What does it mean to be contemporary?
Contemporary is a broad term encompassing a vibrant and diverse range of lifestyles and relationships that are stable, healthy, and worthy of celebrating. Quite frankly, it’s a term we wish we didn’t have to use, but we recognize that our society remains unjust and our communities are not yet as inclusive as they should be.
We understand that Nashville is still very much a traditional town, one that’s brimming with faith-based counselors and conservative therapists who cater to clients in conventional marriages with traditional family values. While we are respectful of people from all faiths and traditions, we are here to whole-heartedly support our clients whose belief systems, values, and identities fall outside of cultural norms, and we are deeply committed to helping people explore, grow, and thrive in healthy LGBTQIA+, ENM, poly, kink, or BDSM lifestyles and relationships.
If you or your loved ones are exploring identities that challenge the regressive values or unexamined expectations of your culture, your community, or your family, we want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to help you.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy
We take great pride in working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals and their loved ones. We offer an accepting and nonjudgmental environment for people who identify across the entire spectrum of gender, orientation, and attraction, as well as those who are dealing with issues surrounding sexual confusion, sexual exploration, intersexuality, and asexuality.
Kink Aware and Affirming Therapy
Our kink and BDSM aware therapists are here to provide a shame-free space for you to explore your identity and interests. We provide resources and information informed by the latest scientific research to help you develop and maintain healthy relationship dynamics that promote safe and ethical experiences.
ENM and Poly Affirming Therapy
Exploring the possibilities beyond traditional monogamy can be joyful and empowering, but being part of an ethically non-monogamous relationship can be difficult. There are no standard models for open or polyamorous relationships. You have to create your partnerships by living them, and many people get overwhelmed trying to navigate the rough spots on their own. It helps to have support.
Working from a foundation of honesty, integrity, and consent, we offer practical skills, a trained perspective, and a safe space to work through challenging feelings and new experiences. Whatever your particular situation is, we can provide a down-to-earth approach to help you through it.
Our Contemporary Relationship Specialists
David Harb, LMFT
Partners who practice ethical non-monogamy and alternative lifestyles deserve the same space and quality of care as traditional, heteronormative couples. I’m here to help you navigate your issues, not assume that your choices are problematic.
I specialize in contemporary relationships of all kinds. I work with polyamorous and non-monogamous individuals, couples, triads, and pods as well as monogamous couples considering opening up. I understand the cultures and complexities of swinging, BDSM, and kink relationships, and I work with people at all different places on the gender, orientation, and attraction spectrums.
Whether you’re seeking individual or relational therapy for issues relating to contemporary lifestyles, you’ve found someone who understands. I will work creatively and collaboratively with you to address whatever concerns you bring in for therapy, providing a supportive and accepting space in which you and the people in your life can speak freely and openly about your unique fears, hopes, dreams, and goals.
Stephanie Bashirian, LMFT
Going outside your comfort zone and outside cultural norms can make you feel vulnerable. Many people get overwhelmed trying to get through the rough spots on their own. Working from a foundation of honesty, integrity, and consent, I support everyone to grow, strengthen and nurture themselves and each other during the challenges. Whatever your particular situation is, I can provide a down-to-earth approach to helping you through it.
Gabriel Starner, LMFT
I offer individual therapy to lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary, queer and questioning adults and adolescents. I provide a safe, confidential space for clients and have extensive experience addressing the unique concerns of this community. I value the great diversity of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, and my clients span a broad spectrum of LGBTQ+ lifestyles. I will work creatively and collaboratively with you to address whatever concerns bring you in for therapy, providing a supportive and accepting space in which you can speak freely about issues that are affecting you.
Madison Thacker, M.Ed.
Queer, polyamorous, and kinky people deserve a therapist who meets them where they are at and understands their unique position in the world. I cherish working with my LGBTQ+ clients and have experience in joining with and advocating for queer people. I will work with you to understand your relationship to your queerness and how it relates to the work you want to do and the values you want to live out.
Alyssa Birmingham, LMFT
I understand the complexities of relationships that exist beyond conventional cultural standards. I am dedicated to providing high quality relational therapy for LQBTQ+ folks, and those navigating ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, swinging, or other forms of non-traditional relationships.
Kristin Lagan, M.S.
I offer individual therapy to those seeking a space to talk about and explore their unique and alternative lifestyles. I have experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, polyamorous, and couples exploring the idea of opening up. I understand the complexities of these communities and use a non-judgmental, accepting, and affirming approach. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can openly explore their kink and fetish interests, understand their desires and boundaries, and work through any related challenges.
Katia Hurt, LMFT
I could not know what situations have brought you to the point of seeking therapy. What I do know is that you seeking therapy is a great step to continuing your journey to the self-discovery, understanding, and support you desire. I offer therapy to clients across the gender, orientation, and relationship spectrum. Having someone share with you in the care and concern you need in a supportive and safe space can be in important to experiencing your growth.
Our Areas of Expertise
Gay and Lesbian Couples Therapy
Parenting LGBTQ+ Adolescents
Orientation and Gender Confusion
Reconciling Faith and Identity
Couples New to Non-Monogamy
Poly Couples, Triads, and Pods
BDSM Partners
Sexual Health and Safety
