Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Counselling in Ilkley
I work with a range of presenting issues, including issues related to anxiety, depression, and trauma, but also have experience working with issues relating to relationships, bereavement, identity, self-criticality, burnout, neurodiversity/neurodivergence (assessed or self-identified), kink, bdsm and non-monogamy, and issues relating to working in the creative arts.
My approach is tailored to you; I use a variety of ways of helping people and will tailor the way we work together to suit you as an individual. I am relationally trained, and I may use person-centred, psychodynamic and CBT techniques as appropriate.
It is important that we work together creatively to find the best way to help you find a way forward.
I work with a range of presenting issues, including issues related to anxiety, depression, and trauma, but also have experience working with issues relating to relationships, bereavement, identity, self-criticality, burnout, neurodiversity/neurodivergence (assessed or self-identified), kink, bdsm and non-monogamy, and issues relating to working in the creative arts.
My approach is tailored to you; I use a variety of ways of helping people and will tailor the way we work together to suit you as an individual. I am relationally trained, and I may use person-centred, psychodynamic and CBT techniques as appropriate.
It is important that we work together creatively to find the best way to help you find a way forward.
Do you feel devastated after an affair, or trapped in the hurt and mistrust that followed? I provide specialist couples counselling for partners facing the hardest challenges - betrayal, sex & intimacy that’s vanished, the same fight on repeat, or the complexities of neurodiverse or poly relationships. By the time people find me, they’ve usually tried everything else. My style is structured, direct, and designed to create change. One couple put it this way: “When all hope was lost, Shan’s help and guidance enabled us to reconnect and be stronger than we have ever been".
Do you feel devastated after an affair, or trapped in the hurt and mistrust that followed? I provide specialist couples counselling for partners facing the hardest challenges - betrayal, sex & intimacy that’s vanished, the same fight on repeat, or the complexities of neurodiverse or poly relationships. By the time people find me, they’ve usually tried everything else. My style is structured, direct, and designed to create change. One couple put it this way: “When all hope was lost, Shan’s help and guidance enabled us to reconnect and be stronger than we have ever been".
Love, sex and personal relationships are where we manage our hopes, fears and vulnerabilities. When our connection with ourselves and others is good it can feel transformative, but when it isn’t it can be extremely distressing. I offer an integrative approach to relationship and psychosexual therapy to work with you, whether single or in a couple. I work with monogamous as well as open/polyamorous relationships. Troubled relationships, arguing, erection issues, loss of desire, anxiety, painful sex, vaginismus, premature ejaculation, or shame about porn use, kinks. This can all change.
Love, sex and personal relationships are where we manage our hopes, fears and vulnerabilities. When our connection with ourselves and others is good it can feel transformative, but when it isn’t it can be extremely distressing. I offer an integrative approach to relationship and psychosexual therapy to work with you, whether single or in a couple. I work with monogamous as well as open/polyamorous relationships. Troubled relationships, arguing, erection issues, loss of desire, anxiety, painful sex, vaginismus, premature ejaculation, or shame about porn use, kinks. This can all change.
My clients say they feel safe with me and that I have really helped them gain deeper self-knowledge and self-regard, and to feel better. I have an LGBT+ and neurodivergent - friendly, warm, nurturing style. I don't judge you, I want to hear you, and value you, and genuinely help. I'm trained in different therapeutic approaches, so I fit the approach to you, not to other way around. I'm best at being honest, safe, and alongside you as I help you to deeply understand yourself. From those foundations we build up a better psychological safety for you. We do therapy, and you work toward your goals with me, knowing I am on your team.
My clients say they feel safe with me and that I have really helped them gain deeper self-knowledge and self-regard, and to feel better. I have an LGBT+ and neurodivergent - friendly, warm, nurturing style. I don't judge you, I want to hear you, and value you, and genuinely help. I'm trained in different therapeutic approaches, so I fit the approach to you, not to other way around. I'm best at being honest, safe, and alongside you as I help you to deeply understand yourself. From those foundations we build up a better psychological safety for you. We do therapy, and you work toward your goals with me, knowing I am on your team.
