At Chroma Wellness, authentic connection and self-understanding are at the heart of healing. For therapist Stephen Sbanotto, LPC, CSAT-S, CMAT, RAE, RACS, that begins with providing a safe, affirming space to explore one of the most vulnerable and powerful parts of identity—sexuality and intimacy.
Stephen facilitates Chroma’s Sex and Intimacy Group, a weekly therapy group designed specifically for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to unpack the intersection of sexuality, trauma, and mental health. With over 15 years of experience treating addiction, trauma, and sexual compulsivity, Stephen brings a deeply compassionate and trauma-informed approach to this work.
So many individuals within the queer community experience rejection, bullying, or violence across their lifespan,” Stephen explains. “We can’t assume those experiences are confined to youth. For many, those challenges continue throughout life. My goal is to create a bubble—a safe place—for two and a half hours a week where people can feel affirmed and understood.”
Stephen’s professional background is uniquely layered. A Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT), he understands that no issue exists in isolation. His work acknowledges the deep overlap between addiction, attachment, and mental health—an approach that naturally aligns with Chroma’s integrative model of care.
“Addictions don’t exist in a vacuum,” he says. “Whether it’s substances, relationships, or behaviors, these patterns are often responses to trauma and attachment wounds. Understanding that helps us move from judgment to compassion.”
“Sexuality and gender expression—how I see myself, who I love, how I connect—are essential parts of identity. This group gives clients permission to talk about those experiences openly and safely.”
“We’re building what it means to have a safe place—together.”
The Sex and Intimacy Group invites participants to discuss topics often left unspoken:
- Sexual health,
- Intimacy after trauma,
- How shame or rejection can affect connection and self-worth.
Sessions are intentionally trauma-informed—carefully structured to foster openness without re-traumatization. The group’s purpose isn’t to pathologize sexuality but to normalize honest conversation about it.
“Queerness and sexuality are deeply interlinked,” Stephen shares. “Sexuality and gender expression—how I see myself, who I love, how I connect—these are essential parts of identity. This group gives clients permission to talk about those experiences openly and safely.”
For Chroma Wellness, this group reflects a broader mission: to provide holistic, affirming, and community-rooted care for LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating mental health and recovery. “If all we can do is provide a safe space for someone to show up and feel seen,” Stephen concludes, “then we’ve done something that truly matters.”
About Chroma Wellness Center
Chroma Wellness Center provides affirming, trauma-informed outpatient care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies seeking healing from mental health and substance use challenges. Offering PHP and IOP levels of care, Chroma integrates evidence-based therapies such as DBT, CBT, EFT, and Somatic Experiencing with community connection and clinical expertise.
To learn more or schedule an assessment, visit our Contact Us page or call 720-784-4036.