Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
I specialize in working with individuals and partners navigating complex relationship dynamics, including polyamory, non-monogamy, and kink.
You may be feeling the weight of recurring communication issues, growing distance, or the sense that you’re carrying more than you let on. Perhaps you’re navigating shifting identities, complex relationship dynamics, or a level of stress that no longer feels manageable on your own. You’re looking for clarity, support, and a space where you can be fully understood without judgment. You want meaningful change, deeper connection, and a path forward that actually feels attainable.
I specialize in working with individuals and partners navigating complex relationship dynamics, including polyamory, non-monogamy, and kink.
You may be feeling the weight of recurring communication issues, growing distance, or the sense that you’re carrying more than you let on. Perhaps you’re navigating shifting identities, complex relationship dynamics, or a level of stress that no longer feels manageable on your own. You’re looking for clarity, support, and a space where you can be fully understood without judgment. You want meaningful change, deeper connection, and a path forward that actually feels attainable.
I have a wide range of interests and specializations including, but not limited to, the following: LGBTQ+, faith and questions/doubts/fears around religion/religious trauma, ENM/polyamory, neurodivergent folks, kink-allied/sex-positive/sexual dysfunction, self-esteem/body positivity/healthy at any size, teenagers, college students, young adults & more.
If you've ever dreaded going to therapy because of therapists who did not appear to genuinely be listening or said things that did not resonate with your beliefs, I'm your person. I enjoy living in the corners and at the fringes of what stereotypical therapy might look like. It is important to me that those who are outcasts, quirky, different, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and the marginalized feel heard. When we work together, I want you to feel like you matter (because you do). Our time together is valuable to me. My job is to work myself out of a job by giving you the tools you need to succeed- not to hold you hostage for more copays.
I have a wide range of interests and specializations including, but not limited to, the following: LGBTQ+, faith and questions/doubts/fears around religion/religious trauma, ENM/polyamory, neurodivergent folks, kink-allied/sex-positive/sexual dysfunction, self-esteem/body positivity/healthy at any size, teenagers, college students, young adults & more.
If you've ever dreaded going to therapy because of therapists who did not appear to genuinely be listening or said things that did not resonate with your beliefs, I'm your person. I enjoy living in the corners and at the fringes of what stereotypical therapy might look like. It is important to me that those who are outcasts, quirky, different, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and the marginalized feel heard. When we work together, I want you to feel like you matter (because you do). Our time together is valuable to me. My job is to work myself out of a job by giving you the tools you need to succeed- not to hold you hostage for more copays.
Sammy Kirk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Do you have a sense that something about your childhood is affecting you as an adult? Maybe you can put your finger on exactly what it is, or maybe you are just seeing patterns in your life & relationships that have you wondering if there’s something deeper behind it. Past therapy experiences may have been helpful in some ways, but you seem to keep getting stuck. It feels like anxiety and self-doubt are the ones controlling the direction of your life, not what is true and authentic to you. You’re ready to address these things at the source, so you can finally work with your inner critic and regain control of your life.
Do you have a sense that something about your childhood is affecting you as an adult? Maybe you can put your finger on exactly what it is, or maybe you are just seeing patterns in your life & relationships that have you wondering if there’s something deeper behind it. Past therapy experiences may have been helpful in some ways, but you seem to keep getting stuck. It feels like anxiety and self-doubt are the ones controlling the direction of your life, not what is true and authentic to you. You’re ready to address these things at the source, so you can finally work with your inner critic and regain control of your life.
At Del Ray Psych & Wellness, we believe therapy should feel like connection — a space where healing begins with being truly seen and supported. Our team of compassionate clinicians helps individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with care, curiosity, and respect.
We take a holistic approach that honors the mind, body, and spirit, drawing from evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. For those seeking deeper understanding and clarity, we also provide comprehensive psychological assessments. For clients seeking innovative options, we offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
At Del Ray Psych & Wellness, we believe therapy should feel like connection — a space where healing begins with being truly seen and supported. Our team of compassionate clinicians helps individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with care, curiosity, and respect.
We take a holistic approach that honors the mind, body, and spirit, drawing from evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. For those seeking deeper understanding and clarity, we also provide comprehensive psychological assessments. For clients seeking innovative options, we offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
At our practice, we specialize in empowering our clients to discover healthier lifestyles through integrative wellness services solutions. We provide a variety of healing modalities, including hypnotherapy, life coaching, couples coaching, Reiki energy healing, and intuitive healing. Our clients choose us because we are committed to techniques that offer fast and effective healing.
