Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Memphis, TN
As a sex-positive, kink-aware therapist with military and emergency services experience, I offer trauma-informed, strengths-based care tailored to you.
You might be an individual or part of a couple feeling stuck in repeating patterns around communication, intimacy, or trust—whether in a long-term monogamous relationship, opening up a relationship, or navigating ethical non-monogamy or polyamory. Maybe you’re also carrying trauma, anxiety, or burnout from demanding roles such as first responder or military service. You want a nonjudgmental space to untangle patterns, feel more secure in yourself, and build relationships that feel honest, connected, and sustainable.
As a sex-positive, kink-aware therapist with military and emergency services experience, I offer trauma-informed, strengths-based care tailored to you.
You might be an individual or part of a couple feeling stuck in repeating patterns around communication, intimacy, or trust—whether in a long-term monogamous relationship, opening up a relationship, or navigating ethical non-monogamy or polyamory. Maybe you’re also carrying trauma, anxiety, or burnout from demanding roles such as first responder or military service. You want a nonjudgmental space to untangle patterns, feel more secure in yourself, and build relationships that feel honest, connected, and sustainable.
Hello, glad you could make it here. Has life's challenges thrown you off course? Has the struggles of your past been affecting your present and dimming your future? Have you gotten to a point in life where you just feel stuck and not living the life that you want to live? Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid the deep rooted issues that eventually compound and manifest into unhealthy behaviors, relationship problems, anxiety, depression and addiction. This can often be tough to acknowledge and let's be real, seeking help from a professional can be a daunting and intimidating task. But it does not have to be. There is hope.
Hello, glad you could make it here. Has life's challenges thrown you off course? Has the struggles of your past been affecting your present and dimming your future? Have you gotten to a point in life where you just feel stuck and not living the life that you want to live? Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid the deep rooted issues that eventually compound and manifest into unhealthy behaviors, relationship problems, anxiety, depression and addiction. This can often be tough to acknowledge and let's be real, seeking help from a professional can be a daunting and intimidating task. But it does not have to be. There is hope.
Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. -Desmond Tutu. Sometimes it is hard to be hopeful when we are faced with problems in our life. Oftentimes claiming hope is the first step towards overcoming challenges, whether they be depression or anxiety, relationship stressors, or accepting and flourishing as individuals with multiple identities. From the onset of our time working together, we will establish hope as a foundation. From there we can address whatever burdens you carry together, to give you the knowledge and skills you need to live fully and happily.
Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. -Desmond Tutu. Sometimes it is hard to be hopeful when we are faced with problems in our life. Oftentimes claiming hope is the first step towards overcoming challenges, whether they be depression or anxiety, relationship stressors, or accepting and flourishing as individuals with multiple identities. From the onset of our time working together, we will establish hope as a foundation. From there we can address whatever burdens you carry together, to give you the knowledge and skills you need to live fully and happily.
Often, life gets away from us before we realize how quickly things have changed. Life is a process of personal growth and evolution. It is also a process of building and maintaining relationships with people in a world that is constantly in flux. In my Individual Therapy and Family Therapy practice, I focus on partnering with you to explore challenges around interpersonal relationships, behavioral problems, sexual identity and behaviors, self-esteem, core beliefs/values, and many other aspects of life.
Often, life gets away from us before we realize how quickly things have changed. Life is a process of personal growth and evolution. It is also a process of building and maintaining relationships with people in a world that is constantly in flux. In my Individual Therapy and Family Therapy practice, I focus on partnering with you to explore challenges around interpersonal relationships, behavioral problems, sexual identity and behaviors, self-esteem, core beliefs/values, and many other aspects of life.
Therapy provides a space to engage in a unique relationship which explores the inner universe of the self. I provide a compassionate, humorous, creative space to support client’s growth and teach them how to tap into their inner strengths, wisdom, and courage. I work relationally and collaboratively with my clients and frequently check in about our relationship and welcome feedback on the how the process is effecting them. Through having a background in Theatre Arts and Studio Art I incorporate creativity into my practice through experiential techniques focused on mindfulness and movement/body oriented work.
Therapy provides a space to engage in a unique relationship which explores the inner universe of the self. I provide a compassionate, humorous, creative space to support client’s growth and teach them how to tap into their inner strengths, wisdom, and courage. I work relationally and collaboratively with my clients and frequently check in about our relationship and welcome feedback on the how the process is effecting them. Through having a background in Theatre Arts and Studio Art I incorporate creativity into my practice through experiential techniques focused on mindfulness and movement/body oriented work.
