Sex Positive Therapy
Empowerment and transformation
Approaching a therapist with issues surrounding one’s sexuality, sexual behaviours or practices can be daunting. Whilst many traditional therapists will support clients with sexual issues, there is a legitimate concern about how well-versed and comfortable such therapists will be with alternative sexual practices, diverse identities and non-monogamous relationship structures. On the extreme end, some traditional therapists may even dismiss sexual concerns altogether.
Sex positive therapists differ in their training, knowledge and openness to explore client issues related to their sexuality and sexual expression. They are committed to providing an inclusive and safe environment to discuss such matters and allowing clients to explore and understand their sexual self-expression without fear of being judged or misunderstood.
Common Client Concerns
Sex positive therapists have specialised expertise to assist with a variety of client sexual issues, on top of their broad-based therapeutic training. This means that whatever your immediate presenting problem, you can be assured that any sexual issues that arise during your work together will be handled with respect and acceptance.
Specific issues that a sex positive therapist can assist with include:
Exploring your sexual identity or orientation
Navigating relationship issues related to sexual compatibility, libido differences or relationship models like polyamory or consensual non-monogamy
Working through feelings of shame or guilt related to your sexual desires, kinks, or fetishes
Healing from sexual trauma or negative sexual experiences
Gaining support for non-traditional sexual practices in a way that respects your choices and lifestyle
Communicating better with your partner(s) about your sexual desires and boundaries
Core Values
The key to empowerment and transformation for clients is based on the core values that sex positive therapists brings to their work together:
Non-Judgemental Acceptance A sex positive therapist accepts and respects the client’s sexual identity, desires and practices. They will not pathologize consensual sexual behaviours that fall outside of societal norms. This affirming approach allows clients to explore issues like sexual shame, physical/mental insecurities and exploring or questioning about their sexual interests. The client can bring up any sexual issues with confidence that their therapist will not impose moral or cultural biases.
Affirmation of Sexual Diversity Working with a knowledgeable and supportive therapist allows clients to explore and express their gender, sexuality and/or relationship diversity. The therapist has the understanding to offer the client the tools to work through any challenges or concerns arising from this diversity.
Encouraging Open Communication Sex positive therapists are ideally suited to assist individuals and couples by facilitating open communication about intimacy, sexual health and emotional connection in a manner designed to foster mutual understanding and respect.
Addressing Sexual Issues without Shame Working through sexual issues constructively without shame can transform clients who are struggling with sexual issues such as performance anxiety, low libido, sexual trauma or difficult with expression their sexual wants and desires.
Focus on Consent and Healthy Boundaries Enabling clients to communicate their boundaries through an emphasis on mutual consent in all sexual activities is fundamental to empowering clients. A sex positive therapist can also assist with more advanced negotiation strategies, such as master/slave, dom/sub or other BDSM contracts based on power exchange.
Affirmation and Support for Kink and Alternative Sexual Practices Sex positive therapists have the knowledge and experience to understand, validate and support the complexities of these dynamics and assist individuals or couples in navigating them in safe and fulfilling ways.
If you are looking for a sex positive therapist reach out to Unicorn Care today!