Damon Constantinides, PhD, LCSW, CST

Get to know me: Damon Constantinides, PhD, LCSW (he/him) is a Clinical Social Worker, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and Trainer living and working on Leni-Lenape land (Philadelphia, PA). He provides individual, relationship, and sex therapy through his private practice where he works primarily with queer and transgender clients. Dr. Constantinides is co-author of Sex Therapy with Erotically Marginalized Clients: Nine Principles of Clinical Support and is a trainer for the post-graduate program Affirming Therapy for Transgender Communities through Widener University. He has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels and presented at regional and national conferences including the AASECT conference, Trans-Wellness Conference, Smith College of Social Work, Psychotherapy Center for Gender and Sexuality Conference, Gender Conference East, and Modern Sex Therapy. 

Dr. Constantinides is a queer, white, trans man and parent who works from a social justice frame and his approach is influenced by intersectionality, transfeminism, relational, narrative, and trauma informed therapies. Trained as both a clinical social worker and a sexuality educator, Dr. Constantinides also provides supervision groups, consultation, and training to other mental health care providers about working with erotically marginalized clients including queer, trans, non-binary, polyamorous and kink communities.  He is especially interested in supporting trans and non-binary clinicians. 

What does affirmative psychotherapy mean to me?

I prefer to think about creating therapy spaces that are queer and trans centered, not just affirming. To me affirming means this is a regular thing and I’m going to be there with you knowing this regular thing impacts your life because or how other people act. Queer and trans-centered practiced feels like a kind of affirming psychotherapy that centers the queer and trans experience so that it is not continuously compared to hetero or cis realities. Instead queer and trans experiences get to thrive and grow in their own right. 

What populations do I work with? What is my level of expertise (friendly, knowledgeable, expert) for each of those populations?

Although the word expert always feels loaded to me, I have extensive experience working with queer and trans folks as well as people in alternative relationship structures and people who are part of the kink community. I work with both teens and adults, individuals and folks in relationship(s).

What is my approach to healing?

I believe that healing happens in relationship. When I work with clients I strive to maintain an awareness of my own privileged and marginalized identities in order to be present and aware of the needs and experience of my client. Each person I work with needs something different and I focus on helping them figure out what that is and how we can manifest it together. 

What issues am I most skilled at addressing as a mental health professional?

I am skilled at exploring identity, family or origin trauma, sexual concerns or challenges, and the stress and anxiety of living in a world of uncertainty and struggle. 

EDUCATION & LICENSE

Education: MSW and PhD Human Sexuality Education

Years in Practice: 14

School: Widener University

Year Graduated: 2011

License # and State: Pennsylvania / CW017218

Additional Credentials: Certified Sex Therapist (AASECT), Trans-Affirming Therapy Certificate (Widener University)

OFFICE INFORMATION

I see folks primarily online. 

FINANCES

Fee Range: 80-200

Accepted Payment Methods: Venmo, Credit Card, Check, Cash

Accepted Insurance Plans: None