As a therapist, I strive to create an environment that affirms who you are as a person. Therapy involves some of our most vulnerable experiences and my practice centers on being supportive so you feel secure while exploring ways to improve your daily life. So much of a positive human experience involves being heard and validated by others, especially in our own homes. I will work with you and your loved ones to learn healthy communication skills to improve your relationships, increase acceptance and understanding in the home, and learn to manage conflict in a healthy manner.
As a therapist, I strive to create an environment that affirms who you are as a person. Therapy involves some of our most vulnerable experiences and my practice centers on being supportive so you feel secure while exploring ways to improve your daily life. So much of a positive human experience involves being heard and validated by others, especially in our own homes. I will work with you and your loved ones to learn healthy communication skills to improve your relationships, increase acceptance and understanding in the home, and learn to manage conflict in a healthy manner.
Life has its share of challenges. These can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, lost, insecure, and in need of change. Reaching out for support is the first step to healing. I understand what has brought you to this page has not been easy, but I'm glad you're here. I am passionate about helping others live a life they want to live. I have experience supporting anxiety, OCD, depression, relationship conflict, trauma, work/academic stressors, self-esteem/identity, grief, life transitions, & existential concerns.
Life has its share of challenges. These can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, lost, insecure, and in need of change. Reaching out for support is the first step to healing. I understand what has brought you to this page has not been easy, but I'm glad you're here. I am passionate about helping others live a life they want to live. I have experience supporting anxiety, OCD, depression, relationship conflict, trauma, work/academic stressors, self-esteem/identity, grief, life transitions, & existential concerns.
You don’t have to have everything figured out to start therapy. Many of the people I work with are carrying anxiety, stress, or patterns rooted in family history that feel hard to name or untangle. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with adults, specializing in generational trauma, anxiety, and financial stress. I’m intentional about creating a space that feels safe, honest, and human. I offer evening and weekend sessions, both tele-health and in person, and accept a variety of commercial insurance plans.
You don’t have to have everything figured out to start therapy. Many of the people I work with are carrying anxiety, stress, or patterns rooted in family history that feel hard to name or untangle. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with adults, specializing in generational trauma, anxiety, and financial stress. I’m intentional about creating a space that feels safe, honest, and human. I offer evening and weekend sessions, both tele-health and in person, and accept a variety of commercial insurance plans.
Are you and your partner struggling after betrayal, broken trust, or ongoing conflict? I specialize in helping couples repair emotional wounds, rebuild trust, and create safer, more connected relationships. Relationships can feel really painful when trust has been broken. Whether you're navigating betrayal, emotional distance, repeated conflict, or uncertainty about whether to stay together, couples therapy can help you slow things down and understand what's really happening beneath the surface.
Are you and your partner struggling after betrayal, broken trust, or ongoing conflict? I specialize in helping couples repair emotional wounds, rebuild trust, and create safer, more connected relationships. Relationships can feel really painful when trust has been broken. Whether you're navigating betrayal, emotional distance, repeated conflict, or uncertainty about whether to stay together, couples therapy can help you slow things down and understand what's really happening beneath the surface.
My ideal clients are those navigating behavioral or substance use addictions, anxiety and depression, ADHD and executive functioning challenges, and difficulties with emotional regulation. I also love working with individuals navigating religious trauma and deconstruction. My clients often come to therapy wanting relief, clarity, and a stronger sense of self, and together we work toward building the insight and tools needed for genuine, lasting change.
My ideal clients are those navigating behavioral or substance use addictions, anxiety and depression, ADHD and executive functioning challenges, and difficulties with emotional regulation. I also love working with individuals navigating religious trauma and deconstruction. My clients often come to therapy wanting relief, clarity, and a stronger sense of self, and together we work toward building the insight and tools needed for genuine, lasting change.
I am a kink-aware professional and am knowledgeable in helping those who identify as polyamorous or non-monogamous.
Developing your personal and relational identity is the top focus of the therapy I provide. My goal as your provider is to help you reach your full potential for growth and happiness. I help those who are experiencing gender dysphoria, sexuality concerns, mood disturbance, anxiety issues, behavioral issues, trauma survivors, and those who are self-harming or suicidal reconnect with whom they are essentially. I believe it is imperative to identify and examine systemic, environmental, and community influences that may be thwarting your growth and decrease self-blame for factors outside your control.