More Therapists Nearby
What I offer:
Trauma & Sexual Abuse
Men’s Mental Health
Anxiety & Depression
Anger & Emotional Regulation
LGBTQ+ Support & Kink-Aware Counselling
Relationships & Family Challenges
Self-Esteem & Confidence
Mindfulness & Coping Strategies
Youth & Knife Crime Support
Rehabilitation & Probation Support
I support people from all walks of life who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, trauma, or low self-esteem. Many seek a safe, non-judgemental space to talk, explore emotions, and find healthier ways forward. While my practice is open to everyone, I have a specialist focus on men’s mental health, offering a space where men can speak freely about pressures, identity, or past experiences. Together, we work towards greater clarity, resilience, and confidence in life.
What I offer:
Trauma & Sexual Abuse
Men’s Mental Health
Anxiety & Depression
Anger & Emotional Regulation
LGBTQ+ Support & Kink-Aware Counselling
Relationships & Family Challenges
Self-Esteem & Confidence
Mindfulness & Coping Strategies
Youth & Knife Crime Support
Rehabilitation & Probation Support
I support people from all walks of life who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, trauma, or low self-esteem. Many seek a safe, non-judgemental space to talk, explore emotions, and find healthier ways forward. While my practice is open to everyone, I have a specialist focus on men’s mental health, offering a space where men can speak freely about pressures, identity, or past experiences. Together, we work towards greater clarity, resilience, and confidence in life.
I am a therapist specialising in kink-aware and sex-positive support for individuals, couples, and those in open or polyamorous relationships.
My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in partnership. I provide a secure space for exploration, questioning, and rebuilding, while working with you to identify and clarify your values.
I am a therapist specialising in kink-aware and sex-positive support for individuals, couples, and those in open or polyamorous relationships.
My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in partnership. I provide a secure space for exploration, questioning, and rebuilding, while working with you to identify and clarify your values.
A warm welcome to you. If loss, anxiety, relationship trauma or struggles with neurodivergence have led you to be looking on this site for help, then I want to start by offering my compassion and affirmation. You've taken the first step. You might be looking from one counsellor to another, wondering who to choose. I hope you feel reassured and grounded by my profile. The way you and I would work together would of course be led by you and your needs, but as a highly trained counsellor, I always hold your relationships at the core of my person-centred working style.
A warm welcome to you. If loss, anxiety, relationship trauma or struggles with neurodivergence have led you to be looking on this site for help, then I want to start by offering my compassion and affirmation. You've taken the first step. You might be looking from one counsellor to another, wondering who to choose. I hope you feel reassured and grounded by my profile. The way you and I would work together would of course be led by you and your needs, but as a highly trained counsellor, I always hold your relationships at the core of my person-centred working style.
I am an experienced, well-established BACP registered and NCPS accredited counsellor and supervisor with 15 years of experience in private practice in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. I accept private clients, including those covered by BUPA and AVIVA, offering face-to-face and online sessions. Whilst my focus is on anxiety and stress management, I have extensive experience in supporting clients through issues related to abuse, addiction, and bereavement. I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic modalities to help clients develop practical strategies to regain control of their lives and find peace.
I am an experienced, well-established BACP registered and NCPS accredited counsellor and supervisor with 15 years of experience in private practice in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. I accept private clients, including those covered by BUPA and AVIVA, offering face-to-face and online sessions. Whilst my focus is on anxiety and stress management, I have extensive experience in supporting clients through issues related to abuse, addiction, and bereavement. I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic modalities to help clients develop practical strategies to regain control of their lives and find peace.
I’m passionate about helping you make more of your life, whether you want to work on personal, psychological, relationship, mental health or spiritual issues or to find more meaning, fulfilment, purpose and happiness in life. I have a Masters degree (with Distinction) in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice. I offer short and long term counselling and psychotherapy, and counselling supervision. I help men, women and couples of many professions, occupations and nationalities, from 18 upwards in UK and (online) overseas. I provide individual sessions, couples sessions and am a qualified counselling supervisor.
I’m passionate about helping you make more of your life, whether you want to work on personal, psychological, relationship, mental health or spiritual issues or to find more meaning, fulfilment, purpose and happiness in life. I have a Masters degree (with Distinction) in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice. I offer short and long term counselling and psychotherapy, and counselling supervision. I help men, women and couples of many professions, occupations and nationalities, from 18 upwards in UK and (online) overseas. I provide individual sessions, couples sessions and am a qualified counselling supervisor.
I am a Chartered Clinical psychologist (HCPC registered), providing assessment and therapy in Manchester. I have over 20 years of experience working with a range of psychological presentations e.g. anxiety, depression, OCD, personality disorder, trauma, PTSD etc. I have worked with adults, young people and families. If you are looking for that individualised, tailored approach look no further, give me a call to see if I can help you. The initial consultation is free of charge as I believe it is important to find the right therapist for you.
