Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Counselling in Ilford

Photo of Ajay Lamba, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Ajay Lamba
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Online Only
Ajay Lamba has delivered psychotherapy in NHS hospitals and private practice, which has provided a wealth of experience with people from diverse backgrounds and all age groups. His academic and work career has been focused on helping people achieve their goals of recovery by relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, from mild to severe psychological difficulties.
Ajay Lamba has delivered psychotherapy in NHS hospitals and private practice, which has provided a wealth of experience with people from diverse backgrounds and all age groups. His academic and work career has been focused on helping people achieve their goals of recovery by relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, from mild to severe psychological difficulties.
023 9200 3294 View 023 9200 3294
Photo of Kosir Zafar, Counsellor, BACP
Kosir Zafar
Counsellor, BACP
Serves Area
I have a passion for helping people to overcome personal challenges and elevate them to become empowered individuals. I am warm and empathic with the wealth of experience, which I have acquired over the years. I am a BACP registered therapist and counsellor, who supports a range of emotional challenges and mental health conditions. This could be anything from understanding loss and overcoming trauma, to breaking behavioural patterns, identity finding, and managing mental health diagnoses. ​ My integrative person-centred service combines a range of therapeutic models to ensure you receive the support that best suits your needs.
I have a passion for helping people to overcome personal challenges and elevate them to become empowered individuals. I am warm and empathic with the wealth of experience, which I have acquired over the years. I am a BACP registered therapist and counsellor, who supports a range of emotional challenges and mental health conditions. This could be anything from understanding loss and overcoming trauma, to breaking behavioural patterns, identity finding, and managing mental health diagnoses. ​ My integrative person-centred service combines a range of therapeutic models to ensure you receive the support that best suits your needs.
020 4538 3244 View 020 4538 3244
Photo of Katherine Coates, Counsellor, BACP
Katherine Coates
Counsellor, BACP
Serves Area
Hello and welcome. My name is Katherine Coates and I am a qualified Person Centred therapist. My journey to become a qualified counsellor started after I entered therapy myself so am well aware of how terrifying taking the first steps in asking for help can be. Therefore, I aim to offer a safe space where you feel accepted and valued enough that you can reveal your vulnerabilities without fear of judgement.
Hello and welcome. My name is Katherine Coates and I am a qualified Person Centred therapist. My journey to become a qualified counsellor started after I entered therapy myself so am well aware of how terrifying taking the first steps in asking for help can be. Therefore, I aim to offer a safe space where you feel accepted and valued enough that you can reveal your vulnerabilities without fear of judgement.
020 8106 2420 View 020 8106 2420

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Saida Melgar, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Saida Melgar
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
2 Endorsed
London SW9
My clients often come to therapy after noticing a lack of motivation or feeling disconnected. They may feel overwhelmed by daily pressures, weighed down by anxiety, depression, or trauma, or left questioning their sense of self. Many describe feeling misunderstood, not fitting in, or never feeling “good enough.” I work with neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism and AuDHD, diagnosed or exploring), and those navigating questions about identity, relationships, or sexuality. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can process your past, understand yourself more deeply, and move through life with greater confidence and ease.
My clients often come to therapy after noticing a lack of motivation or feeling disconnected. They may feel overwhelmed by daily pressures, weighed down by anxiety, depression, or trauma, or left questioning their sense of self. Many describe feeling misunderstood, not fitting in, or never feeling “good enough.” I work with neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism and AuDHD, diagnosed or exploring), and those navigating questions about identity, relationships, or sexuality. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can process your past, understand yourself more deeply, and move through life with greater confidence and ease.
020 4572 7386 View 020 4572 7386
Photo of Vicente Partida, Counsellor, MBACP
Vicente Partida
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
London SE1
Many people carry deep emotions like shame or fear, or feel stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns. By exploring the unconscious and reflecting on past and present relationships, we can uncover insights to help with life’s challenges. I have experience with LGBTQIA+ clients and those from multicultural backgrounds, dealing with issues such as relationship problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity. Counselling can offer a safe yet challenging space to explore and gain clarity, whether you have specific concerns or are unsure of the cause.
Many people carry deep emotions like shame or fear, or feel stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns. By exploring the unconscious and reflecting on past and present relationships, we can uncover insights to help with life’s challenges. I have experience with LGBTQIA+ clients and those from multicultural backgrounds, dealing with issues such as relationship problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity. Counselling can offer a safe yet challenging space to explore and gain clarity, whether you have specific concerns or are unsure of the cause.
