Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Knoxville, TN
I am a licensed psychologist with more than 20 yrs of experience: areas of focus including crisis, transgender care, & college students . You may appear fine on outside while privately feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure what comes next. Perhaps you are navigating divorce, relationship changes, parenting stress, burnout, grief, identity questions, or another major transition. My approach is warm, direct, practical, & collaborative. Together, we will understand the patterns keeping you stuck & develop concrete strategies for moving forward. You do not need to have everything figured out—we can begin where you are.
I am a licensed psychologist with more than 20 yrs of experience: areas of focus including crisis, transgender care, & college students . You may appear fine on outside while privately feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure what comes next. Perhaps you are navigating divorce, relationship changes, parenting stress, burnout, grief, identity questions, or another major transition. My approach is warm, direct, practical, & collaborative. Together, we will understand the patterns keeping you stuck & develop concrete strategies for moving forward. You do not need to have everything figured out—we can begin where you are.
I have completed trainings in EMDR, Gottman method couples therapy, and kink/BDSM positive approaches.
My approach to the therapeutic process is rooted in working collaboratively with clients, creating an environment that provides a sense of warmth & safety, and fostering a sense of curiosity that supports your therapeutic goals. I will always offer acceptance of your whole self, and seek to empower you in our work together.
I believe that therapy can be more dynamic and versatile than just talk therapy. I incorporate experiential and mind-body approaches such as nature-based expressive arts therapy, music, and somatic approaches if those are elements you are interested in exploring.
I have completed trainings in EMDR, Gottman method couples therapy, and kink/BDSM positive approaches.
My approach to the therapeutic process is rooted in working collaboratively with clients, creating an environment that provides a sense of warmth & safety, and fostering a sense of curiosity that supports your therapeutic goals. I will always offer acceptance of your whole self, and seek to empower you in our work together.
I believe that therapy can be more dynamic and versatile than just talk therapy. I incorporate experiential and mind-body approaches such as nature-based expressive arts therapy, music, and somatic approaches if those are elements you are interested in exploring.
Hi, I’m Josh. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by anxiety — especially social anxiety —
family stress, or the big shifts that come with growing older, you’re in the right place. I primarily work with young to middle-aged adults, especially men, who may feel stuck, misunderstood, or unsure how to move forward when life doesn’t look the way they expected. Whether it’s stress around relationships, changes in family roles, or the pressure of “what’s next,” I’m here to support you in finding more clarity, confidence, and ease in everyday life.
Hi, I’m Josh. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by anxiety — especially social anxiety —
family stress, or the big shifts that come with growing older, you’re in the right place. I primarily work with young to middle-aged adults, especially men, who may feel stuck, misunderstood, or unsure how to move forward when life doesn’t look the way they expected. Whether it’s stress around relationships, changes in family roles, or the pressure of “what’s next,” I’m here to support you in finding more clarity, confidence, and ease in everyday life.
You can START therapy THIS week! You don't have to get on anybody's waiting list.
My first priority is to relate to each person or couple as unique. Everyone has strengths that can be drawn on to help make therapy a positive, enriching, and productive experience. Let's work together so you can live your best life. No matter where you've been, what you've been through or how much money you have there's ALWAYS hope! Finances should NEVER stand between you & getting really good counseling or coaching. I am located near Fulton High School.
You can START therapy THIS week! You don't have to get on anybody's waiting list.
My first priority is to relate to each person or couple as unique. Everyone has strengths that can be drawn on to help make therapy a positive, enriching, and productive experience. Let's work together so you can live your best life. No matter where you've been, what you've been through or how much money you have there's ALWAYS hope! Finances should NEVER stand between you & getting really good counseling or coaching. I am located near Fulton High School.
Are you tired of not feeling like enough — good enough, whole enough, perfect enough?
Maybe you're the one who does it all. The good kid nobody had to worry about. The mediator, the peacemaker. Maybe you're exhausted from holding it together, tired of feeling burnt out and inconsistent. Or maybe you or someone you love has experienced psychosis — the unsettling sense of being watched, or that people are out to get you.
If any of this resonates, I'd love to help you find your own direction and build a life that feels truer to who you are.
Are you tired of not feeling like enough — good enough, whole enough, perfect enough?
