Get to know Elyssa Helfer:

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, California. I specialize in working with the kink community and am frequently teaching, presenting, and writing on the topic! My main goal is to destigmatize kink and dismantle the false narratives around the kink community.

What does affirmative psychotherapy mean to me?

Affirmative psychotherapy means creating an environment that not only allows for open and honest communication but creates a sense of safety. It means looking at each individual client and acknowledging and honoring their
various intersecting identities from a place of non-judgment and curiosity. I believe that my clients are complex, beautiful humans who deserve a space where they can truly be themselves, free from the toxicity that the world often puts on them.

What populations do I work with?

I work with a variety of populations but due to my expertise, I often work with those who are a part of the kink community. There is frequently overlap between kink, non-monogamy, and the LGBTQIA+ community, so I see a diverse group of folks that often exist in one or more or those particular communities. I like to believe that the space I create is welcoming to any and all populations, however, I recognize that my particular skill set lends itself well to those who are a part of the above-mentioned communities.

What is my approach to healing?

I approach healing from a deeply respectful and balanced place. I believe that there should not be a hierarchy in my space and firmly hold onto the fact that my client is the expert in their own life. I believe that my duty as a therapist is to walk alongside my client, seeing the blind spots that may be missed due to their various life circumstances. We work collaboratively and from a kind and compassionate place. I believe in showing my humanness which is why I am often using humor and a bit of foul language in my office. In terms of orientation, my work is often grounded in Feminist and Queer Theory.

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

I work a lot with relationship and sexual issues, particularly those around sexual and personal empowerment. I enjoy working on issues related to self-esteem, work-life balance, and overall
well-being.

EDUCATION & LICENSE

Education:
BA in Psychology – University of Minnesota
MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy – Pepperdine
University
PhD in Clinical Sexology (in progress) – Modern Sex Therapy Institutes

Years in Practice: 6

License #118463 and State: LMFT California

OFFICE INFORMATION

Accessibility: Remote – Video Appointments only
Gender Neutral Restrooms: N/A

FINANCES

Fee Range: $150-$175; Sliding Scale Available
Accepted Payment Methods: Card
Accepted Insurance Plans: Private pay. Superbills happily provided