At our practice, we specialize in empowering our clients to discover healthier lifestyles through integrative wellness services solutions. We provide a variety of healing modalities, including hypnotherapy, life coaching, couples coaching, Reiki energy healing, and intuitive healing. Our clients choose us because we are committed to techniques that offer fast and effective healing.
Lenée N. Essig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, LFYP-1, RYT200, LLC
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Sometimes we just need a safe space to collect our thoughts, name our hurts, explore our desires and work through our fears. I can offer you a space of hope and reprieve. Together, you and I, will work through the anxiety and sadness that is overshadowing your life, and not allowing you to live the full and authentic life that you desire. I work from a somatic (body-centered) approach, while emphasizing mindfulness and eastern philosophy, as well as incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy.
Sometimes we just need a safe space to collect our thoughts, name our hurts, explore our desires and work through our fears. I can offer you a space of hope and reprieve. Together, you and I, will work through the anxiety and sadness that is overshadowing your life, and not allowing you to live the full and authentic life that you desire. I work from a somatic (body-centered) approach, while emphasizing mindfulness and eastern philosophy, as well as incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy.
I offer mental health assessments (for diagnostic clarification) and AuDHD testing as a supportive way to help individuals gain clarity, understanding, and confidence as they navigate their life's journey. My assessment process is collaborative and compassionate, honoring each person’s unique story, strengths, and cultural context. By gently making sense of patterns and experiences and providing clear, personalized recommendations, assessment can open the door to insight and self-understanding. The primary goal is to help you feel empowered, hopeful, and better equipped to take meaningful next steps toward growth and well-being.
I offer mental health assessments (for diagnostic clarification) and AuDHD testing as a supportive way to help individuals gain clarity, understanding, and confidence as they navigate their life's journey. My assessment process is collaborative and compassionate, honoring each person’s unique story, strengths, and cultural context. By gently making sense of patterns and experiences and providing clear, personalized recommendations, assessment can open the door to insight and self-understanding. The primary goal is to help you feel empowered, hopeful, and better equipped to take meaningful next steps toward growth and well-being.
Adam C.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, CST
2 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22305
This includes concerns about sexual dysfunction, performance anxiety, erectile difficulty, poly/ENM/open relationships, desire discrepancies, kink, sexual orientation, asexuality, gender identity, communication, and dating.
Sex, identity, and relationships can be integral parts of our lives. However, shame, miscommunication, and other life stress might prevent us from having the connections we want. Although these frustrations may seem insurmountable at times, change is possible. Looking for a therapist is a positive first step. Whether you are looking to gain personal insight, develop coping strategies, or improve your relationships and sexual functioning, we can work together to achieve your goals. I work with individuals and couples. I am licensed in VA, DC, and MD and certified as a sex therapist by AASECT.
This includes concerns about sexual dysfunction, performance anxiety, erectile difficulty, poly/ENM/open relationships, desire discrepancies, kink, sexual orientation, asexuality, gender identity, communication, and dating.
Sex, identity, and relationships can be integral parts of our lives. However, shame, miscommunication, and other life stress might prevent us from having the connections we want. Although these frustrations may seem insurmountable at times, change is possible. Looking for a therapist is a positive first step. Whether you are looking to gain personal insight, develop coping strategies, or improve your relationships and sexual functioning, we can work together to achieve your goals. I work with individuals and couples. I am licensed in VA, DC, and MD and certified as a sex therapist by AASECT.
Are you experiencing relationship difficulties, job stress, social pressures, mental anguish, and other life challenges? Do you want more fulfillment out of your life? You may feel lost, but you aren’t. You are at the beginning of a journey of extraordinary growth, self love, and self discovery.
Are you experiencing relationship difficulties, job stress, social pressures, mental anguish, and other life challenges? Do you want more fulfillment out of your life? You may feel lost, but you aren’t. You are at the beginning of a journey of extraordinary growth, self love, and self discovery.
In your world, falling apart doesn’t feel like an option. Your work demands composure, discretion, and steady performance, even when you’re exhausted. I’m Randy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience, including three years counseling federal employees on Capitol Hill. I understand what it takes to carry that level of pressure.
I work with professionals navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, imposter syndrome, and relationship strain. On the outside, you’re capable and composed. Inside, you may feel stretched thin or quietly disconnected. Therapy is the one place you don’t have to hold it together.
In your world, falling apart doesn’t feel like an option. Your work demands composure, discretion, and steady performance, even when you’re exhausted. I’m Randy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience, including three years counseling federal employees on Capitol Hill. I understand what it takes to carry that level of pressure.
