Kink and Poly Friendly Therapy
Kink and polyamory, what are they? Kink is usually described as any “non-conventional” sexual practice, fantasy or desire, such as BDSM (but not only BDSM). The word kink actually came from the idea that there is a “bend” in a person’s sexual behavior, at least when compared to more “vanilla” or traditional sexual experiences. Polyamory on the other hand is wanting or having intimate, romantic, relationships with more than one person, with the consent from all individuals involved. How is having a kink and poly friendly therapist different from a therapist who is not kink aware and poly friendly? In kink and poly friendly therapy, your lifestyle will be accepted and respected. You will be accepted just as you are. When you meet with a kink and poly friendly therapist, this area of your life is free to discuss without the worry of judgement, embarrassment or shame, and maybe more importantly, without your sexual interests, or relationship structure, being seen as “the issue.”
In kink and poly affirming therapy your treatment goals will not be reflective of your sexuality and desires, or your relationship structure, unless that is something you specifically want to work on. Your therapist won’t try to “fix” or “change” your sexual self or your desired relationship structure. Instead, they will look to help you integrate kink, polyamory, or consensual non-monogamy into your life and relationships while working to dispel any feelings of shame or guilt that might be tied to them. Let’s face it, in a culture that continues to promote and highlight monogamous relationships and “conventional” sexual practices there can be a lot of shame associated with being less conventional.
A kink and poly friendly therapist will offer acceptance of who you are authentically.
Your kink aware and poly friendly therapist can also help create a space for you and your partner(s) to discuss sexual desires and relationship structure while making sure everyone feels heard, supported, and safe to begin exploring. Communication and boundary setting are important when beginning a polyamorous relationship, or exploring kink, in order to navigate terms and advocate for your needs. This is another area that can be worked through in therapy. Making sure that all partners feel respected and important will help to make a polyamorous relationship, or a kinky scene/exploration, exactly what you want, and not what you DON’T want.
Relationship structure and sexuality are designed by those people involved in them, and the only rules you must follow are the ones YOU have set with your partner(s).
Therapists that are kink and poly friendly will also be able to differentiate between their own interests and desires, versus those of their clients. They will meet you where you are and put your needs at the forefront, instead of trying to “stop” certain sexual behaviors or “change” them. You are, and will be treated as, the expert of your sexual self. 
The way you express yourself sexually, and in a relationship, is unique to each of you, and healthy, as long as it is practiced in a safe and consensual way. When you seek therapy it is important that the therapist creates space for all of who you are, as an individual and in a relationship. This includes those of you who are interested in exploring kink, are already a kinkster or are/want to be involved in a polyamorous relationship, or other consensual non-monogamy. This is the practice of kink and poly friendly therapy. This is therapy that affirms who you are sexually and how you structure your relationships.
Relationship structure and sexuality are large parts of your lives and who you are.
Unfortunately society still regularly treats sexuality and non-monogamy as secretive and shameful subjects. Especially when it is not “traditional.” Kink and poly friendly therapy can also significantly help you and your partner(s) navigate your sexual desires and find ways to satisfy each other’s needs in a way that feels good for everyone.
Therapy can be intimidating, and we get that.
Therapy in which you discuss topics as intimate as sex can be even more intimidating, and kink and poly friendly therapists are here to help you. Whether it’s exploring your desires and needs, working through feelings of shame or guilt, communicating your sexual fantasies to your partner, setting boundaries within your polyamorous relationship in a way that all partners feel accepted or finding ways to play out your desires in a safe, healthy, and consensual way, kink and poly friendly therapy is a great place to begin. We are here to help, and you are welcome with us.
Ready to Start Kink and Poly Friendly Therapy in Florida?
Beginning the journey to your best self is easier than most of the things we’re all doing right now! Trauma therapy does not have to wait. You can get the mental health support you need with a skilled therapist in St. Pete or with online therapy in Florida. To begin, just follow these simple steps:
- Contact us to request an appointment
- Meet with one of our experienced therapists.
- Get support & begin your journey toward mental wellness & connection today!
Other Mental Health and Wellness Services at ME-Therapy
At ME-Therapy, we believe in the importance of mental, emotional & physical wellbeing. Our therapists want to help your mind but also want to feed your soul. This means we take a holistic approach to mental health. In order to do this, we offer a wide range of mental health services in our St. Petersburg office and online including therapy for women, therapy for men, trauma therapy, therapy for anxiety, art therapy, and holistic, spiritual therapy. For couples and relationships, we want you to know that our relationship therapists are here for you ALL. In addition to marriage counseling, we provide sex therapy, and affair recovery counseling.