Maybe you're the one who does it all. The good kid nobody had to worry about. The mediator, the peacemaker. Maybe you're exhausted from holding it together, tired of feeling burnt out and inconsistent. Or maybe you or someone you love has experienced psychosis — the unsettling sense of being watched, or that people are out to get you.
If any of this resonates, I'd love to help you find your own direction and build a life that feels truer to who you are.
Accepting New Clients! I’m a believer in meeting my clients where they are and empowering them through our work together. My theoretical orientation leans towards using aspects of Interpersonal Process Theory (IPT), emotion-focused therapy, feminist-multicultural therapy, DBT, and CBT to best suit the needs of my client. I strive to create a warm and welcoming therapy space for all.
Accepting New Clients! I’m a believer in meeting my clients where they are and empowering them through our work together. My theoretical orientation leans towards using aspects of Interpersonal Process Theory (IPT), emotion-focused therapy, feminist-multicultural therapy, DBT, and CBT to best suit the needs of my client. I strive to create a warm and welcoming therapy space for all.
If you’re looking for the perfect Therapist, then I’m sorry–you’re going to have to keep looking. I have enough crumbs on the floor of my car to feed my family for a week. My socks seldom match, but life is too short for matching socks, right? And I still haven’t figured out how to work an extra hour into the day so that I can get all my stuff done. Perfect, no. But I’m lucky. In my work, I get the chance to work with people who notice that something hasn't been working in their lives and want to figure out a way to create a life without the pain and the fear of being alone. You can have your best life!
If you’re looking for the perfect Therapist, then I’m sorry–you’re going to have to keep looking. I have enough crumbs on the floor of my car to feed my family for a week. My socks seldom match, but life is too short for matching socks, right? And I still haven’t figured out how to work an extra hour into the day so that I can get all my stuff done. Perfect, no. But I’m lucky. In my work, I get the chance to work with people who notice that something hasn't been working in their lives and want to figure out a way to create a life without the pain and the fear of being alone. You can have your best life!
Carrie's background and training is in Integrative Mental Health for Anxiety and Depression, Gender, and Substance Use (both abstinence and moderation goals) Therapy. After a very rewarding and joyful career of raising five children, Carrie discovered her passion for psychology, therapy, and the clients she has been honoured to work with. Nothing is quite as rewarding as watching a client during an "aha" moment or hearing about a particularly difficult challenge successfully overcome. Nothing touches the soul quite as much as someone trusting you with their deepest of pains.
Carrie's background and training is in Integrative Mental Health for Anxiety and Depression, Gender, and Substance Use (both abstinence and moderation goals) Therapy. After a very rewarding and joyful career of raising five children, Carrie discovered her passion for psychology, therapy, and the clients she has been honoured to work with. Nothing is quite as rewarding as watching a client during an "aha" moment or hearing about a particularly difficult challenge successfully overcome. Nothing touches the soul quite as much as someone trusting you with their deepest of pains.
OPEN (including weekend) as of Aug '26! Our identities impact each and every experience. By supporting, affirming, and empowering marginalized identities, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ and Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) communities, I work towards ensuring that the right to be seen, heard, and understood is experienced by all! My clinical focus is to create a safe space in which clients can shed the expectations, judgements, and stigmas wrongfully and unwillingly forced upon them. I assist clients with their self-expression, emotional regulation, boundary building, communication skills, relationship bonding, and more.
OPEN (including weekend) as of Aug '26! Our identities impact each and every experience. By supporting, affirming, and empowering marginalized identities, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ and Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) communities, I work towards ensuring that the right to be seen, heard, and understood is experienced by all! My clinical focus is to create a safe space in which clients can shed the expectations, judgements, and stigmas wrongfully and unwillingly forced upon them. I assist clients with their self-expression, emotional regulation, boundary building, communication skills, relationship bonding, and more.
James Moore
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37922
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with clients and families of any makeup and any age. I primarily work with adolescents and adults as well as parents. Mood disorders, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, and trauma are a few of the presenting problems that I have experience helping people with.
I have experience working with clients and families of any makeup and any age. I primarily work with adolescents and adults as well as parents. Mood disorders, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, and trauma are a few of the presenting problems that I have experience helping people with.
