Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Counselling in Saint Ives
Maryam Best Counselling-Psychotherapy-Supervision
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
With over 30 years of experience, I respectfully help you to access a life that makes sense to you and is governed by you. Sessions are as dynamic or quiet as you wish them to be. No judgment, no pressure. You are free to think, feel and share as much or as little as you need. Book a single appointment and decide for yourself if this is the right way forward.
With over 30 years of experience, I respectfully help you to access a life that makes sense to you and is governed by you. Sessions are as dynamic or quiet as you wish them to be. No judgment, no pressure. You are free to think, feel and share as much or as little as you need. Book a single appointment and decide for yourself if this is the right way forward.
I believe we all deserve to feel truly heard and that sometimes the smallest moments of connection can make the biggest difference. I’m a warm, approachable, person-centred counsellor offering a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore your feelings at your own pace.
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent eight years as a funeral director, supporting people through bereavement and loss. This experience gave me a deep understanding of grief in all its forms and the importance of having somewhere safe to express difficult emotions.
I believe we all deserve to feel truly heard and that sometimes the smallest moments of connection can make the biggest difference. I’m a warm, approachable, person-centred counsellor offering a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore your feelings at your own pace.
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent eight years as a funeral director, supporting people through bereavement and loss. This experience gave me a deep understanding of grief in all its forms and the importance of having somewhere safe to express difficult emotions.
Hi, I hope your search for a therapist is going well. It can be a difficult process, but it is important to find a therapist who feels right for you. The relationship with your therapist is, on average, more helpful than their training and experience. Person-centred therapy is a relationship. It is not dependent on medical diagnoses, yet can help with all conditions. It is well proven to be as effective as other leading therapies, but uniquely it puts the client at the centre of the process. There is no 'you have x or y' or 'you should do this'. The right questions, and answers, will come from within in our conversations.
Hi, I hope your search for a therapist is going well. It can be a difficult process, but it is important to find a therapist who feels right for you. The relationship with your therapist is, on average, more helpful than their training and experience. Person-centred therapy is a relationship. It is not dependent on medical diagnoses, yet can help with all conditions. It is well proven to be as effective as other leading therapies, but uniquely it puts the client at the centre of the process. There is no 'you have x or y' or 'you should do this'. The right questions, and answers, will come from within in our conversations.
More Therapists Nearby
Specific areas of focus are, couples therapy, sex and kink, eating disorders and shame related to trauma.
Do others view you as a calm river with a constant, steady flow? Does this stop you from telling them about the disarming undercurrent that pulls you in all directions? Perhaps you feel like you need to maintain the outward appearance of being someone who ‘has it all’ when inwardly you are scared that you aren’t enough. Appearing perfect can be exhausting, it can also be isolating and erode our true sense of self. I am here so that you can rest your mask down for a while. By tapping into and meeting the needs of your inner self you will find that you feel resourced enough to fortify your relationships with others.
Specific areas of focus are, couples therapy, sex and kink, eating disorders and shame related to trauma.
Do others view you as a calm river with a constant, steady flow? Does this stop you from telling them about the disarming undercurrent that pulls you in all directions? Perhaps you feel like you need to maintain the outward appearance of being someone who ‘has it all’ when inwardly you are scared that you aren’t enough. Appearing perfect can be exhausting, it can also be isolating and erode our true sense of self. I am here so that you can rest your mask down for a while. By tapping into and meeting the needs of your inner self you will find that you feel resourced enough to fortify your relationships with others.
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.
I am a sex-positive, GDSR, Kink-affirming therapist who supports those exploring their sexualities and desires without shame or judgment.
I work with both couples and individuals navigating sexual, relationship and intimacy difficulties and I bring a psychosexual-informed lens to help foster connection, understanding, and pleasure in relationships. My work is neuroaffirming, and I support adults exploring life through the lens of neurodivergence (including Autism, ADHD).
I am a sex-positive, GDSR, Kink-affirming therapist who supports those exploring their sexualities and desires without shame or judgment.
I work with both couples and individuals navigating sexual, relationship and intimacy difficulties and I bring a psychosexual-informed lens to help foster connection, understanding, and pleasure in relationships. My work is neuroaffirming, and I support adults exploring life through the lens of neurodivergence (including Autism, ADHD).
I offer confidential, client focused psychotherapy, Face-Face & Zoom worldwide . Through dialogue and the shared exploration of your life, you may find relief from recurring problems, live your life more fully and realise your full potential. Therapy is a personal and individual process of change, as well as understanding. This is an opportunity to take time and space to think about yourself and the problems you may be facing. By talking to a trained psychotherapist you may find it easier to understand how past experiences, thought patterns and behaviour, or anxieties about the future are causing difficulties in your daily life.
