GSRD Therapy Trainer
I am deeply committed to my professional development and actively participate in numerous trainings and conferences related to LGBTQIA+ mental health and rights each year. This ongoing education allows me to stay current with best practices in supporting diverse clients, particularly those from Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversities (GSRD) communities.
I attended the Pink Therapy International Summer School , specifically focused on 'Working with Sexuality & Relationship Diversities (GSRD) clients.' This experience has deepened my understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, I am featured in the Pink Therapy Directory, and I hold accreditation as a Pink Therapy GSRD-Aware Trainer. This certification reflects my dedication to educating others and promoting inclusive, compassionate, and effective therapeutic practices for individuals with diverse sexualities, genders, and relationships.
By engaging in continuous learning and advocacy, I strive to offer the most supportive and informed care to my clients, helping them navigate their personal journeys with greater confidence and resilience.
Transgender, Non-binary, Gender-queer, Gender-questioning, Genderfluid
I work with individuals who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender-queer, gender-questioning, genderfluid, and those who feel they don't fit into any specific label. My practice is open to anyone who wishes to explore their identity, regardless of whether they are considering or undergoing transition.
To ensure that I provide the most informed and sensitive care, I completed the Gendered Intelligence training on 'Working Alongside Trans, Gender Diverse and Questioning People.' This training has equipped me with the tools to offer a supportive, non-judgmental space for individuals navigating their gender identity, allowing them to explore their experiences and feelings safely and openly.
Whether you're seeking clarity, support, or simply a place to discuss your identity, my goal is to walk alongside you on your journey, fostering a deeper understanding of yourself and your unique path.
Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diverse (GSRD) Therapy
Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diverse (GSRD) Therapy is a therapeutic approach that acknowledges and addresses the unique experiences, challenges, and needs of individuals who identify as part of gender, sexuality, or relationship diverse communities. GSRD therapy is an inclusive, affirmative approach that supports clients beyond traditional frameworks of gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationship structures. This includes working with clients who identify as LGBTQIA+, as well as those exploring polyamory, kink, sex workers and other non-traditional or marginalised relationship styles.
Practitioners of GSRD therapy emphasize a non-judgmental, culturally competent approach to therapy that respects the client’s self-identification and lived experiences. They aim to create a safe, validating environment where clients can explore issues related to identity, relationships, and mental health without fear of stigma or misunderstanding.
Despite the progress made in LGBTQIA+ rights in many parts of the world, prejudice, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to persist. These negative attitudes can have profound and lasting emotional and psychological effects. People from LGBTQIA+ communities often face challenges in coming to terms with their sexuality or gender identity due to societal stigmatisation, victimisation, or internalised homophobia.
For some, the rejection by family, friends, or broader communities intensifies this suffering. The pain of exclusion or isolation from loved ones can be particularly damaging, creating feelings of abandonment and self-doubt. The emotional and psychological toll of these experiences can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Many struggle with reconciling their identity with the hostile messages they receive from society, and the journey to self-acceptance can be hindered by trauma stemming from such encounters.
Affirmative therapy can play a crucial role in helping LGBTQIA+ individuals process these experiences, find validation, and work towards healing. Psychotherapy, especially within an affirming and non-judgmental space, can empower individuals to explore their identity, build resilience, and address the emotional scars that come from discrimination and rejection.
Working Therapeutically with Sex Workers
GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity) Therapy, when working with sex workers, emphasises a non-judgmental, affirming, and client-centred approach that recognizes the unique social, emotional, and professional challenges faced by individuals in the sex industry. This therapeutic approach respects and validates the sex worker's experiences, supporting them in navigating issues related to stigma, safety, identity, boundaries, and relationship dynamics.
Key focuses include:
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Affirmation:
Recognising sex work as legitimate, fostering trust and open conversation. -
Coping with Stigma:
Supporting clients in managing societal discrimination and its emotional impacts. -
Safety & Boundaries:
Helping establish professional and personal boundaries. -
Identity & Self-Worth:
Encouraging positive self-perception, separate from societal views. -
Relationships & Disclosure:
Assisting in navigating disclosure and relationship dynamics. -
Mental Health Support:
Addressing anxiety, trauma, or stress related to their work.
This approach respects client autonomy and addresses their diverse, complex experiences holistically.
Kink and BDSM
I am a Kink and BDSM-aware therapist and recognize BDSM as a healthy part of the sexual spectrum. I can differentiate between consensual BDSM play and non-consensual abuse. My knowledge comes from various sources, including books, lectures, and discussions within the BDSM community. I understand the nuances of safe versus unsafe play, the roles within the scene, and the challenges of keeping a BDSM lifestyle private.
BDSM may or may not be the focus of therapy, but for those exploring kink-specific topics, I offer support with:
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Navigating the "coming out" process.
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Exploring feelings around BDSM interests.
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Addressing societal or internalised stigma.
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Making decisions about disclosing BDSM interests to others.
Therapy provides a safe space to process these topics, offering guidance and support as you explore your unique identity and experiences.
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Puppy Play and Furries
Puppy play and the furry community are both expressions of identity and creativity, often linked to exploring one's personality, social connection, and even emotional healing. Puppy play involves embodying the persona of a dog, allowing individuals to experience a sense of freedom, loyalty, and trust in their interactions.
The furry community centres on developing animal-based personas or "fursonas," providing a space to express different aspects of the self or find acceptance within a like-minded community.
Therapy can be valuable in supporting individuals who engage in these practices, helping them navigate any feelings of shame or stigma, process their unique identities, and understand their motivations. Additionally, therapy can assist in exploring how these identities influence relationships and self-esteem, offering a safe space to discuss personal experiences without judgement and gain deeper self-awareness.
Benefits of Counselling and Psychotherapy:
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Confidential, safe and non-judgmental environment in which to discuss your concerns, emotions and feelings.
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Support with the process of ‘coming out’ or ‘coming in’ to friends and family.
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Working with shame and Internalised homophobia/ transphobia/ lesbophobia/ biphobia.
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Working with ChemSex.
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Discuss and work through difficult issues, such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addiction, sex and relationship issues.
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Support for family members who may have difficulty coming to terms with their member’s sexuality.
