Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in San Jose, CA
Clint Gaver
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95124 (Online Only)
I help process Alt Sex/ Kink, sexuality, gender, and orientation issues.
You want to feel better, but life has shown up, and now you feel depressed, anxious, lonely, or angry. Has your self-esteem dropped? Are you struggling in your relationships? Do you: Berate yourself? Use drugs, alcohol, or other compulsive behaviors to cope with life? Do you have unresolved grief, trauma, or shame? Do you believe the lies your inner critic tells you? If YES, you've found the right place to transform your life. I provide a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental setting, using evidence-based theories that fit your situation. "Thank you Clint! I have finally taken control of my emotions and like myself today" -Kim.
I help process Alt Sex/ Kink, sexuality, gender, and orientation issues.
You want to feel better, but life has shown up, and now you feel depressed, anxious, lonely, or angry. Has your self-esteem dropped? Are you struggling in your relationships? Do you: Berate yourself? Use drugs, alcohol, or other compulsive behaviors to cope with life? Do you have unresolved grief, trauma, or shame? Do you believe the lies your inner critic tells you? If YES, you've found the right place to transform your life. I provide a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental setting, using evidence-based theories that fit your situation. "Thank you Clint! I have finally taken control of my emotions and like myself today" -Kim.
I am sex-positive and LGBTQ and kink affirmative.
Are you a smart, out-of-the box thinker? I value curiosity, connection, and compassion when it comes to lifestyle, gender, sexuality, relationship, spiritual practices, and every other form of individual expression. I am committed to meeting you as a unique individual and offering support whatever your challenges. My hope is that you will leave our sessions feeling heard, strong and hopeful. I use various modalities, including Rapid Resolution Therapy to address what may be blocking desired change.
I am sex-positive and LGBTQ and kink affirmative.
Are you a smart, out-of-the box thinker? I value curiosity, connection, and compassion when it comes to lifestyle, gender, sexuality, relationship, spiritual practices, and every other form of individual expression. I am committed to meeting you as a unique individual and offering support whatever your challenges. My hope is that you will leave our sessions feeling heard, strong and hopeful. I use various modalities, including Rapid Resolution Therapy to address what may be blocking desired change.
Salvador R Resendez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95110 (Online Only)
My practice is affirming of straight, gay, bisexual, asexual, queer, and cisgender and transgender men, sex workers, monogamous, polyamorous, kink, and other awesome sexual backgrounds.
My approach to therapy is to help men foster a safe, caring therapeutic relationship to help them thrive. I bring compassion and empathy from my own recovery to support healing and growth. Before becoming an LCSW, I worked in media, and living in the Bay Area and New York City provides me an understanding of the stressors working people encounter when trying to find balance in frenetic and competitive environments. My style is active and I will collaborate with you to tap into your identity, strengths, values, and interests in our work together to help you achieve your goals.
My practice is affirming of straight, gay, bisexual, asexual, queer, and cisgender and transgender men, sex workers, monogamous, polyamorous, kink, and other awesome sexual backgrounds.
My approach to therapy is to help men foster a safe, caring therapeutic relationship to help them thrive. I bring compassion and empathy from my own recovery to support healing and growth. Before becoming an LCSW, I worked in media, and living in the Bay Area and New York City provides me an understanding of the stressors working people encounter when trying to find balance in frenetic and competitive environments. My style is active and I will collaborate with you to tap into your identity, strengths, values, and interests in our work together to help you achieve your goals.
I provide a safe and welcoming space to discuss anything from sexual/relationship issues postpartum, to gender dysphoria, making good sex great, erectile problems, pain during sex, kink, or disturbing sexual interests.
Let’s talk about sex and relationships! I am here to help you feel comfortable working through the hard stuff, and sex and relationship issues can be some of the hardest stuff for people to talk about. Together, we’ll create a comfortable, judgment-free space to explore your wants and needs, improve communication with others in your life, and promote intimate, meaningful, and healthy (sexual) relationships. My aim is to help you, and any potentially involved partner(s), to reach your full personal, relationship, and sexual potential in order to lead your happiest and most fulfilling life.