I provide affirming sex therapy for LGBTQ+, poly, non-monogamous, and kink clients, creating a safe space to explore sexuality and strengthen relationships.
I specialize in helping couples struggling with mismatched libidos, low desire, and intimacy challenges. Using the Gottman Method, sex therapy, and ACT, I help partners rebuild connection, manage conflict, and create a satisfying sexual relationship. Intensives available for couples ready for focused change.
I provide affirming sex therapy for LGBTQ+, poly, non-monogamous, and kink clients, creating a safe space to explore sexuality and strengthen relationships.
I specialize in helping couples struggling with mismatched libidos, low desire, and intimacy challenges. Using the Gottman Method, sex therapy, and ACT, I help partners rebuild connection, manage conflict, and create a satisfying sexual relationship. Intensives available for couples ready for focused change.
I strive to provide a safe space for all clients to explore the issues bringing them to therapy and what underlies those issues. As a multicultural/relational therapist identities that are important to you provide a background for therapy (race, religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, political affiliations, gender identity, gender, sex, ableness, etc.) as those identities make up who you are. Relationships and how you relate with others are also important. I treat anxiety, depression, grief/loss, phases of life issues, family issues, women's issues and men's issues. I am also a sex and gender specialist.
I strive to provide a safe space for all clients to explore the issues bringing them to therapy and what underlies those issues. As a multicultural/relational therapist identities that are important to you provide a background for therapy (race, religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, political affiliations, gender identity, gender, sex, ableness, etc.) as those identities make up who you are. Relationships and how you relate with others are also important. I treat anxiety, depression, grief/loss, phases of life issues, family issues, women's issues and men's issues. I am also a sex and gender specialist.
You might be navigating a life transition, healing from trauma, feeling overwhelmed by burnout, or simply trying to understand yourself more deeply. Whatever you're carrying, you're not meant to carry it alone. I'm here to offer a safe, affirming space where your story matters. With over five years of clinical experience, I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, life transitions, burnout, relationship and identity shifts. My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in deep respect for your lived experience. Together, we can work toward clarity, relief, and a renewed sense of connection with yourself.
You might be navigating a life transition, healing from trauma, feeling overwhelmed by burnout, or simply trying to understand yourself more deeply. Whatever you're carrying, you're not meant to carry it alone. I'm here to offer a safe, affirming space where your story matters. With over five years of clinical experience, I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, life transitions, burnout, relationship and identity shifts. My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in deep respect for your lived experience. Together, we can work toward clarity, relief, and a renewed sense of connection with yourself.
No matter where you are in life, I intend to meet you where you're at and to listen to your story with an open heart and mind, human-to-human. I welcome anyone who wants a better understanding of themselves, their relationships, and the life they're living.
No matter where you are in life, I intend to meet you where you're at and to listen to your story with an open heart and mind, human-to-human. I welcome anyone who wants a better understanding of themselves, their relationships, and the life they're living.
Immediate Openings Available! Taking the first step to engage in therapy is a big step and I'm so happy you have considered me as a possible companion on this journey. Whether you are new to the process of therapy or coming back , it can be hard to find a therapist that is right for you. Most often, I work with young and emerging adults as they are moving away from home, launching into new careers, and starting their own families. This is an exciting and challenging time in life, which can bring about a host of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, identity formation concerns, trauma, shame, and much more.
Immediate Openings Available! Taking the first step to engage in therapy is a big step and I'm so happy you have considered me as a possible companion on this journey. Whether you are new to the process of therapy or coming back , it can be hard to find a therapist that is right for you. Most often, I work with young and emerging adults as they are moving away from home, launching into new careers, and starting their own families. This is an exciting and challenging time in life, which can bring about a host of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, identity formation concerns, trauma, shame, and much more.
I'm mostly telehealth, with in person options on Wednesdays. I help clients honor their past, find their voice, and create their future. It's important that my clients feel valued and respected. My commitment to you is simple: to hold an open non-judgmental space where you may reflect, learn, and grow while feeling supported, safe, and gently challenged. Eventually our discoveries will become a part of your inner voice. You'll be able to notice patterns, challenge your thoughts, and consistently live according to your ideal values. You will become your own advocate. Our work will be together, but your success will be yours.