I work with professionals navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, imposter syndrome, and relationship strain. On the outside, you’re capable and composed. Inside, you may feel stretched thin or quietly disconnected. Therapy is the one place you don’t have to hold it together.
Licensed in CA (in person/virtual) and VA (virtual). Transitions bring us face to face with the joys, anxieties, grief, and triumphs of change, and offer an opportunity for us to see where we might be stuck, lost, confused, or needing clarity or compassion. The way transitions manifest in your life can be informed by trauma, attachment styles, and the unique way your brain and temperament process the world around you. These can appear as depression, anxiety, obsessive thinking, dissociation, or other symptoms. But you’re more than a list of symptoms and diagnoses, and I can help you find relief and make meaning from your experience.
Licensed in CA (in person/virtual) and VA (virtual). Transitions bring us face to face with the joys, anxieties, grief, and triumphs of change, and offer an opportunity for us to see where we might be stuck, lost, confused, or needing clarity or compassion. The way transitions manifest in your life can be informed by trauma, attachment styles, and the unique way your brain and temperament process the world around you. These can appear as depression, anxiety, obsessive thinking, dissociation, or other symptoms. But you’re more than a list of symptoms and diagnoses, and I can help you find relief and make meaning from your experience.
At Atlantic Behavioral Specialists, we believe mental health care should feel supportive, practical, and genuinely human. We work with you to understand what’s behind your struggles and help you build tools for real, lasting change. Our team provides comprehensive mental health, psychiatric, and whole-person care tailored to your needs, using trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches. What sets us apart is our integrated model and multicultural, culturally sensitive lens — we honor your story, identity, and experiences while helping you move forward with greater stability and confidence.
At Atlantic Behavioral Specialists, we believe mental health care should feel supportive, practical, and genuinely human. We work with you to understand what’s behind your struggles and help you build tools for real, lasting change. Our team provides comprehensive mental health, psychiatric, and whole-person care tailored to your needs, using trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches. What sets us apart is our integrated model and multicultural, culturally sensitive lens — we honor your story, identity, and experiences while helping you move forward with greater stability and confidence.
Have you always felt like an outsider? Has substance use or trauma left you feeling like a spectator in your own life? Are you burnt out, frustrated, or tired of dealing with the same old patterns in your relationships? I am passionate about helping people to better understand and trust themselves and feel empowered in their lives. Together we can address challenges from anger, anxiety and depression to family history, relationship and parenting issues. You will find my therapeutic style is warm, active and direct. I will bring authenticity, humor and connection to our work, and am skilled in enhancing motivation and accountability.
Have you always felt like an outsider? Has substance use or trauma left you feeling like a spectator in your own life? Are you burnt out, frustrated, or tired of dealing with the same old patterns in your relationships? I am passionate about helping people to better understand and trust themselves and feel empowered in their lives. Together we can address challenges from anger, anxiety and depression to family history, relationship and parenting issues. You will find my therapeutic style is warm, active and direct. I will bring authenticity, humor and connection to our work, and am skilled in enhancing motivation and accountability.
I have a BA from Radford University and an MS in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I enjoy working with a broad spectrum of individuals from diverse backgrounds. I am bilingual, English and Spanish, and I offer a sliding fee scale. Providing tools, emotional support, and education to those in need is a passion of mine. I have experience working with adolescents and adults suffering from complex traumas as well as providing a variety of community support resources to individuals and families.
I have a BA from Radford University and an MS in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I enjoy working with a broad spectrum of individuals from diverse backgrounds. I am bilingual, English and Spanish, and I offer a sliding fee scale. Providing tools, emotional support, and education to those in need is a passion of mine. I have experience working with adolescents and adults suffering from complex traumas as well as providing a variety of community support resources to individuals and families.
I have been a therapist for 24 years. I feel a safe, nonjudgmental and cooperative therapy environment is important and helpful. Past work includes intensive therapy for a tribal Nation, at Hopkins, and supervising a crisis hotline. My therapy practice is diverse and dynamic, but always client centered. I am certified in DBT, CBT, schema, ACT, EMDR, Strength based, Imago/communication-focused couples therapy, multi-systemic/strategic family work, and emotional expression. I strive to match therapy to your needs and goals. I offer evenings and weekends. Please reach out to set up a consult. I look forward to talking with you!
