Kink, Polyamorous, Open, & Non-Monogamous Relationships

Affirming Therapy in Illinois for Poly or Kink-Involved Individuals & Couples

  • Therapy for individuals in or interested in non-traditional relationships such as polyamory, kink, and more.

  • We help you navigate concerns that commonly show up in polyamorous, kink, or non-monogamous relationships, such as jealousy, insecurity, time management, communication, boundaries, relationship dynamics, and more.

  • We use general therapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), and more.

  • While most sessions are 45-60 minutes, each session is fully personalized to you and your concerns. This is your space.

  • We accept most major insurances.

  • We offer virtual sessions throughout Illinois.

  • To learn more, check out our FAQ page.

Open, Poly, and Ethically Non-Monogamous Clients

Many people desire or need more than one sexual or romantic partner to feel fulfilled in life. Seeking or living in open, poly, or ENM relationships presents a unique set of challenges and rewards that deserve specialized care and understanding by your therapist in order to best support your wellness and happiness. Freelife therapists have training and experience supporting clients whose sexual and romantic lives differ from what much of society expects or demands of them. We can help you balance achieving a life of fulfillment while successfully navigating the unique complexities of open, poly, and ENM life.

Kink and Kinky Identities + Communities

For some, kink can be all about exploring fantasies and behaviors that bring about excitement, enjoyment, and even healing. For others, it is an identity, a way of forming relationships, and finding community. Freelife kink-informed therapists are trained and experienced in helping clients discuss the many roles kink can play in your mental health and happiness and the unique joys and challenges it can bring. Whether you are at the beginning of exploring kinky fantasy or desire or currently living a life where kink or BDSM plays a major role, we are here to support you in your mental health needs.

kink therapist

Therapy that doesn’t ask you to explain yourself.

  • Therapy offers a space where your relationship structure or kink interests aren’t treated as the problem. It’s about being understood, supported, and able to explore your mental health without having to explain or defend who you are.

  • Therapy helps you navigate relationships, communication, identity, and the impact of stigma with someone who actually gets the context you live in. You get space to sort through what’s coming up for you while feeling affirmed, not judged.

  • No. Curiosity or participation in polyamory or kink isn’t a reason you “need” therapy. These are valid, consensual ways of relating — therapy is only helpful if you want support, not because of your identity or interests.

A Space Where Polyamory and Kink Are Not the Problem

For people in polyamorous or kink relationships, feeling understood in therapy really matters. Too often, these parts of someone’s life are misunderstood, judged, or treated as the problem, which can make it hard to be fully honest or feel safe. Affirming therapy offers a space where polyamory and kink are recognized as valid ways of connecting, not something you have to explain away. When your therapist understands consent, communication, boundaries, and power dynamics, you can focus on what actually brought you to therapy, rather than protecting parts of who you are.

The Therapy Process—Explained

Intake

We start by getting to know you, your goals, and what’s bringing you to therapy in a way that feels welcoming and low-pressure.

Assessment

Together, we explore patterns, history, and current challenges to better understand what support will be most helpful for you.

Treatment

Your therapist works with you using evidence-based, affirming approaches tailored to your needs, identity, and pace.

Integration

You practice applying what you’re learning in real life, building insight, resilience, and trust in yourself over time.

Follow-Up

We check in, adjust as needed, and make sure your care continues to support your growth beyond each session.

You deserve support that sees all of you.

Book a Consultation

Contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Therapy for poly and/or kink individuals often focuses on the same core human experiences anyone brings to therapy — things like communication, boundaries, identity, stress, and healing — but with the added support of a therapist who understands the unique dynamics, stigma, and relationship structures that can shape your lived experience.

  • There’s no set number of sessions. Some people come to therapy for short-term support around a specific issue, while others choose longer-term care for deeper exploration and ongoing support. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine what feels most helpful, and you can adjust your goals at any time.

  • Poly‑ and kink‑affirming therapy is just as effective as any other therapy because the effectiveness comes from the relationship, the safety you feel, and the therapist’s ability to understand your world. When your therapist respects your identity and doesn’t pathologize your relationships or desires, you’re able to do the real work of therapy without fear of judgment — which actually strengthens the process.

  • Not at all. You don’t need to be in a relationship — or even sure of what you want — to start therapy around polyamory or kink. Therapy can simply be a space to explore your interests, values, and questions with someone who won’t judge or pathologize your curiosity.

  • Freelife accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO insurance plans. Clients using these plans will be responsible for the portion of costs dictated by their individual plans (co-pays).

    Clients not using these insurance plans will be responsible for paying for their sessions themselves. Freelife is happy to provide a superbill to these clients if they would like to submit this to their insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.

  • Freelife therapists offer both virtual and in-person options.

    We utilize technology powered by Google which is HIPAA compliant and easy to use.

    We also offer in-person sessions at our office located at 1300 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.