I offer confidential, client focused psychotherapy, Face-Face & Zoom worldwide . Through dialogue and the shared exploration of your life, you may find relief from recurring problems, live your life more fully and realise your full potential. Therapy is a personal and individual process of change, as well as understanding. This is an opportunity to take time and space to think about yourself and the problems you may be facing. By talking to a trained psychotherapist you may find it easier to understand how past experiences, thought patterns and behaviour, or anxieties about the future are causing difficulties in your daily life.
People come to psychotherapy for all kinds of different reasons. Perhaps a particular issue is making life very difficult, or maybe you have more general feelings of discontentment, unease or unhappiness that you want to address. One-to-one psychotherapy can help by providing a safe, therapeutic space in which you feel able to explore and express difficult thoughts, feelings and memories. This process of deep exploration helps you to grow and develop in areas that have previously felt stuck, painful or difficult to resolve.
People come to psychotherapy for all kinds of different reasons. Perhaps a particular issue is making life very difficult, or maybe you have more general feelings of discontentment, unease or unhappiness that you want to address. One-to-one psychotherapy can help by providing a safe, therapeutic space in which you feel able to explore and express difficult thoughts, feelings and memories. This process of deep exploration helps you to grow and develop in areas that have previously felt stuck, painful or difficult to resolve.
We can look at issues such as anxiety, sexuality, neurodivergence, gender, stress, overwhelm, communication issues, sex, infidelity, ENM and kink.
Are you finding life a little difficult at the moment? Maybe there feels like there’s a block stopping you from moving forward. Is communication causing problems for you, leaving you feeling unheard and frustrated? Are you feeling disconnected from those important relationships? Together we can look at unpicking the difficult bits. I work with individuals and couples. I'm a GSRD (gender, sexual and relationship diversity) therapist and my approach is rooted in the person-centred approach, meaning that our sessions are led by you at your pace, although I’ll gently encourage you to explore the tougher stuff together in our sessions.
We can look at issues such as anxiety, sexuality, neurodivergence, gender, stress, overwhelm, communication issues, sex, infidelity, ENM and kink.
Are you finding life a little difficult at the moment? Maybe there feels like there’s a block stopping you from moving forward. Is communication causing problems for you, leaving you feeling unheard and frustrated? Are you feeling disconnected from those important relationships? Together we can look at unpicking the difficult bits. I work with individuals and couples. I'm a GSRD (gender, sexual and relationship diversity) therapist and my approach is rooted in the person-centred approach, meaning that our sessions are led by you at your pace, although I’ll gently encourage you to explore the tougher stuff together in our sessions.
You might be feeling anxious, burnt out, or stuck in cycles of perfectionism and self-criticism. Maybe you constantly put others first, second-guess yourself, or feel overwhelmed by stress, change, or relationships. Deep down, you want to feel calmer, more confident, and free to make choices that fit you—not just what’s expected. As someone who is autistic and ADHD, I deeply understand sensory and emotional overwhelm, and I create a space where all parts of you are welcomed.
You might be feeling anxious, burnt out, or stuck in cycles of perfectionism and self-criticism. Maybe you constantly put others first, second-guess yourself, or feel overwhelmed by stress, change, or relationships. Deep down, you want to feel calmer, more confident, and free to make choices that fit you—not just what’s expected. As someone who is autistic and ADHD, I deeply understand sensory and emotional overwhelm, and I create a space where all parts of you are welcomed.
I’m Sinead Mitchell and I’ve been working as a counsellor for the past two decades. Counselling young people, couples and individuals, I work with a wide range of people through the community. Issues such as anxiety, depression, relationships, sexuality, gender issues and menopause are common areas that I support clients through. Working with various therapy styles, including EMDR, Gestalt, Humanistic and Holistic, I aim to match the counselling needs to each individual or couple that I see. My specialism is the field of infertility, pregnancy, birth, early parenting through to perimenopause and menopause.
I’m Sinead Mitchell and I’ve been working as a counsellor for the past two decades. Counselling young people, couples and individuals, I work with a wide range of people through the community. Issues such as anxiety, depression, relationships, sexuality, gender issues and menopause are common areas that I support clients through. Working with various therapy styles, including EMDR, Gestalt, Humanistic and Holistic, I aim to match the counselling needs to each individual or couple that I see. My specialism is the field of infertility, pregnancy, birth, early parenting through to perimenopause and menopause.
From adults, to children, young people and couples, LGBGTQ+, kink and polyamorous communities .