I have been a therapist for 24 years. I feel a safe, nonjudgmental and cooperative therapy environment is important and helpful. Past work includes intensive therapy for a tribal Nation, at Hopkins, and supervising a crisis hotline. My therapy practice is diverse and dynamic, but always client centered. I am certified in DBT, CBT, schema, ACT, EMDR, Strength based, Imago/communication-focused couples therapy, multi-systemic/strategic family work, and emotional expression. I strive to match therapy to your needs and goals. I offer evenings and weekends. Please reach out to set up a consult. I look forward to talking with you!
I specialize in two areas: 1) I help working professionals manage chronic anxiety, self-doubt, procrastination, and reduce overthinking to increase professional success. My clients work in politics, health, mental health, law, upper management, business owners, creatives, or PhD/graduate students. 2) Interpersonal stress. Understanding family dynamics, reducing social conflict, improving romantic relationships, and friendships. I work best with high functioning people who are introspective, motivated, and want change in their life.
I specialize in two areas: 1) I help working professionals manage chronic anxiety, self-doubt, procrastination, and reduce overthinking to increase professional success. My clients work in politics, health, mental health, law, upper management, business owners, creatives, or PhD/graduate students. 2) Interpersonal stress. Understanding family dynamics, reducing social conflict, improving romantic relationships, and friendships. I work best with high functioning people who are introspective, motivated, and want change in their life.
On the outside, you keep it together, but inside different parts of you may feel anxious, self-critical, or weighed down. A part may push you to achieve, while another feels unworthy or stuck in old family roles. You may also carry parts that hold pain, illness, or shame from the past. I help people get curious about these inner dynamics, process unresolved trauma, and create more balance so that their whole system can feel calmer, more confident, and connected. Along the way, I use humor to make the hard work feel lighter and more human.
On the outside, you keep it together, but inside different parts of you may feel anxious, self-critical, or weighed down. A part may push you to achieve, while another feels unworthy or stuck in old family roles. You may also carry parts that hold pain, illness, or shame from the past. I help people get curious about these inner dynamics, process unresolved trauma, and create more balance so that their whole system can feel calmer, more confident, and connected. Along the way, I use humor to make the hard work feel lighter and more human.
I work with clients of all backgrounds, while specializing in following areas: LGBTQ+, Transgender/Gender-Diverse/Non-binary transitioning process and identity; kink/poly/non-monogamous relationships, sex work, substance use/misuse – goals for sobriety/recovery or harm reduction, out of control sexual behavior, anxiety/trauma, Personal Training, EMDR
I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.
I work with clients of all backgrounds, while specializing in following areas: LGBTQ+, Transgender/Gender-Diverse/Non-binary transitioning process and identity; kink/poly/non-monogamous relationships, sex work, substance use/misuse – goals for sobriety/recovery or harm reduction, out of control sexual behavior, anxiety/trauma, Personal Training, EMDR
I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.
I work with clients who are distressed or confused by why they engage in the behaviors they do, whether it's addiction, anger, or relationship difficulties and challenges. I believe this is because my stance is non-judgmental and I genuinely believe that all behavior is rational given past experience or the actual situation, even if it is not helpful in the present. I work to help clients navigate how these behaviors may have arisen, to develop self-compassion, and then to provide support and strategies to do the hard work of adopting new, more helpful behaviors.
I work with clients who are distressed or confused by why they engage in the behaviors they do, whether it's addiction, anger, or relationship difficulties and challenges. I believe this is because my stance is non-judgmental and I genuinely believe that all behavior is rational given past experience or the actual situation, even if it is not helpful in the present. I work to help clients navigate how these behaviors may have arisen, to develop self-compassion, and then to provide support and strategies to do the hard work of adopting new, more helpful behaviors.
Preston works with individuals and couples, specializing in LGBTQIA+ populations 16 years and older. As a gay man, he recognizes the need for an unconditionally affirming space to explore issues of sexuality, gender, self-esteem/self-hate, body image, relationship issues, open/poly relationships, anxiety, depression, etc. His counseling style focuses on developing a genuine connection with his clients based on mutual respect and trust in order to facilitate the client’s growth. Therapy can feel like serious work, but Preston recognizes the need for positivity, encouragement, and laughter throughout the process.
Preston works with individuals and couples, specializing in LGBTQIA+ populations 16 years and older. As a gay man, he recognizes the need for an unconditionally affirming space to explore issues of sexuality, gender, self-esteem/self-hate, body image, relationship issues, open/poly relationships, anxiety, depression, etc. His counseling style focuses on developing a genuine connection with his clients based on mutual respect and trust in order to facilitate the client’s growth. Therapy can feel like serious work, but Preston recognizes the need for positivity, encouragement, and laughter throughout the process.
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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.