Samar Poorlakani, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor

My name is Samar Poorlakani. My pronouns are she/they and I am a sex-positive psychotherapist.

My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can feel free to explore and be your most radically authentic self. I have a private practice in Austin, Texas with a focus on sex therapy, and more specifically BDSM/kink and the vast world of non-monogamy.

What does it mean to be sex-positive? There are many definitions. To me, it is embracing sexuality with an emphasis on consent and safer sex practices. Sex is still very much considered a "taboo" topic, but I like to approach it with a positive attitude and also provide psychoeducation, as needed. I believe sex, your sexual identity, and sexual behaviors can be discussed without shame and awkwardness. I hope I can help create a safe space where you can explore and understand your sexuality and what that means for you and your relationships.

According to the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, I am a kink knowledgeable professional. No matter the terminology (whether you prefer kink knowledgeable, aware, or friendly), I am a therapist who is open-minded, non-judgmental, and supportive of the kink and BDSM lifestyle. Whether you are starting to explore kinky fantasies or have been living the lifestyle for a while, I hope to empower you and give you the support you are looking for.

I also specialize in non-monogamous relationships, including but not limited to: polyamory, open marriages/relationships, swinging, triads, quads, poly families, relationship anarchy, solo polyamory, and more — essentially, anything that falls under the umbrella of “ethical non-monogamy.” I am here to guide you through the issues that may arise if you are considering opening your relationship/marriage or if you have already been living an ethically non-monogamous lifestyle. Some of those issues may include: navigating boundaries, safer sex practices, communication skills, the potential for jealousy, understanding compersion, and feelings of insecurity, neglect, or inadequacy.

Do I look familiar? As a sex-positive therapist, I am active in the same communities I serve. It is my belief that clients deserve a knowledgeable, well-versed, and empathetic therapist. It is due to this that I stay professionally involved in the kink and non-monogamous/poly communities in Austin.

Please be aware that I am not a sex surrogate. There is no physical or sexual contact with clients. I am a mental health professional who focuses on sexuality and addressing any concerns that come with it.

I work with individuals, couples, and families of all configurations. There are a variety of reasons people find themselves needing therapy. Counseling is a way for you to uncover new information about yourself, your relationships, and where you can deepen your emotional and cognitive awareness. Maybe you find yourself in crisis and need a therapist to talk to where you can speak openly and privately. You may also come to therapy for maintenance, where you can strengthen your relationships or work on becoming your best self.

“Courage is not the absence of fear.” Let’s work together to embrace vulnerability and authenticity while exploring and pushing boundaries in a safe and therapeutic way.