Kayla Wingert, LCSW, PMH-C

As a queer, non-monogamous, and sex-positive therapist, I am passionate about working with individuals and couples who are:
-negotiating and navigating the complexities of open relationships and non-monogamy;
-experiencing sexual difficulties including differing desires, trouble with arousal, erection, or orgasm, or sexual dissatisfaction;
-exploring sexuality, kink, fetishes, or BDSM;
-decoupling, separating, divorcing, or otherwise restructuring their relationship;
-engaging in family planning decisions and/or fertility treatment, especially queer and trans folks/couples navigating this stage; or
-transitioning into parenthood and experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety.

My goal is to create a space where you can bring your full self without judgment, especially the parts of yourself that you might be ashamed of or embarrassed by. Together, we can fight back against shame with curiosity and self-compassion, and make meaning out of your experiences. I believe your relationships deserve support, affirmation, and the tools to navigate the particular challenges you face as new parents, as queer and trans people, or as a kinky and/or non-monogamous couple.

My approach to working together is compassionate and warm while also challenging you to grow and make peace with uncomfortable emotions. I am direct, will tell it like it is, swear like a sailor, and can be a bit irreverent. I’m here for the weirdos, freaks, and never-gonna-fit-ins, so if that’s you - welcome! I’m excited to work together.

I am trained in both the Developmental Model and Gottman Method of couple’s therapies. I draw from principles of Psychodynamic Therapy, Relational Cultural Theory, Person-centered Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Psychodrama, and Health at Every Size (HAES). I practice from a trauma-informed perspective and feminist and anti-racist lens. I’m certified as a perinatal mental health provider (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.

I earned my bachelor of science from Johnson & Wales University and my master of social work from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Prior to my graduate studies, I worked for several years in nonprofit administration, fundraising, and in adult sex education. The latter taught me so much about the significance of our relationships with our own bodies and sexualities and about the power of healing from shame in order to live authentically as our truest selves.