I am a kink-aware professional and am knowledgeable in helping those who identify as polyamorous or non-monogamous.
Developing your personal and relational identity is the top focus of the therapy I provide. My goal as your provider is to help you reach your full potential for growth and happiness. I help those who are experiencing gender dysphoria, sexuality concerns, mood disturbance, anxiety issues, behavioral issues, trauma survivors, and those who are self-harming or suicidal reconnect with whom they are essentially. I believe it is imperative to identify and examine systemic, environmental, and community influences that may be thwarting your growth and decrease self-blame for factors outside your control.
Being seen and heard are gifts that many of us have not consistently received throughout our lives. These gifts are essential to our humanity—they allow us to experience fullness, wholeness, and a steady sense of self. When we experience ruptures or traumas—whether with society, others, or ourselves—it’s often because we’ve been reduced to parts, rather than being seen and understood as our full selves. We may even begin to believe that this fragmentation is all we are worth, or we may fall into the trap of living in scarcity, convinced that we don’t deserve abundance. Yet, deep within, we know we were meant for more.
Being seen and heard are gifts that many of us have not consistently received throughout our lives. These gifts are essential to our humanity—they allow us to experience fullness, wholeness, and a steady sense of self. When we experience ruptures or traumas—whether with society, others, or ourselves—it’s often because we’ve been reduced to parts, rather than being seen and understood as our full selves. We may even begin to believe that this fragmentation is all we are worth, or we may fall into the trap of living in scarcity, convinced that we don’t deserve abundance. Yet, deep within, we know we were meant for more.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to break free from the status quo and find meaningful ways to create change, balance, and peace in their life. I fully support disruptors, cycle breakers, and those courageously challenging generational patterns and societal expectations to embrace their truest selves. If you’re ready to stop conforming to boxes that were never meant for you, I see you. Change is hard—setting and maintaining boundaries, creating new patterns that align with your goals, and learning to prioritize yourself takes strength and intention. We all need safe spaces, and I am here to provide that for you.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to break free from the status quo and find meaningful ways to create change, balance, and peace in their life. I fully support disruptors, cycle breakers, and those courageously challenging generational patterns and societal expectations to embrace their truest selves. If you’re ready to stop conforming to boxes that were never meant for you, I see you. Change is hard—setting and maintaining boundaries, creating new patterns that align with your goals, and learning to prioritize yourself takes strength and intention. We all need safe spaces, and I am here to provide that for you.
What if healing didn’t mean fixing yourself—but coming home to who you’ve always been?
Our ideal clients are deep feelers, cycle breakers, late-diagnosed neurodivergent folks, or those exploring their identity, faith, or relationships in new ways. They want relief from anxiety, clarity in their story, and freedom to be their full selves. Whether they’re navigating trauma, burnout, or self-worth, they’re ready for healing rooted in compassion and accountability. We specialize in restoring relationships- the relationship with your friends, family, community, the world, but most importantly your relationship with self.
What if healing didn’t mean fixing yourself—but coming home to who you’ve always been?
Our ideal clients are deep feelers, cycle breakers, late-diagnosed neurodivergent folks, or those exploring their identity, faith, or relationships in new ways. They want relief from anxiety, clarity in their story, and freedom to be their full selves. Whether they’re navigating trauma, burnout, or self-worth, they’re ready for healing rooted in compassion and accountability. We specialize in restoring relationships- the relationship with your friends, family, community, the world, but most importantly your relationship with self.
The most important parts of mental wellness are the ability to increase one’s self-awareness and broaden one’s perspective. As your counselor, I will provide a safe and judgment free environment for you to gain a better understanding of whatever issues you are dealing with as an individual, couple, or in any other types of romantic relationships. The main goal of most clients is "to feel better," and I am here to help you make that goal more specific so that you can grow in the areas most important to you. I also strive to destigmatize counseling for men, Black / African-Americans, and other minority groups.
The most important parts of mental wellness are the ability to increase one’s self-awareness and broaden one’s perspective. As your counselor, I will provide a safe and judgment free environment for you to gain a better understanding of whatever issues you are dealing with as an individual, couple, or in any other types of romantic relationships. The main goal of most clients is "to feel better," and I am here to help you make that goal more specific so that you can grow in the areas most important to you. I also strive to destigmatize counseling for men, Black / African-Americans, and other minority groups.