I provide a safe and welcoming space to discuss anything from sexual/relationship issues postpartum, to gender dysphoria, making good sex great, erectile problems, pain during sex, kink, or disturbing sexual interests.
Let’s talk about sex and relationships! I am here to help you feel comfortable working through the hard stuff, and sex and relationship issues can be some of the hardest stuff for people to talk about. Together, we’ll create a comfortable, judgment-free space to explore your wants and needs, improve communication with others in your life, and promote intimate, meaningful, and healthy (sexual) relationships. My aim is to help you, and any potentially involved partner(s), to reach your full personal, relationship, and sexual potential in order to lead your happiest and most fulfilling life.
Roots for Resilience
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95113 (Online Only)
Kink-aware and poly-friendly.
I'm honored to center work with LGBTQ+ folks, people living in larger bodies and/or with chronic health conditions, and others historically sidelined and underserved by psychotherapy. I'm passionate about for supporting folks working toward embodiment and liberation - both in their bodily vessel and more broadly in their life. I approach therapy with a warm and collaborative style, and make space for creativity in our work. I tend toward compassionate directness, and endeavor to help you 'zoom out' to examine the patterns and overarching issues that create obstacles that you contend with repeatedly in your life.
Kink-aware and poly-friendly.
I'm honored to center work with LGBTQ+ folks, people living in larger bodies and/or with chronic health conditions, and others historically sidelined and underserved by psychotherapy. I'm passionate about for supporting folks working toward embodiment and liberation - both in their bodily vessel and more broadly in their life. I approach therapy with a warm and collaborative style, and make space for creativity in our work. I tend toward compassionate directness, and endeavor to help you 'zoom out' to examine the patterns and overarching issues that create obstacles that you contend with repeatedly in your life.
Jill Pittman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, 52017
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95117 (Online Only)
We all need a place to feel safe—to let down our masks and be ourselves. I believe in the importance of being yourself and living authentically - rebelling against the pressures of who others want you to be and what society makes us think about success and happiness. As a therapist who is sex-positive, body-positive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming, I work with people who are trying to traverse this world, often misunderstood by the dominant culture. Whether you are neurodivergent, poly, queer, fat, a rebel, an artist, the black sheep, or you are just trying to work through life's ups & downs, I can provide that safe place for you.
We all need a place to feel safe—to let down our masks and be ourselves. I believe in the importance of being yourself and living authentically - rebelling against the pressures of who others want you to be and what society makes us think about success and happiness. As a therapist who is sex-positive, body-positive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming, I work with people who are trying to traverse this world, often misunderstood by the dominant culture. Whether you are neurodivergent, poly, queer, fat, a rebel, an artist, the black sheep, or you are just trying to work through life's ups & downs, I can provide that safe place for you.
Lauren Consul - Sex And Relationship Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, JD
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95120 (Online Only)
I am trauma informed & affirming of non-monogamy, LGBTQIA+, sex work, kink, and BDSM.
If you're facing challenges around sex, infidelity, non-monogamy, or feeling disconnected in your relationship, you're not alone. Perhaps you're constantly clashing over mismatched sex drives, or your body isn’t responding how you’d like during intimacy. Maybe you’re curious about exploring new dynamics or opening your relationship, but don’t know where to start. You might even be reeling from the pain of infidelity, unsure if healing is possible (it is). I’m here to guide you through these struggles. You don’t have to stay stuck in frustration or pain—things can change, and I can help you get there.
I am trauma informed & affirming of non-monogamy, LGBTQIA+, sex work, kink, and BDSM.
If you're facing challenges around sex, infidelity, non-monogamy, or feeling disconnected in your relationship, you're not alone. Perhaps you're constantly clashing over mismatched sex drives, or your body isn’t responding how you’d like during intimacy. Maybe you’re curious about exploring new dynamics or opening your relationship, but don’t know where to start. You might even be reeling from the pain of infidelity, unsure if healing is possible (it is). I’m here to guide you through these struggles. You don’t have to stay stuck in frustration or pain—things can change, and I can help you get there.