020 4572 8499 View 020 4572 8499
Photo of Will Hardy, Counsellor, MBACP
Will Hardy
Counsellor, MBACP
London SE15
I am based online and in South and East London - I provide LGBTQ+ therapy and counselling for those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, questioning, polyamorous, kink, ace etc.
I am trained within an integrative approach to counselling and psychotherapy. This means I combine different approaches to create a therapy experience that is queer and sex positive, kink-affirming and practiced with an open mindset. Intersectionality, privilege, discrimination and difference are experiences I’m committed to exploring with you safely.
I am based online and in South and East London - I provide LGBTQ+ therapy and counselling for those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, questioning, polyamorous, kink, ace etc.
I am trained within an integrative approach to counselling and psychotherapy. This means I combine different approaches to create a therapy experience that is queer and sex positive, kink-affirming and practiced with an open mindset. Intersectionality, privilege, discrimination and difference are experiences I’m committed to exploring with you safely.
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Photo of James O'Callaghan, Counsellor, MBACP
James O'Callaghan
Counsellor, MBACP
3 Endorsed
London NW6
I work affirmatively with neurodivergent clients (including ADHD and autism) and GSRD (gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity) - this includes LGBT+, kink and BDSM, non-monogamy, and sex work, where questions of belonging, safety, and identity often sit under the surface.
You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that keep repeating despite everything you’ve tried to change.  For some people this shows up as anxiety, panic attacks, a harsh internal voice, persistent stress, or perfectionism that never seems to let up.  Others come carrying the impact of trauma, emotional or sexual abuse, or attachment wounds that began long before they had language for what was happening. Depression, low self-worth, loneliness, and self-harm can emerge when there hasn’t been a safe place for difficult feelings to go.
I work affirmatively with neurodivergent clients (including ADHD and autism) and GSRD (gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity) - this includes LGBT+, kink and BDSM, non-monogamy, and sex work, where questions of belonging, safety, and identity often sit under the surface.
You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that keep repeating despite everything you’ve tried to change.  For some people this shows up as anxiety, panic attacks, a harsh internal voice, persistent stress, or perfectionism that never seems to let up.  Others come carrying the impact of trauma, emotional or sexual abuse, or attachment wounds that began long before they had language for what was happening. Depression, low self-worth, loneliness, and self-harm can emerge when there hasn’t been a safe place for difficult feelings to go.
020 4538 6080 View 020 4538 6080
Photo of Andrea Pavarini, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Andrea Pavarini
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
London W1G
Your life may look successful and beautiful on the outside, yet inside you may feel anxious, low or burnt out, caught in people-pleasing, especially around family, partners, your sexuality or identity. Perhaps you are coming out, or afraid of disappointing those you love. You may long to stop performing, quieten shame and feel more at home in yourself. Together we slow down, map your story and gently honour your uniqueness, reclaiming your needs, boundaries and desires so life feels steadier, kinder and more spacious. I offer a warm, confidential space in Harley Street and online to explore, feel understood & trust your way forward.
Your life may look successful and beautiful on the outside, yet inside you may feel anxious, low or burnt out, caught in people-pleasing, especially around family, partners, your sexuality or identity. Perhaps you are coming out, or afraid of disappointing those you love. You may long to stop performing, quieten shame and feel more at home in yourself. Together we slow down, map your story and gently honour your uniqueness, reclaiming your needs, boundaries and desires so life feels steadier, kinder and more spacious. I offer a warm, confidential space in Harley Street and online to explore, feel understood & trust your way forward.
020 4572 8543 View 020 4572 8543
Photo of Katie Merritt, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Katie Merritt
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
3 Endorsed
London EC4A
I work with clients experiencing anxiety, stress, and identity or relationship challenges in a sex-positive, kink-allied space.
Life can feel relentless. High-pressure workplaces, long hours, and constant societal expectations can leave you anxious, disconnected, or carrying feelings you can’t quite name. We’re often pushed from one demand to the next, stretched into shapes that don’t feel authentic, urged to want more, achieve more, be more, and somehow be perfect, no matter the cost. Under the weight of these expectations, life can start to feel heavy, as though you’re living by someone else’s standards, disconnected from your body, your needs, and your sense of self.
I work with clients experiencing anxiety, stress, and identity or relationship challenges in a sex-positive, kink-allied space.