My ideal client may be experiencing challenges such as trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, perinatal mood disorders, or interpersonal and identity-related stressors. Many are seeking a therapist who understands and affirms their lived experiences, particularly those in LGBTQIA+ communities or living with HIV/AIDS. They want to feel heard, understood, and empowered—to heal, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways, all within a supportive, nonjudgmental space where they can define their own goals and path forward.
My ideal client may be experiencing challenges such as trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, perinatal mood disorders, or interpersonal and identity-related stressors. Many are seeking a therapist who understands and affirms their lived experiences, particularly those in LGBTQIA+ communities or living with HIV/AIDS. They want to feel heard, understood, and empowered—to heal, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways, all within a supportive, nonjudgmental space where they can define their own goals and path forward.
My office is a safe place to heal from deep pain and dark secrets and resolve emotionally complex situations. I can help you move on and chart a new course. I am very relaxed and informal. I am not conventional, stuffy, or judgmental. Not churchy. I work quietly and deeply. I work well with sensitive people troubled by their minds, feelings, and personal or societal unrest. I can help you set healthier boundaries with family, work, friends, and lovers. Only telehealth appointments are open for the foreseeable future.
My office is a safe place to heal from deep pain and dark secrets and resolve emotionally complex situations. I can help you move on and chart a new course. I am very relaxed and informal. I am not conventional, stuffy, or judgmental. Not churchy. I work quietly and deeply. I work well with sensitive people troubled by their minds, feelings, and personal or societal unrest. I can help you set healthier boundaries with family, work, friends, and lovers. Only telehealth appointments are open for the foreseeable future.
Forward Counseling of the Mid South
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC, PMHNP, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38117
Are you looking for personal growth and the possibility of change? Do you like setting goals and reaching them? Forward Counseling is a group of independent professionals that utilize evidence-based interventions to move our clients toward their goals. We offer individual, family, group, and couples counseling virtually or in the office. To get started, call or complete a contact form on our site at forwardcounseling.com/contact or bit.ly/newclientcontactform
Are you looking for personal growth and the possibility of change? Do you like setting goals and reaching them? Forward Counseling is a group of independent professionals that utilize evidence-based interventions to move our clients toward their goals. We offer individual, family, group, and couples counseling virtually or in the office. To get started, call or complete a contact form on our site at forwardcounseling.com/contact or bit.ly/newclientcontactform
Kirsten Cannon
Licensed Professional Counselor, SEP, CEDS, LPCMHSP, LCMHC
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38119
I am a weight-inclusive, LGBTQIA2+ celebrating, neurodivergent therapist practicing with compassion and a sense of humor. I believe that our bodies can be carrying the burden of stories we feel we have resolved intellectually, so we have to include the body in the therapeutic process so that we can fully heal. Real and true healing and wellness come when we are able to reopen the conversation with our bodies, repair that ruptured relationship, and integrate into one gracefully embodied self. You and I will use Somatic Experiencing in our work together in order to accomplish this.
I am a weight-inclusive, LGBTQIA2+ celebrating, neurodivergent therapist practicing with compassion and a sense of humor. I believe that our bodies can be carrying the burden of stories we feel we have resolved intellectually, so we have to include the body in the therapeutic process so that we can fully heal. Real and true healing and wellness come when we are able to reopen the conversation with our bodies, repair that ruptured relationship, and integrate into one gracefully embodied self. You and I will use Somatic Experiencing in our work together in order to accomplish this.
Healing is a journey, not an event, and it starts by forging a new path, doing things differently.
I believe we are a collection of our experiences. Sometimes, the culmination of these experiences can leave us feeling unbalanced, not ourselves. In these seasons of uncertainty, we yearn for change but aren’t sure how to make that happen. We have learned which aspects of ourselves are acceptable to others and which we must hide by diminishing our true selves, our light.
Healing is a journey, not an event, and it starts by forging a new path, doing things differently.
I believe we are a collection of our experiences. Sometimes, the culmination of these experiences can leave us feeling unbalanced, not ourselves. In these seasons of uncertainty, we yearn for change but aren’t sure how to make that happen. We have learned which aspects of ourselves are acceptable to others and which we must hide by diminishing our true selves, our light.
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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.