The core value of Affirming Therapy Center (ATC) is in our name. “Affirming” is both the nature and the goal of ATC’s work as a dedicated resource supporting Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) in California. This core value is embodied by providing you with professional, open-minded care in a space that acknowledges and celebrates your unique personhood and distinct challenges.

You are welcome and valued here.

Helping you in understanding, accepting, and embracing your own beliefs, identities, and lifestyles is cornerstone in providing the support and encouragement you need to grow, to bring clarity to your choices, and to enhance your life and relationships. We focus on making you feel safe to explore your feelings and to express yourself.

Each member of the ATC team is a professionally-trained Psychotherapist qualified to address topics such as gender and identity, sex and sexual health, non-monogamy, trauma, Out of Control Sexual Behavior, BDSM, kink, and fetishes. We all have additional and continuing education in Sexual Health and in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples; certain clinicians have unique areas of expertise, including advanced specialized training in the following areas: Sex Therapy, Brainspotting and TF-CBT (for trauma), Motivational Interviewing, Family Therapy, and Gender Affirming Therapy.

This additional knowledge and training is a reflection of our commitment to GSRD. We enthusiastically affirm all GSRD identities including, but not limited to, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Pansexual, Heterosexual, Trans, Cis, Gender Non-Conforming, Queer, Asexual, Questioning, Intersex, Kink, BDSM, D/s, M/s, DD/lg, Fetish, Sex Work, Monogamy, Non-Monogamy, Swinging/LS, Polyamory, and a Variety of Relationship Dynamics and Family Configurations. Please see each practitioner’s summary for areas of specialization.

I believe the professional relationship we form together is the building block for the connection that is needed to change, grow, and evolve. My role as a therapist is to set up a safe and affirming space for you to tell your story and for you to explore ways to unlock your hidden gems.

Clinical hypnotherapist specializing in relationships, sexuality, and intimacy. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental and inclusive atmosphere for my clients to explore the various aspects of their sexuality and relationships in a supportive and collaborative way. Working with clients, I help to build self-awareness and resolve deeply ingrained issues surrounding relationships, sexuality, and intimacy.

We specialize in guiding couples through the process of opening up their previously monogamous relationship, as well as helping those already committed to non-monogamy navigate the ups and down that may occur through engagement in this lifestyle.

Crystal works from an attachment based, trauma informed, and relational perspective and specialized in working with Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diverse (GSRD) individuals.

Crystal’s passion is helping people who feel like they are in transition in their life; whether healing from past trauma, navigating relationship changes, or exploring lifestyle issues related to being part of LGBTQ+, polyamorous, and/or kink communities. She has worked extensively with people exploring gender and sexual identities by offering radical acceptance, infinite curiosity, and deep compassion to those seeking to discover their authentic life. She also has significant experience working with sexual assault and domestic violence survivors by supporting their healing process and working through shame to find empowerment.

My practice focuses on the intersections between and around sex, drugs and death. In our families, relationships, culture, and society these topics are frequently met with silencing or shame. You’re invited to offer yourself the space and time to explore how desire and connection, grieving and loss, shame and authenticity show up for you, and how you’d like them to be more integrated. 

Current Marriage and Family Therapy Student practicing under supervision of Mark Reese, MA, LMFT at Edges Wellness Center.

Working with individual, couples, and poly-families since 2002. Specializing in the Kink, Lifestyle, Poly-Family, and LGBTQAI Communities.

Providing telehealth psychotherapy services to residents of Nebraska and California.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. I work with adults, couples/dyads, and poly relationship systems. I specialize in working with kink and BDSM practitioners, trans* patients, poly and consensual non-monogamy patients, LGB patients, patients experiencing complex trauma, and intersectional identity exploration.