Life can feel relentless. High-pressure workplaces, long hours, and constant societal expectations can leave you anxious, disconnected, or carrying feelings you can’t quite name. We’re often pushed from one demand to the next, stretched into shapes that don’t feel authentic, urged to want more, achieve more, be more, and somehow be perfect, no matter the cost. Under the weight of these expectations, life can start to feel heavy, as though you’re living by someone else’s standards, disconnected from your body, your needs, and your sense of self.
020 4634 0151 View 020 4634 0151
Photo of Daniel Rubinstein, Counsellor, PhD, MUKCP
Daniel Rubinstein
Counsellor, PhD, MUKCP
Serves Area
Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, with a clear mind and a sense of purpose. Picture yourself navigating relationships with calm and confidence, living a life where you're not just coping, but thriving. Does this feel out of reach? It doesn’t have to be. Perhaps you lie awake at night, your mind racing with anxious thoughts. Or feel trapped in a relationship that brings more pain than joy. Or dream of writing that book or making art, yet find yourself procrastinating. Or feel unsure of your next steps, longing for a life that feels more fully your own.
Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, with a clear mind and a sense of purpose. Picture yourself navigating relationships with calm and confidence, living a life where you're not just coping, but thriving. Does this feel out of reach? It doesn’t have to be. Perhaps you lie awake at night, your mind racing with anxious thoughts. Or feel trapped in a relationship that brings more pain than joy. Or dream of writing that book or making art, yet find yourself procrastinating. Or feel unsure of your next steps, longing for a life that feels more fully your own.
01424 619114 View 01424 619114
Photo of Dr Robert Dow, Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Dr Robert Dow
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Serves Area
I am sex-positive and kink-aware.
I offer individual psychotherapy for adults, with a particular interest in psychologically complex and often hard-to-speak-about experiences. My work commonly involves shame, guilt, and self-criticism; patterns that repeat despite insight or effort; sexuality, desire, and taboo; the impact of sexual harm; sexual behaviour that feels troubling or conflicted; questions of gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity; and difficulties in relationships and intimacy. The work is exploratory and reflective, and suited to people who want to develop a deeper understanding of what is troubling them.
I am sex-positive and kink-aware.
I offer individual psychotherapy for adults, with a particular interest in psychologically complex and often hard-to-speak-about experiences. My work commonly involves shame, guilt, and self-criticism; patterns that repeat despite insight or effort; sexuality, desire, and taboo; the impact of sexual harm; sexual behaviour that feels troubling or conflicted; questions of gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity; and difficulties in relationships and intimacy. The work is exploratory and reflective, and suited to people who want to develop a deeper understanding of what is troubling them.
0131 381 5405 View 0131 381 5405
Photo of David Bevins, Counsellor, MBACP
David Bevins
Counsellor, MBACP
London E17
We can all remember times in our lives when we have felt something was missing. Times where we’ve needed assistance, but not known where to turn. We’ve been overwhelmed or exhausted; confused or isolated; lost and in need of something more that we can’t put our finger on. I am interested in what has brought an individual to the point they’re at currently – what is working for them and what do they want to change. With a warm, person-centred approach I respect the individuality of my clients and help them to find ways to take more control over their lives without judgement or barriers.
We can all remember times in our lives when we have felt something was missing. Times where we’ve needed assistance, but not known where to turn. We’ve been overwhelmed or exhausted; confused or isolated; lost and in need of something more that we can’t put our finger on. I am interested in what has brought an individual to the point they’re at currently – what is working for them and what do they want to change. With a warm, person-centred approach I respect the individuality of my clients and help them to find ways to take more control over their lives without judgement or barriers.
020 3835 5098 View 020 3835 5098
Photo of Konstantinos V Durrant - Soho Couples Therapy, Psychotherapist, BPC
Soho Couples Therapy
Psychotherapist, BPC
1 Endorsed
London W1F
Soho Couples Therapy is a specialist psychotherapy service for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals who are facing relationship challenges. You may be struggling with intimacy, trust, communication, navigating open relationships, or parenting. Sometimes personal struggles, such as anxiety, questions of identity, or past trauma, are hard to negotiate in a partnership and create distance. We can help you understand the deeper dynamics of your relationship, consider what has created the challenges you are experiencing, and explore how to overcome them.
Soho Couples Therapy is a specialist psychotherapy service for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals who are facing relationship challenges. You may be struggling with intimacy, trust, communication, navigating open relationships, or parenting. Sometimes personal struggles, such as anxiety, questions of identity, or past trauma, are hard to negotiate in a partnership and create distance. We can help you understand the deeper dynamics of your relationship, consider what has created the challenges you are experiencing, and explore how to overcome them.
