaches: practical concerns such as skills-building and decision-making, internal explorations of experience, and existential concerns regarding discovering or creating meaning and purpose.
I am passionate about providing trauma informed services to individuals, especially those who work in a helping professions/caretaker role and/or are neurodivergent. I can assist with managing burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue. I strive to provide neurodiversity affirming services. My therapeutic style is warm and encouraging of each clients’ strengths. My aim is always for clients to feel empowered, confident, and organized. I have experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, neurodiversity, and life transitions.
I am passionate about providing trauma informed services to individuals, especially those who work in a helping professions/caretaker role and/or are neurodivergent. I can assist with managing burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue. I strive to provide neurodiversity affirming services. My therapeutic style is warm and encouraging of each clients’ strengths. My aim is always for clients to feel empowered, confident, and organized. I have experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, neurodiversity, and life transitions.
Living in balance is the ongoing goal I hope for my clients. Whether it be to repair relationships, working on achieving your personal best, learning to handle mental illness, moving towards forgiveness, or handling life changes, we can always move towards making positive changes to live a more satisfying life.
Living in balance is the ongoing goal I hope for my clients. Whether it be to repair relationships, working on achieving your personal best, learning to handle mental illness, moving towards forgiveness, or handling life changes, we can always move towards making positive changes to live a more satisfying life.
Jessica L Leser
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
My work focuses on creating meaningful, lasting change by exploring the deeper layers of your experience. Together, we move beyond surface symptoms to understand and shift the patterns shaping your inner and relational life. I specialize in trauma-informed care for complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and attachment challenges, drawing on Somatic Mindfulness and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help you build a compassionate connection with yourself.
My work focuses on creating meaningful, lasting change by exploring the deeper layers of your experience. Together, we move beyond surface symptoms to understand and shift the patterns shaping your inner and relational life. I specialize in trauma-informed care for complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and attachment challenges, drawing on Somatic Mindfulness and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help you build a compassionate connection with yourself.
While I have experience working with a range of ages and issues, my speciality is working with teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and childhood wounds. Many folx who I work with seek therapy wanting to eliminate their anxiety and depression, but often move on with a deeper understanding of where these issues stem from. They rediscover power in their voice and are able to set healthy boundaries. They explore patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors, increasing a sense of self awareness. Folx move on feeling more connected and compassionate within themselves..
While I have experience working with a range of ages and issues, my speciality is working with teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and childhood wounds. Many folx who I work with seek therapy wanting to eliminate their anxiety and depression, but often move on with a deeper understanding of where these issues stem from. They rediscover power in their voice and are able to set healthy boundaries. They explore patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors, increasing a sense of self awareness. Folx move on feeling more connected and compassionate within themselves..
Your therapy will be a unique, tailored combination of the highly effective psychophysiological experiential therapies of EMDR therapy, Safe and Sound Protocol, Biofeedback, iRest Yoga Nidra, Pranayama Breathwork, and traditional talk therapy lenses such as Family Systems, CBT, ACT.
These modalities are a curated toolkit to treat the wounds caused by harshness of life and recreate something new, living, and vibrant for all of my clients.
This is not traditional talk therapy. Expect results.
Your therapy will be a unique, tailored combination of the highly effective psychophysiological experiential therapies of EMDR therapy, Safe and Sound Protocol, Biofeedback, iRest Yoga Nidra, Pranayama Breathwork, and traditional talk therapy lenses such as Family Systems, CBT, ACT.
These modalities are a curated toolkit to treat the wounds caused by harshness of life and recreate something new, living, and vibrant for all of my clients.
This is not traditional talk therapy. Expect results.
I have a passion for watching clients learn to love and take care of themselves, and each other in ways that feel both nurturing and empowering. I enjoy helping people navigate the transitions and challenges of life. I am passionate about supporting the LGBT+ community, trauma survivors, cycle breakers, healthcare workers and those struggling with body image concerns. I practice from a HAES (health at every size) framework and practice with compassion and inclusivity for all people.
I have a passion for watching clients learn to love and take care of themselves, and each other in ways that feel both nurturing and empowering. I enjoy helping people navigate the transitions and challenges of life. I am passionate about supporting the LGBT+ community, trauma survivors, cycle breakers, healthcare workers and those struggling with body image concerns. I practice from a HAES (health at every size) framework and practice with compassion and inclusivity for all people.
I historically specialize in working with children and adolescents, but also have experience working with adults, families, and couples, treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, body-focused repetitive behaviors, family and relationship conflict, OCD, and behavior concerns.
I historically specialize in working with children and adolescents, but also have experience working with adults, families, and couples, treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, body-focused repetitive behaviors, family and relationship conflict, OCD, and behavior concerns.
Emerson Douglas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
4 Endorsed
Worthington, OH 43085
Not accepting new clients
Unfortunately not accepting any new gender-affirming surgery letter or therapy clients at this time.
As a transmasculine-identified therapist, I'm proud to specialize in LGBQ+ and Transgender-affirming therapy. My passion as a therapist is to empower queer, trans, and nonbinary folks to embrace their authentic selves. Rooted in an anti-oppression framework, my mission is to co-create a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to explore healing through the development of a therapeutic relationship founded in authenticity, openness, and connection. My pronouns are he/they. I invite you to share your pronouns and name with me.
Unfortunately not accepting any new gender-affirming surgery letter or therapy clients at this time.
As a transmasculine-identified therapist, I'm proud to specialize in LGBQ+ and Transgender-affirming therapy. My passion as a therapist is to empower queer, trans, and nonbinary folks to embrace their authentic selves. Rooted in an anti-oppression framework, my mission is to co-create a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to explore healing through the development of a therapeutic relationship founded in authenticity, openness, and connection. My pronouns are he/they. I invite you to share your pronouns and name with me.
See more therapy options for Worthington
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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.