What kind of problems does sex therapy help with?
The most common sexual problems I treat are:

• Desire or libido issues.

• Painful sex conditions such as vaginismus and endometriosis.

• People who are having difficulty with orgasm.

• Affair recovery

• Pornography or out of control sexual behaviour.

• Recovery and healing from past sexual trauma.

• Menopausal problems.

• Supporting gender variant folk through transition.
   

Sex therapy is not just about solving sexual problems. Many people feel they benefit from improving their sex lives and from learning new ways to give and receive pleasure.

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What happens in a sex therapy session?
The first session is an important ‘checking out’ process for both of us. You need to be sure that you are comfortable with my style!. I  get as much informations as possible about your specific issues. I will then discuss with you how best to go about solving your problems; how long it may take to start seeing positive changes or whether a referral to another professional would be more helpful. 

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Like many sex therapists, I often recommend “ at home” exercises. This is a very important part of treatment and clients who are 100% committed get the best results. I work collaboratively with my clients and will always “check in” with you about your level of comfort.

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These tasks may consist of:

• Specific techniques to work on your sexuality concerns.

• Anxiety reduction/relaxation exercises.

• Practical strategies to improve communication, trust and deepen connection.

• Exercises that help you feel more comfortable and in tune with your body.

• Strategies to reduce conflict and tension. 

• Questionnaires.
   

Do couples attend sessions together or individually?
It is most helpful when both partners attend and are committed to making the changes but it is not essential, you can attend on your own. Sometimes a partner may attend the first session on her/his own and we can talk about the benefit or need for the partner to attend.

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Sometimes one partner is not too keen on doing sex therapy, when this happens we can talk about how to encourage the reluctant partner to give it a go.

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Are Sex Therapy Sessions Confidential?
Yes! Confidentiality is important part of any therapeutic relationship. I am bound by law to keep information confidential and secure.

There are exceptions when:

1. There is a risk of harm to yourself or someone else.

2. It is requested by a court subpoena.

3. You have given me prior approval to:

   • Provide a written report to another professional e.g. GP or lawyer.

   • Discuss the material with another person e.g. your partner or family member.
      

I do talk to a clinical supervisor about my clients but this is done in a professional manner and does not disclose identity. Supervision is essential to maintaining a high standard of therapy and ethics. All professional counsellors and therapists are required to have regular supervision.
 

When is the right time to see a sex therapist?
The right time is now. Sexual problems are unlikely to just go away and often get worse over time.

If you need support or information then a friendly chat with a professional sex therapist will be a great option for you.

A good sex therapist will be able to work out whether sex therapy is going to be helpful whether it might be better to address other issues before working specifically on sexual problems. My experience as a psychotherapist means that I am able to make good assessments and recommend the best options.

Do you offer counselling/therapy for other issues?
My Masters training as a psychotherapist and many years of experience in different areas of counselling gives me the capacity to deal with a wide range of issues that may be affecting the relationship and/or sexual problems. If these other issues need a lot of work then I may refer you to another professional.
 

Do you abide by a code of ethics?
I abide by the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS) code of ethics. SAS in turn abides by the ethics of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS).
 

I am also governed by the Australian & New Zealand Art Therapists Association Code of Ethics as I am a registered art psychotherapist.
 

My professional supervision ensures that I am upholding these codes.