020 4572 6507 View 020 4572 6507
Photo of Heather Elizabeth Witcher, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Heather Elizabeth Witcher
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
My counselling process is client focused and tailored. You and your personal journey are unique, therefore there is no "one size fits all" approach in my therapy space. Although I have had a long and varied education into counselling, psychology and social forces, I remain convinced by a fact that I learned on the first day of my degree... It is often not the method of counselling which predicts a benefit to our clients, but the relationship between client and practitioner. I prioritise building trust and a sense of safety that healing can bed into and thrive in.
My counselling process is client focused and tailored. You and your personal journey are unique, therefore there is no "one size fits all" approach in my therapy space. Although I have had a long and varied education into counselling, psychology and social forces, I remain convinced by a fact that I learned on the first day of my degree... It is often not the method of counselling which predicts a benefit to our clients, but the relationship between client and practitioner. I prioritise building trust and a sense of safety that healing can bed into and thrive in.
01803 222980 View 01803 222980
Photo of Simon Milton, Counsellor, MBACP
Simon Milton
Counsellor, MBACP
London W14
This is allowing me to work more in depth with gender, sexuality, diverse relationships, as well as kink and sex positive work.
My ideal client is anybody who needs a safe space to talk. My general goal with a client is to get them to a place of acceptance, congruence, or comfort with who they are. Some clients have complex or deeprooted challenges, and come to be to engage with those, others need a space to mull things over or simply check in with themselves to see how they are doing, and the rest do both. We take therapy at your pace; I don't set the agenda.
This is allowing me to work more in depth with gender, sexuality, diverse relationships, as well as kink and sex positive work.
My ideal client is anybody who needs a safe space to talk. My general goal with a client is to get them to a place of acceptance, congruence, or comfort with who they are. Some clients have complex or deeprooted challenges, and come to be to engage with those, others need a space to mull things over or simply check in with themselves to see how they are doing, and the rest do both. We take therapy at your pace; I don't set the agenda.
0113 519 1986 View 0113 519 1986
Photo of Laura Jayne Nice, Counsellor, MBACP
Laura Jayne Nice
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
London E14
I'm sex positive, sex worker allied and have experience of kink dynamics.
I have found that interpersonal relationship issues often intersect with deeper themes, such as patterns of relating formed in childhood, feelings of anxiety or overwhelm, identity exploration, or a sense of being stuck. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore these interconnected areas together and work toward positive change.
I'm sex positive, sex worker allied and have experience of kink dynamics.
I have found that interpersonal relationship issues often intersect with deeper themes, such as patterns of relating formed in childhood, feelings of anxiety or overwhelm, identity exploration, or a sense of being stuck. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore these interconnected areas together and work toward positive change.
020 3828 7396 View 020 3828 7396
Photo of Jonathan Husbands, Counsellor, MBACP
Jonathan Husbands
Counsellor, MBACP
London SE24
I aim to provide a safe welcoming, non-judgmental space where clients can freely express their thoughts, feelings and truly be heard. I am here to listen to you and help you find the best way forward. I use a collaborative approach where we examine thoughts and feelings from the past and examine how those past feelings affect the client in the here and now. My hope is to help clients realise that they have the tools to help themselves move forward in life and I’ll assist in finding new perspectives that help to bring self-awareness, strength, self-belief and enable positive change.
I aim to provide a safe welcoming, non-judgmental space where clients can freely express their thoughts, feelings and truly be heard. I am here to listen to you and help you find the best way forward. I use a collaborative approach where we examine thoughts and feelings from the past and examine how those past feelings affect the client in the here and now. My hope is to help clients realise that they have the tools to help themselves move forward in life and I’ll assist in finding new perspectives that help to bring self-awareness, strength, self-belief and enable positive change.
020 4538 3458 View 020 4538 3458
Photo of Jessica Sings - Equalise Counselling - Break the cycle , Counsellor, MBACP
Equalise Counselling - Break the cycle
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Laced in is an approach that is open and sex positive.
Welcome! I'm Jess, an open-minded, sex-positive counsellor - In person & online across Europe, supporting Anxiety, Trauma & Relationship Growth. Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, OCD) & LGBTQIA+ affirming. Life can feel overwhelming when intense emotions or past experiences continue to affect daily life. You may struggle with emotional regulation difficulties, or hypersensitivity. You might have noticed patterns like fear of abandonment, codependency, or enmeshment in relationships. Past experiences, including attachment trauma or emotional abuse, can make it difficult to set healthy boundaries in relationships.