I'm mostly telehealth, with in person options on Wednesdays. I help clients honor their past, find their voice, and create their future. It's important that my clients feel valued and respected. My commitment to you is simple: to hold an open non-judgmental space where you may reflect, learn, and grow while feeling supported, safe, and gently challenged. Eventually our discoveries will become a part of your inner voice. You'll be able to notice patterns, challenge your thoughts, and consistently live according to your ideal values. You will become your own advocate. Our work will be together, but your success will be yours.
Welcome! If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably struggling right now and wondering if therapy can help.
Maybe you’ve been more down, on edge, or irritable lately. Maybe something from your childhood, college years, or a past relationship doesn’t seem “bad enough” to count as trauma, but still shapes how you see life, others, and yourself.
Worst of all, you may think you deserve this.
My name is Kelsey, and I’m a graduate clinician at Trailhead. My goal is to create a safe environment where you can understand your inner world, face what hurts, and move toward healing at a pace that works for you.
Welcome! If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably struggling right now and wondering if therapy can help.
Maybe you’ve been more down, on edge, or irritable lately. Maybe something from your childhood, college years, or a past relationship doesn’t seem “bad enough” to count as trauma, but still shapes how you see life, others, and yourself.
Worst of all, you may think you deserve this.
My name is Kelsey, and I’m a graduate clinician at Trailhead. My goal is to create a safe environment where you can understand your inner world, face what hurts, and move toward healing at a pace that works for you.
Kelsey Shropshire
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, MHSP
Knoxville, TN 37923
Waitlist for new clients
Many of the people I work with are insightful, self-aware, and tired of repeating patterns that hurt them. The relationships they find themselves in feel confusing, intense, or exhausting. They feel themselves disappearing in relationships, side-stepping their own wants and needs. They may even pull away when things feel too close. They may know why they struggle, at least intellectually, but that hasn’t changed how it actually feels in their body or shows up in relationships. They feel debilitated by the impact these patterns are having on their overall well-being and ability to show up in their lives.
Many of the people I work with are insightful, self-aware, and tired of repeating patterns that hurt them. The relationships they find themselves in feel confusing, intense, or exhausting. They feel themselves disappearing in relationships, side-stepping their own wants and needs. They may even pull away when things feel too close. They may know why they struggle, at least intellectually, but that hasn’t changed how it actually feels in their body or shows up in relationships. They feel debilitated by the impact these patterns are having on their overall well-being and ability to show up in their lives.
Laura Catherine Eddlemon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
9 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37919
Waitlist for new clients
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the field I strive to provide informed and evidence based treatment to clients of diverse backgrounds in a safe, supportive, and accepting environment. Therapy is a unique experience in which we can create the space that we don't often make for ourselves otherwise to stay with and explore our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I recognize that seeking support can be difficult and I truly value the positive feedback my clients have provided regarding their feelings of comfort and safety in their work with me.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the field I strive to provide informed and evidence based treatment to clients of diverse backgrounds in a safe, supportive, and accepting environment. Therapy is a unique experience in which we can create the space that we don't often make for ourselves otherwise to stay with and explore our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I recognize that seeking support can be difficult and I truly value the positive feedback my clients have provided regarding their feelings of comfort and safety in their work with me.
I am a seasoned therapist who highly values customizing your experience for the most effective path to success. I specialize in treating adults recovering from relationships with personality disordered people (Borderline PD and Narcissistic PD), complex trauma recovery, adults with AuDHD and those who seek transformation. I'm a metaphysical teacher and healer, and use my intuitive ability to help assist in energy work as well as therapeutic work.
I am a seasoned therapist who highly values customizing your experience for the most effective path to success. I specialize in treating adults recovering from relationships with personality disordered people (Borderline PD and Narcissistic PD), complex trauma recovery, adults with AuDHD and those who seek transformation. I'm a metaphysical teacher and healer, and use my intuitive ability to help assist in energy work as well as therapeutic work.
See more therapy options for Knoxville
Nearby Sex-Positive & Kink-Friendly Therapists Searches for Knoxville
See More Sex-Positive & Kink-Friendly TherapistsNearby Searches for Knoxville
- Alcoa
- Clinton
- Concord
- Concord Farragut
- Corryton
- Farragut
- Lenoir City
- Louisville
- Maryville
- Oak Ridge
- Powell
- Seymour
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.