LAYLA TAHMASSEBI, MA
(THEY/THEM)
Individual, Relationship and Sex Therapist
Specialties:
Uncomfortable/painful sex
Kink/BDSM
Non-monogamy/polyamory
LGBTQIA+ individuals/relationships
Anxiety
INSURANCES ACCEPTED:
BCBS PPO
Cigna
Self-Pay:
$165/session
$210/intake session
In our world, there is no shortage of messaging telling us how we should look, feel, speak, act, and be in relationship to others. Being a part of a community and engaging with the perspectives of others is essential, and so is understanding and honoring your own needs and desires. Let’s co-create a space where “should” is not invited, and be curious about what feels good and true for you.
As a systemic thinker I am always looking at how our relationships and identities are informed by our experiences, our communities, and the systems we are a part of whether by choice or not. I think of individuals as whole universes and relationships as combinations of these universes where there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach. We will explore and get curious about where patterns can be uncovered, where shame and stigma can be challenged, where new perspectives and ways of thinking can be introduced, and where pleasure, joy, and satisfaction can be found.
My practice is informed by relational, existential, and somatic therapies. I work from the understanding that as a client you know yourself, your body, and your relationships, and that my role as a therapist is to walk alongside you as we get curious together. I love stories, music, art, and nature and all of this can play a role in our work as we explore what it looks and feels like to experience pleasure, joy, and satisfaction. As a queer, non-binary, polyamorous, and mixed race person I think and work outside of established binaries and have fun playing around in gray areas and with nebulous ideas. I strive to create a therapeutic space that is welcoming and encouraging to folks of marginalized identities and sexualities, including SWers, queer and trans folks, folks across the Ace/Aro spectrum, neurodivergent folks, kink/fetish/BDSM, polyamory and CNM/ENM, and BIPOC individuals.
I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Certificate in Sex Therapy Program from Adler University and am working towards completing the AASECT Sex Therapy Certification requirements. I completed my clinical internship at Chicago Women’s Health Center working primarily with queer and trans clients, and where I continue to engage in volunteer counseling work.
AFFILIATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Coming Soon
Supervisor: Rachel Zar, PhD, LMFT, CST