Laced in is an approach that is open and sex positive.
Welcome! I'm Jess, an open-minded, sex-positive counsellor - In person & online across Europe, supporting Anxiety, Trauma & Relationship Growth. Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, OCD) & LGBTQIA+ affirming. Life can feel overwhelming when intense emotions or past experiences continue to affect daily life. You may struggle with emotional regulation difficulties, or hypersensitivity. You might have noticed patterns like fear of abandonment, codependency, or enmeshment in relationships. Past experiences, including attachment trauma or emotional abuse, can make it difficult to set healthy boundaries in relationships.
01392 321952 View 01392 321952
Photo of Rebecca Fox, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Rebecca Fox
Psychotherapist, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I am also kink-aware and sex positive.
Hello, I’m Rebecca. I will be by your side as you explore whatever you wish to share, accepting all parts of you and bringing all parts of myself. As a person-centred therapist I offer a space that is non-judgemental, open and supportive. I offer you space that is just for you, to have the time to be heard and express yourself. I'm passionate about social justice and embed this in my practice, curious about how your identities and life experiences are felt and perceived. It feels like a really hard time to be queer and/or trans at the moment, I'm here to hold you and have understanding and experience. You are welcome and accepted.
I am also kink-aware and sex positive.
Hello, I’m Rebecca. I will be by your side as you explore whatever you wish to share, accepting all parts of you and bringing all parts of myself. As a person-centred therapist I offer a space that is non-judgemental, open and supportive. I offer you space that is just for you, to have the time to be heard and express yourself. I'm passionate about social justice and embed this in my practice, curious about how your identities and life experiences are felt and perceived. It feels like a really hard time to be queer and/or trans at the moment, I'm here to hold you and have understanding and experience. You are welcome and accepted.
0161 524 6947 View 0161 524 6947
Photo of Sarah Kathryn Pettifer, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Sarah Kathryn Pettifer
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Are you someone who wants to get to know themselves better? Someone who is ready to explore and understand some of the patterns that might be shaping your life. Maybe curious about gender,sexuality,identity,relationships,neurodivergence,processes around emotions or thoughts... I might be able to help... As I understand it, some challenges to good mental health come from tensions between what you are/want/need and what's actually happening in your reality, it might make you feel low or anxious.
Are you someone who wants to get to know themselves better? Someone who is ready to explore and understand some of the patterns that might be shaping your life. Maybe curious about gender,sexuality,identity,relationships,neurodivergence,processes around emotions or thoughts... I might be able to help... As I understand it, some challenges to good mental health come from tensions between what you are/want/need and what's actually happening in your reality, it might make you feel low or anxious.
01283 249272 View 01283 249272

See more therapy options for Ilford

Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Counsellors
Why might an individual want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
A sex-positive or kinky individual may want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist because the client may feel safer and more supported discussing their experiences and challenges. A therapist who identifies as kink-friendly will have experience with clients having diverse sexual preferences and will likely be nonjudgmental and supportive about issues brought to the table. It is important to note that sex-positive, kink-allied individuals may find equal success with therapists who do not have such specialised knowledge and background. The most important factor in the success of therapy is for the client and practitioner to form a strong, trusting bond.

Do therapists have special training to gain expertise in sex-positive, kink-allied treatment?
Generally, no. There are limited training programs and unofficial accreditations that therapists can pursue, but a therapist’s expertise will ultimately come from their previous experience with similar clients, their engagement with organisations that promote sex positivity or kink-allied lifestyles, and the importance they place on safety and cultural sensitivity.

How can individuals recognise a good sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
An experienced therapist is able to help clients explore their sexual identity and expression and relieve any discomfort or stigma attached to discussing such matters and the client’s overall challenges. A therapist who is sex-positive and kink-allied is able to create an environment that honors a client’s experience and sexual preferences. To recognise a good therapist, clients can simply ask directly about topics and issues important to them and gauge their comfort level and connection with a clinician based on the responses.

Can clients benefit from having a therapist with a focus on sex positivity and alternative sexual lifestyles?
Some individuals may feel most comfortable knowing that the clinician they’re working with has a commitment to creating an atmosphere of sex positivity and has experience with relationship diversity and alternative relationship structures. Working with a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist may help clients respect their own challenges and improve identity-affirming treatment.