Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Philadelphia, PA

Hello! My name is Erica Hochanadel (she/her/hers). I am a queer identified human sexuality professional providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, families, and folks in non-dyadic relationships. My specialization is sex and relational therapy, although I am adept at working with folks presenting with a wide spectrum of concerns. Areas of focus include: LGBTQIA+, Gender Exploration and Transitions, Ethical Nonmonogamy, Kink and BDSM, Sexual Trauma, Erectile Dysfunctions, Infidelity, Infertility and IVF, Anxiety Disorders, Developmental and Life Transitions, Interpersonal Communication and Connection.

Three beliefs I hold that influence how I practice are 1) human beings are not problems to be solved 2) therapy is ultimately about relationship 3) the process itself is the solution. We humans are infinitely complex; we're full of opposition and paradox. Our culture pushes quick fixes and immediate answers, but lasting change rarely comes about when we work in this way. I'm interested in helping you come into fuller, richer, more conscious relationship with all of your moving and sometimes disparate parts. Together we will work from the inside out through a deep, relational process.

I am now offering EMDR. Are you looking to gain a better understanding and acceptance of yourself? Do you need support but worry about “bothering” others with your concerns? Do you want to feel more in touch with your body and your sexual self? Do you and your partner(s) want to refocus on the relationship and strengthen your connection? Do you want to take back control from the problems you feel are ruling your life? These things are all achievable when therapy includes the two most important aspects of successful treatment: hope and an authentic connection with an empathetic therapist who sees, accepts and validates the true you.

Are you looking for a radical therapist with a sense of humor to support you and someone you care about in navigating an interpersonal issue? Is anxiety and/or depression overwhelming you? Are you an individual who has been engaged in care work, community organizing work, or movement work who doesn't want to feel burnt out anymore? Reach out to me! I offer an integrated, holistic approach rooted in an anti-supremacy perspective. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that feels accepting and nonjudgmental without compromising opportunities for growth and expanded possibilities.

Sexuality and relationship concerns are common, yet can be frustrating, overwhelming, and difficult to understand. I want to help you make sense of it all. My clients learn how to enhance pleasure, improve relationships, and develop practical strategies and coping skills.

Do you feel as though the intensity of your emotions overwhelm you? Maybe you're often anxious throughout the day? Are you incredibly aware of the "why" behind your thoughts and actions, yet still haven't successfully created lasting change? Or, maybe you're doing "all the right things," but are wondering why you still feel so numb? If any of these experiences resonated with you, you're not alone. I am specially trained to support anxiety, grief, trauma and relationship stress. Together we are a team. Using evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral therapies and mind-body tools, you can heal, change and create the life you desire.

I utilize an eclectic, psychoanalytic, and relational approach while employing a strong racial justice, feminist, and queer theory lens. I practice from a fat-lib, sex-positive, and intersectional feminist perspective. I believe that one's past informs how they interact with and experience the world. Healing takes place as one fosters empathy and consideration for their past and present selves. The therapeutic relationship allows for gaining deeper perspective and understanding of oneself. I strive to build genuine and earnest rapport with my clients by being deeply nonjudgmental and always practicing with respect.

Hello! My name is Joanne. I’m a therapist specializing in inclusive, affirming care for queer, polyam, and kinky individuals and their loved ones. Therapy should always be a safe space for individuals to work on their deepest vulnerabilities, so let’s talk about stuff like gender identity, orientation, nudity, relationship styles, safe sex, or body image to name a few. The general public can be sex-negative at times, and so, too many people feel shame over identities, desires, and behaviors that are perfectly healthy. Sex is everywhere in our culture, yet meaningful conversations about sex isn’t. Let’s change that.

Do you have trouble knowing what you want or struggle to ask for it? Do you experience overwhelming emotions? Do you find yourself giving in to avoid arguing or cutting people out?Are you considering a life change- moving, breaking up, moving in together, or a job transition? Are you frustrated and disappointed by the lack of physical and emotional connection with the people closest to you? Are you and your partner concerned by your differing levels of sexual desire? Do you want to liberate a part of yourself? These are some of the many questions that my clients have answered with an emphatic "Yes!"

With each person I see in therapy, I start from a space of curiosity for exploration and affirmation without judgement. I view therapy as a tool to support your growth, healing and self-awareness, founded on a unique relationship with each person I see in therapy. Many people I work with have experienced traumatic events and oppression from systems that target certain people for exclusion and violence. Despite the obstacles that can prevent us from experiencing connection, I believe that every person is worthy of love and community.

WHO AM I? I am a licensed psychotherapist who has nearly 20 years of experience. My practice experience has reflected my commitment and passion for children, teens, and families, particularly those who have been impacted by trauma. WHO ARE YOU? Someone who has experienced depression or anxiety. Someone who is dealing with relationships, family, work stress, or transitions in your life. Someone who is exhausted from life in general! Maybe you are a trauma survivor. You are someone who wants to face your struggles and fears and work collaboratively towards a solution.

My patients all want a happier and more fulfilling life. Some know where to start while others do not. In turn, I believe most people are doing their best, with the tools they have, for themselves and those they care about. The will is there - we just have to figure out the way. This may mean adapting old tools, acquiring new ones, or both. We do that with a mixture of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) and Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT) therapy. Along the way, we identify each person's values that give their life meaning and purpose. These inform big decisions but also moment-to-moment actions.

I believe that a trusting relationship is the wellspring from which the benefits of therapy flow. With warmth and unconditional compassion, I aim to create a supportive environment where you can feel safe to show up as your full authentic selves. I believe that our emotions and bodily experiences are messages, and learning to tune into them with curiosity is key to developing self-compassion and experiencing a softer life.

It takes courage to recognize and accept when we might need help. Finding the right therapist to help may be even more challenging. My therapeutic philosophy is based on the idea that each of us has the capacity for healing and growth within ourselves. Therapy should provide you with the space to be your true and authentic self, without judgment, allowing you the freedom to realize your capacity to create meaning in your life. We will work together to develop a relationship rooted in safety and trust so that you can make choices and changes at a pace that feels right for you.

We are connective, social beings, and we all need a support system to help guide us out of the ruts in which we find ourselves. I want to empower you to harness your own strengths, meet the world on your own terms, and make your needs heard, even if you're having trouble finding your voice.

Welcome! Congratulations on taking the first step on this adventure. I know finding the right therapist can be hard and a grueling process. For many clients this is the first time they have asked for help. I am passionate about creating a space for clients that is safe, freeing & nonjudgmental. I hope to do this through my multicultural background, interest in the client's perspective and the therapeutic relationship built. I operate from a systems & contextual framework where I believe clients are stuck, not sick. I work with clients to create goals and plans that are collaborative and empowering.