I am a Chartered Clinical psychologist (HCPC registered), providing assessment and therapy in Manchester. I have over 20 years of experience working with a range of psychological presentations e.g. anxiety, depression, OCD, personality disorder, trauma, PTSD etc. I have worked with adults, young people and families. If you are looking for that individualised, tailored approach look no further, give me a call to see if I can help you. The initial consultation is free of charge as I believe it is important to find the right therapist for you.
I started my counselling training over 15 years ago and have years of experience working with people who are striving to understand themselves and these complicated lives that we are all living. I will never get over how much courage it takes to reach out for help at a time of crisis and I am always blown away at the strength and resilience of the human mind. I believe that we all have the potential to grow & heal and that counselling works to facilitate this process. Counselling is for everyone. Not just those who may consider themselves to be in an extreme crisis. I treat each client as an individual working with your unique needs
I started my counselling training over 15 years ago and have years of experience working with people who are striving to understand themselves and these complicated lives that we are all living. I will never get over how much courage it takes to reach out for help at a time of crisis and I am always blown away at the strength and resilience of the human mind. I believe that we all have the potential to grow & heal and that counselling works to facilitate this process. Counselling is for everyone. Not just those who may consider themselves to be in an extreme crisis. I treat each client as an individual working with your unique needs
I support people from all walks of life, including those in non-traditional relationships, such as polyamory, open relationships, kink-aware dynamics and LGBTQIA+.
I am a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental counsellor. My approach is person-centred and collaborative. I aim to meet you where you are, offering empathy and understanding to help you gain insight, develop resilience and move towards positive change at your own pace.
I support people from all walks of life, including those in non-traditional relationships, such as polyamory, open relationships, kink-aware dynamics and LGBTQIA+.
I am a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental counsellor. My approach is person-centred and collaborative. I aim to meet you where you are, offering empathy and understanding to help you gain insight, develop resilience and move towards positive change at your own pace.
Therapy is a place to ease suffering, nurture growth, and explore what it means to live a meaningful life. I support with people struggling with early life trauma, menopause and midlife, loneliness, shame, relational difficulties, anxiety and depression, gender and sexuality identity and transitions, mixed and multi heritage identity, loss and grief, and questions of life purpose. We can work together on a short term basis, such as 6 to 8 weekly sessions, or something more open ended.
Therapy is a place to ease suffering, nurture growth, and explore what it means to live a meaningful life. I support with people struggling with early life trauma, menopause and midlife, loneliness, shame, relational difficulties, anxiety and depression, gender and sexuality identity and transitions, mixed and multi heritage identity, loss and grief, and questions of life purpose. We can work together on a short term basis, such as 6 to 8 weekly sessions, or something more open ended.
I am polyamory, BDSM and kink aware.
I am very experienced in a range of different therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have a particular interest in energy psychology, where Eastern energy approaches have been combined with Western psychological therapy.
I am polyamory, BDSM and kink aware.
I am very experienced in a range of different therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have a particular interest in energy psychology, where Eastern energy approaches have been combined with Western psychological therapy.
Hi! I'm Jack. I'm a trauma specialist and neurodivergent-focused therapist.
So you've taken a step on your mental health journey by clicking on my profile, how can I help with that journey?
If you are looking for a counsellor, you might feel that you’re struggling to express your emotions. I can offer a non-judgmental, confidential space for you to explore anything that is distressing you. Whether you are struggling to deal with difficulties from your past or you are overwhelmed by the present, I offer counselling sessions that are responsive to your needs. We will work together to support you and that means celebrating you.
Hi! I'm Jack. I'm a trauma specialist and neurodivergent-focused therapist.
So you've taken a step on your mental health journey by clicking on my profile, how can I help with that journey?
If you are looking for a counsellor, you might feel that you’re struggling to express your emotions. I can offer a non-judgmental, confidential space for you to explore anything that is distressing you. Whether you are struggling to deal with difficulties from your past or you are overwhelmed by the present, I offer counselling sessions that are responsive to your needs. We will work together to support you and that means celebrating you.
I often collaborate with people who define as highly sensitive, neurodivergent or alternative in some way. You may think, feel and experience the world differently and that can come with huge ups and downs.