Martina Glenn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95128 (Online Only)
I love working with creative people. My passion is to bring healing to those who have often felt limited by the burdens of their anxiety, depression, or trauma. If your desire is to find new freedom in living without hesitation and being supported in living your life with fierce and unapologetic authenticity then you’ve come to the right place. I create welcoming and affirming environment and provide a safe space where you can feel appreciated for your individuality and your rebelling soul. I am not going to repeat cliché phrases that you’ve heard million times already, but I will challenge you to find your authentic Self.
I love working with creative people. My passion is to bring healing to those who have often felt limited by the burdens of their anxiety, depression, or trauma. If your desire is to find new freedom in living without hesitation and being supported in living your life with fierce and unapologetic authenticity then you’ve come to the right place. I create welcoming and affirming environment and provide a safe space where you can feel appreciated for your individuality and your rebelling soul. I am not going to repeat cliché phrases that you’ve heard million times already, but I will challenge you to find your authentic Self.
I also work with members of the BDSM, kink, and poly communities and create a safe space for the development of new paradigms and beliefs.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
I also work with members of the BDSM, kink, and poly communities and create a safe space for the development of new paradigms and beliefs.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Naomi Zelin
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95120 (Online Only)
I'm affirming of Non-monogamous, Polyamorous, Kink, BDSM, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship or facing challenges around sex, communication, or trust? Whether you're navigating infidelity, sexual concerns, relationship trauma, or non-monogamy, you don't have to face it alone. I specialize in helping people just like you break free from painful cycles and build the healthy, fulfilling connections they deserve. Imagine healing from betrayal, deepening intimacy, and finding confidence in your communication and sexuality. These changes aren't just possible—they’re within your reach, and I’m here to guide you toward them.
I'm affirming of Non-monogamous, Polyamorous, Kink, BDSM, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship or facing challenges around sex, communication, or trust? Whether you're navigating infidelity, sexual concerns, relationship trauma, or non-monogamy, you don't have to face it alone. I specialize in helping people just like you break free from painful cycles and build the healthy, fulfilling connections they deserve. Imagine healing from betrayal, deepening intimacy, and finding confidence in your communication and sexuality. These changes aren't just possible—they’re within your reach, and I’m here to guide you toward them.
California Relationship Healing
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, CEMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
I am sex positive and I respect all sexual orientations, relationships and behaviors that are consensual and non-exploitative.
I am a sex therapist and couples counselor. I provide expert care for couples’ issues, intimacy struggles, sexual struggles, infidelity, sexual compulsivity, sexual addiction and trauma. My goal is to create an intimate space where both partners can share their experience and feelings. I also work with individuals on their relationship issues. My intention is to share a journey that will allow you to unlock the whatever it is that is keeping you from having a happy, fulfilling life. The work that you do now can positively impact you and your partner for a life time. If you are serious about change deep transformation is possible.
I am sex positive and I respect all sexual orientations, relationships and behaviors that are consensual and non-exploitative.
I am a sex therapist and couples counselor. I provide expert care for couples’ issues, intimacy struggles, sexual struggles, infidelity, sexual compulsivity, sexual addiction and trauma. My goal is to create an intimate space where both partners can share their experience and feelings. I also work with individuals on their relationship issues. My intention is to share a journey that will allow you to unlock the whatever it is that is keeping you from having a happy, fulfilling life. The work that you do now can positively impact you and your partner for a life time. If you are serious about change deep transformation is possible.
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Life is complex at all ages, but we know that...right? Yet knowing this does not necessarily help or give us direction. In my work, I try to help guide people through this murky life, examine choices and explore options, personal history, and experience. I have a deep respect for my clients, for their wisdom and their struggles. I provide an encouraging and non-judgmental space to look at each unique concern and situation. I often explore the role of meaning and choice in our lives, and how both powerfully (but often invisibly) affect how we live our days.
