About Kendra

How I work

My approach is collaborative, decolonial, and relational. I believe in showing up authentically so that you can do the same. Together, we build a space where therapy is less about fixing and more about remembering who you are beneath the expectations, the exhaustion, the hurt.

Therapeutic Lenses I Draw From

• Decolonial and Afrocentric perspectives

• Sex therapy

• Somatic therapy

• Narrative and Emotion-focused therapy

• Person-centered and motivational interviewing frameworks

• Strength based approaches

• LGBTQ+ affirming, sex-positive, and kink-affirming practices

About

Kendra Twenter is a sex therapist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #162213) in San Francisco specializing in kink-informed care, non-monogamy, LGBTQIA+ affirming, BIPoC and decolonial therapy for individuals (ages 12+), couples, partners, and families. She is also a Ph.D. student in Human Sexuality at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

Credentials

• LMFT #162213

• Ph.D. student, Human Sexuality, California Institute of Integral Studies

• M.A., Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco

• M.A., Sociology and Sexuality, San Francisco State University

• Certification in Sexuality and Religion, Pacific School of Religion

• Certified: Kink-Informed Therapy, Anti-Racist Practice, Diversity & Inclusion

Approach

Kendra's clinical approach is rooted in client-centered care, attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and sex-positive principles. She works with individuals (12+), couples, partners and families navigating complex issues around intimacy, desire, identity, and relationship structure. Her style is client-centered and strength-based, with a deep commitment to creating affirming spaces for Black, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, kink, polyamorous / EMN, and neurodivergent clients.

With experience spanning community non-profit settings and private practice, Kendra has developed particular expertise supporting clients through anxiety, relationship challenges, and the mental health impact of systemic oppression. She integrates evidence-based modalities, including CBT, mindfulness, and somatic awareness, with a grounded understanding of human sexuality and attachment neuroscience.

Kendra is also an experienced educator, having led workshops on decolonizing therapy, radical wellness, and sexuality for Bay Area organizations and national conferences. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Human Sexuality, with research interests at the intersection of spirituality, identity, and intimate relationships.

Specialties

• Sex Therapy Desire discrepancy, sexual anxiety, pleasure enhancement, kink/BDSM-affirming care, non-monogamy, polyamory, and the intersection of sex with religion and spirituality

• Relationship & Couples Counseling Attachment-based modalities, communication challenges, intimacy building, premarital counseling

• Trauma-Informed Care Relational trauma, sexual trauma, systemic oppression, somatic awareness

• LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy Gender identity exploration, coming out, transition support, queer relationship dynamics

• BIPOC Mental Health Culturally responsive care, racial identity and intersectionality, decolonizing therapy practices

• Anxiety & Life Transitions Anxiety disorders, stress management, career and identity shifts, personal growth

• Sex Worker Affirming Care Non-judgmental, informed support for individuals in sex work

• Holistic & Mind-Body Integration Mindfulness, somatic experiencing, nervous system regulation

Some Issues Kendra Supports Include

• LGBTQ+ identity and relationships

• Gender and sexuality exploration and transition support

• Polyamory and non-monogamy, alternative relationship counseling

• Sexual health, pleasure, and intimacy

• Kink-affirming and sex positive therapy

• Depression, anxiety, burnout, and systemic fatigue

• Religious trauma and deconstruction

• Racial identity and internalized ideologies

• Intergenerational and ancestral trauma

• Doxing, online harassment, and digital safety

• Life transitions and relational shift

FAQ

Is Kendra Twenter a Black sex therapist?

Yes. Kendra is a Black sex therapist whose trauma-informed relational decolonial approach centers culturally responsive care and an understanding of systemic trauma. Her approach blends relational, narrative, and somatic practices with a deep understanding of how systems like colonialism, white supremacy, patriarchy, and anti-Blackness impact our mental health.

“I not hear to diagnosis your humanity or pathologize your pain. We’ll move at your pace, honor your boundaries, and listen to what your mind, body, and spirit are trying to say. You’re the expert of your life. I’m here to reflect, witness, and walk with you as you shape something meaningful from your experiences”

Does Kendra work with kink and polyamorous clients?

Yes. Kendra provides kink-informed and BDSM-affirming care and works with clients in non-monogamous and polyamorous relationship structures.

Does Kendra work with LGBTQIA+ clients?

Yes. Kendra provides LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, including support for gender identity exploration, coming out, and queer relationship dynamics.

Does Kendra work with Monogomous and Heterosexual clients?

Yes. Kendra provides therapy, including support for all sexualities, genders and relationship identities.

Does Kendra see individuals, couples, or families?

All three. Kendra works with individuals ages 12 and up, couples & partners and families.

What therapeutic approaches does Kendra use?

Kendra integrates attachment theory, trauma-informed care, CBT, mindfulness, and somatic awareness, alongside specialized training in human sexuality.

Good Faith Estimate

In compliance with the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the expected cost of your therapy services if you are not using insurance. This protects you from unexpected medical costs. Kendra can provide you an estimate when you connect.

If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above the estimate, you have the right to dispute it. Learn more at www.cms.gov/nosurprises.