Perhaps you look around and wonder how everyone else seems to be holding it together when you feel and think so deeply. Perhaps you get stuck in patterns of thinking and behaving that no longer help. I get it - life is often messy, unpredictable, and confusing, and at times it can feel like the cliff of overwhelm and burnout looms large.
Curious about change in your life, work and relationships? Then lets connect!
I often collaborate with people who define as highly sensitive, neurodivergent or alternative in some way. You may think, feel and experience the world differently and that can come with huge ups and downs.
Perhaps you look around and wonder how everyone else seems to be holding it together when you feel and think so deeply. Perhaps you get stuck in patterns of thinking and behaving that no longer help. I get it - life is often messy, unpredictable, and confusing, and at times it can feel like the cliff of overwhelm and burnout looms large.
Curious about change in your life, work and relationships? Then lets connect!
I'm Michael, a fully qualified therapist, governed by BACP, NCPS & BPS accredited counselling bodies. I offer Life and Wellness therapy in Bristol (and beyond) to individuals, couples, groups and companies. My Bristol Counselling practice (and beyond) is online, or by telephone, across English-speaking time zones, at a schedule that works for you. I help you find your Blazing Soul - balance and direction, clarity and focus, increased confidence and self-esteem, and improved mental, physical and emotional wealth.
I'm Michael, a fully qualified therapist, governed by BACP, NCPS & BPS accredited counselling bodies. I offer Life and Wellness therapy in Bristol (and beyond) to individuals, couples, groups and companies. My Bristol Counselling practice (and beyond) is online, or by telephone, across English-speaking time zones, at a schedule that works for you. I help you find your Blazing Soul - balance and direction, clarity and focus, increased confidence and self-esteem, and improved mental, physical and emotional wealth.
I have extensive experience of working with individuals, couples and groups since 2006. At this point I guess what really matters to you is deciding whether or not I am the right therapist for you. If so, please read on.
Availability: Monday, face to face, 7:30am - 8pm, Sowerby Bridge. Thursday, face to face, 10am -8pm, Sowerby Bridge. Online and phone appointments available at other times but daytime only.
I have extensive experience of working with individuals, couples and groups since 2006. At this point I guess what really matters to you is deciding whether or not I am the right therapist for you. If so, please read on.
Availability: Monday, face to face, 7:30am - 8pm, Sowerby Bridge. Thursday, face to face, 10am -8pm, Sowerby Bridge. Online and phone appointments available at other times but daytime only.
I have also had the privilege of supporting individuals and families dealing with addiction, trauma, and life transitions, including divorce and separation, parental alienation, and bereavement. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on a range of modalities such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness practices, and person-centered techniques to foster healing and growth. I also specialize in ADHD screening, offering non-drug approaches to manage symptoms, as well as sleep coaching to promote better rest and overall well-being. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can grow!
I have also had the privilege of supporting individuals and families dealing with addiction, trauma, and life transitions, including divorce and separation, parental alienation, and bereavement. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on a range of modalities such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness practices, and person-centered techniques to foster healing and growth. I also specialize in ADHD screening, offering non-drug approaches to manage symptoms, as well as sleep coaching to promote better rest and overall well-being. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can grow!
Early experiences, when we had no choice or voice, shape our Nervous system patterns. Although they were vital at the time, we unconsciously 'repeat' out-of-date Survival Strategies, leading us to feel helpless, hopeless, cynical, embarrassed, defeated or stuck. We might feel disconnected from ourselves and others. Part of us might long for more intimacy and another Part of us may also fear it. The connection and communication between body-brain-mind may have been disrupted or compromised, and even if we cognitively know that our patterns limit us, making and sustaining changes can be too tricky to achieve on our own.
Early experiences, when we had no choice or voice, shape our Nervous system patterns. Although they were vital at the time, we unconsciously 'repeat' out-of-date Survival Strategies, leading us to feel helpless, hopeless, cynical, embarrassed, defeated or stuck. We might feel disconnected from ourselves and others. Part of us might long for more intimacy and another Part of us may also fear it. The connection and communication between body-brain-mind may have been disrupted or compromised, and even if we cognitively know that our patterns limit us, making and sustaining changes can be too tricky to achieve on our own.
Nearby Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Counsellors Searches for Ilkley
- Barnsley
- Bradford
- Halifax
- Harrogate
- Hebden Bridge
- Huddersfield
- Leeds
- Otley
- Pudsey
- Sowerby Bridge
- Wakefield
- York
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.