Life is complex at all ages, but we know that...right? Yet knowing this does not necessarily help or give us direction. In my work, I try to help guide people through this murky life, examine choices and explore options, personal history, and experience. I have a deep respect for my clients, for their wisdom and their struggles. I provide an encouraging and non-judgmental space to look at each unique concern and situation. I often explore the role of meaning and choice in our lives, and how both powerfully (but often invisibly) affect how we live our days.
Cynthia Haartman: Psychotherapy, EMDR, Sex Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95118 (Online Only)
I am a Certified Sex Therapist, and also Certified in EMDR Therapy. My primary focus includes: intimacy and sexuality concerns, pelvic pain, fear and anxiety around intimacy, stress, trauma, anxiety, self worth, guilt and shame, neurodivergence - specifically ADHD and high masking Autism, chronic pain and chronic illness, as well as medical trauma, and manifestation of stress physically in the body. I am kink affirming and knowledgable, LGBTQ+/sexual and gender minority inclusive, and a sex positive provider.
I am a Certified Sex Therapist, and also Certified in EMDR Therapy. My primary focus includes: intimacy and sexuality concerns, pelvic pain, fear and anxiety around intimacy, stress, trauma, anxiety, self worth, guilt and shame, neurodivergence - specifically ADHD and high masking Autism, chronic pain and chronic illness, as well as medical trauma, and manifestation of stress physically in the body. I am kink affirming and knowledgable, LGBTQ+/sexual and gender minority inclusive, and a sex positive provider.
Barbara Herring
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95101
Kink/ Poly knowledgeable/friendly.
Seeking out therapy is a very heroic action in and of itself, perhaps your first proactive step into redefining your sense of self, creating a new life story, and taking a leap into the direction of self-care. If you are reading this, you may be in a state of uncertainty, or perhaps connected more deeply than you would like to be to the effects of depression, anxiety, or your daily life situations. Maybe, you are wrestling in a relationship with someone you love; perhaps, finding the words to communicate who you are and how you feel may seem unattainable and challenging at best.
Kink/ Poly knowledgeable/friendly.
Seeking out therapy is a very heroic action in and of itself, perhaps your first proactive step into redefining your sense of self, creating a new life story, and taking a leap into the direction of self-care. If you are reading this, you may be in a state of uncertainty, or perhaps connected more deeply than you would like to be to the effects of depression, anxiety, or your daily life situations. Maybe, you are wrestling in a relationship with someone you love; perhaps, finding the words to communicate who you are and how you feel may seem unattainable and challenging at best.
Janeen Wilson, LMFT 43646. I am a caring professional with 23 years of experience in most life issues (adoption, family issues, addiction, codependency, recovery, moderation management) with a variety of populations including the Blind community, Native American Communities, and Kink Communities. I am a believer in Hope and pride myself in meeting the client where they are at, pacing therapy to not overwhelm the client, and creating a safe, nurturing space.
Janeen Wilson, LMFT 43646. I am a caring professional with 23 years of experience in most life issues (adoption, family issues, addiction, codependency, recovery, moderation management) with a variety of populations including the Blind community, Native American Communities, and Kink Communities. I am a believer in Hope and pride myself in meeting the client where they are at, pacing therapy to not overwhelm the client, and creating a safe, nurturing space.
My work is anti-colonial, neurodiversity affirming, LGTBQIA+ affirming, and sex, kink, and poly-positive.
Hi there! My name's Sylvie and my pronouns are she/her and they/them. As a therapist, I am tender with people, tough on systems, and committed to our collective liberation. I've been a mental health worker for over eight years in schools, at a crisis center, and as a family therapist. I'm particularly experienced in and passionate about working with trauma in its many forms, and partnering with you to transform harm into what serves you, your beloved relationships, and the world you want to see. I offer individual counseling with youth and adults and relationship counseling with loved ones of all kinds.
My work is anti-colonial, neurodiversity affirming, LGTBQIA+ affirming, and sex, kink, and poly-positive.
Hi there! My name's Sylvie and my pronouns are she/her and they/them. As a therapist, I am tender with people, tough on systems, and committed to our collective liberation. I've been a mental health worker for over eight years in schools, at a crisis center, and as a family therapist. I'm particularly experienced in and passionate about working with trauma in its many forms, and partnering with you to transform harm into what serves you, your beloved relationships, and the world you want to see. I offer individual counseling with youth and adults and relationship counseling with loved ones of all kinds.
