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Relationship & Sex Therapy FAQs
Here are answers to the questions I'm often asked about relationship and sex therapy.
- 01Kink-affirming therapy acknowledges and respects diverse expressions of human sexuality, particularly kink, BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, masochism), and fetishes. I have decades of experience, both lived and as an expert, kink-affirming therapist.
- 02The aspects of kink and BDSM I work with most are negotiating boundaries, understanding desires and fetishes, navigating power dynamics, managing shame, and communicating needs within kink relationships. As a BDSM-affirming therapist, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your kinky side openly and at your own pace.
- 03Poly-affirming therapy supports, validates and understands ethically non-monogamous, open and polyamorous relationships. I have years of personal and professional experience that inform my work with open and poly people.
- 04I work with individuals, couples and polycules navigating the unique challenges of consensual non-monogamy and polyamory. I help them navigate complex dynamics, jealousy and envy, time management, hierarchy and intimacy — while building trust and mutual respect.
- 05Absolutely. I have experience working with neurodivergent clients, including autistic people and those with ADHD, who may experience sex, intimacy and relationships differently. I also have ADHD. I was diagnosed 25 years ago, so I have years of experience learning how to thrive in life and love. But we're all different, so your therapy will be adapted to your communication style and sensory needs. You are welcome exactly as you are. Get in touch to find out more.
- 06Although the terms are often used interchangeably, I think sex therapy is a broad term for therapy with individuals and partners where we explore and overcome concerns related to sex and sexuality. This might include exploring sexual identity, attraction and practice, or challenges around BDSM/kink, fetishes and fantasies. Psychosexual therapy is a specific type of psychotherapy that resolves the psychological, emotional and physical issues that affect sexual pleasure and performance. It helps individuals and partners overcome issues like vaginismus, painful sex, unreliable erections, rapid or delayed ejaculation, loss of or mismatched desire, and compulsive sexual behaviour.
- 07The first few sessions focus on gathering information about your relationship, the problems you want to overcome, how well you communicate, what’s working well, your individual backgrounds, and identifying goals for therapy. In relationship therapy, we will: Explore the roots of your problems, so you can identify and resolve underlying patterns of behaviour and emotional responses. Learn ways of improving communication and dealing with conflict. Explore your differences and what really matters to each of you, and find ways forward that feel fair and balanced. I will also give you ‘homework’ so you can practice new skills and reinforce positive changes.
- 08Yes. Therapy can help partners work through the aftermath of betrayal — whether that’s infidelity, broken agreements or emotional dishonesty. Together we’ll explore what happened, understand the impact, and begin rebuilding trust and communication at a pace that feels right. Book a free consultation to talk it through.
- 09I specialise in helping partners reconnect emotionally and physically. Whether intimacy has faded, desire feels mismatched, or sex has become a source of tension, therapy provides a safe space to explore what’s happening and find a way forward together. Book a free discovery chat to get started.
- 101. That it’s a quick fix and a few sessions will sort out the problem. Some people see results quickly, but the reality is that lasting change takes time and sustained effort. 2. That relationship therapy is the last resort for relationships at breaking point. The reality is that relationship therapy is often most effective before this point, to prevent issues from getting worse. Relationship therapy is also really helpful around the time of major transitions, like moving in together or starting a family, so you can iron out any niggles before your relationship faces new challenges.
- 111. That sex therapy is just about sex. Just as sex is more than just the things we do, sex therapy addresses the emotional, psychological and relational factors that influence sex, not just the physical ones. 2. That sex therapy involves physical touch. It doesn’t. It’s a talk therapy, like counselling and psychotherapy. There is no physical or sexual contact between the therapist and client. Instead, sex therapy focuses open dialogue, education and exploring strategies to improve sexual wellbeing.
- 12Online psychosexual therapy works in the same way as in-person sessions. The difference is that we via secure video (I use Zoom), which means you can be in any comfortable, private space. Many people actually find it easier to open up from their own home. Being online means you can access specialist support from anywhere without needing to travel. I work with people across the UK and internationally.
- 13Research from before, during and after the COVID pandemic shows that online therapy is equally as effective as in-person therapy. The same research shows that client engagement and the therapeutic alliance are not compromised online. Plus, for many people, online therapy is more convenient and accessible because it reduces barriers like travel time and cost, geographic limitations, and stigma, making it more accessible to people in rural areas or with physical limitations. And for people who find one-to-one interaction intense, the screen can feel like a safety net for them, or give them space to take breaks in a safe space.
- 14It’s impossible to say without knowing your specific situation and what people want from therapy. Some people work with us for 6 - 12 sessions, and others for longer. My aim is always to empower people to have the knowledge, skills and confidence to leave therapy when they feel ready.
- 15I originally trained as a Counsellor, then went on to specialise in sex and relationships by doing a two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy. I always knew I wanted to work with kinky and non-monogamous people, so since I qualified as a Sex and Relationship Psychotherapist 10 years ago, I have had further specialised training and ongoing supervision to develop my skills and competence. Having lived experience is great, but it doesn’t teach you how to work with others to overcome the challenges sex and relationship diversity can bring.
- 16£100 for a 50-minute session. I offer a free initial video consultation so you can ask questions and decide if therapy is right for you before committing. You can see more about my fees and cancellation policy on my therapy page.
- 17£140 for a 50-minute session for couples or multiple-partner relationships. I offer a free initial video consultation so you can ask questions and decide if therapy is right for you before committing. You can see more about my fees and cancellation policy on my therapy page.
- 18You can book by getting in touch through my contact page. I offer a free initial video consultation where we’ll discuss what you’d like help with and whether we’re a good fit for each other.
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