Lakshmi Jaiprakash
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95123 (Online Only)
I specialize in exploring issues related to sex/intimacy, sexuality, alternative lifestyles/relationships (open/poly/non-monogamous), kink/BDSM, sexual shame, and sexual abuse/trauma.
Hi, I'm Lakshmi and my pronouns are she/her. As a member of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, I hope to support you on your journey of exploration and self-discovery by creating a therapeutic atmosphere of warmth, safety, and curiosity. I work with individuals, couples/partnerships, and families of every ability, age, gender, national origin, race/ethnicity, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation. My therapeutic style is eclectic, guided by your life goals and utilizing techniques that resonate with you. My practice is grounded in feminist, multicultural, anti-oppression, and anti-capitalist frameworks.
I specialize in exploring issues related to sex/intimacy, sexuality, alternative lifestyles/relationships (open/poly/non-monogamous), kink/BDSM, sexual shame, and sexual abuse/trauma.
Hi, I'm Lakshmi and my pronouns are she/her. As a member of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, I hope to support you on your journey of exploration and self-discovery by creating a therapeutic atmosphere of warmth, safety, and curiosity. I work with individuals, couples/partnerships, and families of every ability, age, gender, national origin, race/ethnicity, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation. My therapeutic style is eclectic, guided by your life goals and utilizing techniques that resonate with you. My practice is grounded in feminist, multicultural, anti-oppression, and anti-capitalist frameworks.
Samantha Medeiros
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95134
I'm an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and I support individuals, couples, families and groups from a variety of backgrounds and communities. I offer individual and relationship sessions for people of all sexual backgrounds and alternative-style relationships. As a trauma-informed and kink-aware mental health professional, I use an integrative approach to treatment modalities to tailor your therapeutic experience and growth process.
I'm an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and I support individuals, couples, families and groups from a variety of backgrounds and communities. I offer individual and relationship sessions for people of all sexual backgrounds and alternative-style relationships. As a trauma-informed and kink-aware mental health professional, I use an integrative approach to treatment modalities to tailor your therapeutic experience and growth process.
Bella Vida Therapy with Molly Papp
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, MS, MPH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95103
You deserve to live 'la bella vida:' a beautiful life. But sometimes life doesn’t always feel beautiful. If it's hard to get close to people, you have been shockingly betrayed, or you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with sex, I can help you. You are not alone. I will be your advocate and guide. I currently can hold teletherapy sessions in California and Vermont. I'm sex positive, trauma-informed and try to offer a safe, supportive place for processing so my clients can move forward in their lives with grace and self-respect.
You deserve to live 'la bella vida:' a beautiful life. But sometimes life doesn’t always feel beautiful. If it's hard to get close to people, you have been shockingly betrayed, or you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with sex, I can help you. You are not alone. I will be your advocate and guide. I currently can hold teletherapy sessions in California and Vermont. I'm sex positive, trauma-informed and try to offer a safe, supportive place for processing so my clients can move forward in their lives with grace and self-respect.
Misty Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, WGS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
I am sex-positive, kink aware, and poly friendly.
Sex and intimacy struggles? Are you questioning or exploring your gender and/or sexuality? Communication challenges in your relationships? I am here to support you and to collaborate with you. I provide a safe space to explore who you are becoming and to discern old thought patterns that are no longer of service. I provide a healing space free of judgement and offer tools that you can immediately integrate into your current experience. I will collaborate with you and work with the intersections of your unique experience.
I am sex-positive, kink aware, and poly friendly.
Sex and intimacy struggles? Are you questioning or exploring your gender and/or sexuality? Communication challenges in your relationships? I am here to support you and to collaborate with you. I provide a safe space to explore who you are becoming and to discern old thought patterns that are no longer of service. I provide a healing space free of judgement and offer tools that you can immediately integrate into your current experience. I will collaborate with you and work with the intersections of your unique experience.
See more therapy options for San Jose
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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.