Are you at a loss in your relationship? has the intimacy and communication gone or would you like to try something new? You may be troubled by sexual behaviours/compulsions? Whatever the issue you are not alone. I am a sex positive psychosexual and relationship specialist and here to help you navigate your way to a better relationship and or sex life.
From adults, to children, young people and couples, LGBGTQ+, kink and polyamorous communities .
Are you at a loss in your relationship? has the intimacy and communication gone or would you like to try something new? You may be troubled by sexual behaviours/compulsions? Whatever the issue you are not alone. I am a sex positive psychosexual and relationship specialist and here to help you navigate your way to a better relationship and or sex life.
Life can deliver challenges, both for us as individuals and as a couple. Are you struggling with changes, feeling stuck or finding things hard to manage? Are you looking for help in managing daily stressors or perhaps longer term issues that have affected you or your relationships? I am here to help.
Life can deliver challenges, both for us as individuals and as a couple. Are you struggling with changes, feeling stuck or finding things hard to manage? Are you looking for help in managing daily stressors or perhaps longer term issues that have affected you or your relationships? I am here to help.
I work with adults and couples experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, low self‑esteem, relationship difficulties, sexual concerns, loss of desire, intimacy issues, performance anxiety, cultural and identity‑related challenges, and major life transitions. I also support clients navigating intercultural and interracial relationship dynamics, migration‑related stress, and questions around identity and belonging.
I work with adults and couples experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, low self‑esteem, relationship difficulties, sexual concerns, loss of desire, intimacy issues, performance anxiety, cultural and identity‑related challenges, and major life transitions. I also support clients navigating intercultural and interracial relationship dynamics, migration‑related stress, and questions around identity and belonging.
Do you feel that you have a certain way of understanding yourself and fitting into the world? It could be to work hard or to make sure everyone else is okay before yourself. Has that way of understanding yourself stopped working? You may be experiencing anxiety, depression or feeling stuck? If so, then talking therapy may help you to make sense of the world and your place in it. I am passionate in my belief that people have an amazing capacity for change and growth. I work by providing an environment that helps people flourish and find their true, vital self.
Do you feel that you have a certain way of understanding yourself and fitting into the world? It could be to work hard or to make sure everyone else is okay before yourself. Has that way of understanding yourself stopped working? You may be experiencing anxiety, depression or feeling stuck? If so, then talking therapy may help you to make sense of the world and your place in it. I am passionate in my belief that people have an amazing capacity for change and growth. I work by providing an environment that helps people flourish and find their true, vital self.
Hello, my name is Vicky and I am glad you are here. I am a passionate and dedicated counsellor specialising in helping individuals and couples navigate their relationship challenges. Whether you’re dealing with intimacy issues, recovering from an affair, or feeling stuck and unable to move forward, I am here to support you. Many of my clients come to me feeling hopeless, stuck, and lost in their relationships, unable to move forward or reconnect with their partners. I specialise in guiding clients through these difficult times, helping them rebuild their self-esteem and confidence, and rediscovering the joy and connection they crave
Hello, my name is Vicky and I am glad you are here. I am a passionate and dedicated counsellor specialising in helping individuals and couples navigate their relationship challenges. Whether you’re dealing with intimacy issues, recovering from an affair, or feeling stuck and unable to move forward, I am here to support you. Many of my clients come to me feeling hopeless, stuck, and lost in their relationships, unable to move forward or reconnect with their partners. I specialise in guiding clients through these difficult times, helping them rebuild their self-esteem and confidence, and rediscovering the joy and connection they crave
Psychotherapist (BACP),
Sex Therapist (COSRT),
Couples/Relationship Therapist (COSRT),
EMDR Therapist (EMDR Association)
& Clinical Supervisor.
Paula is a fully accredited and highly experienced, post-graduate qualified Therapist. She has over 30 years experience of helping clients achieve sustainable change.
She has an outstanding history of working well with clients who have been frustrated by lack of change in their previous therapy.
Psychotherapist (BACP),
Sex Therapist (COSRT),
Couples/Relationship Therapist (COSRT),
EMDR Therapist (EMDR Association)
& Clinical Supervisor.
Paula is a fully accredited and highly experienced, post-graduate qualified Therapist. She has over 30 years experience of helping clients achieve sustainable change.
She has an outstanding history of working well with clients who have been frustrated by lack of change in their previous therapy.
My clients seek my expertise with sexual and relationship challenges, looking for guidance on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and addressing intimacy issues. For Individual Sexual or Couples therapy we work towards what issues are troubling you and how it is presenting in your daily life and relationships. It is “peeling the onion” to find the main reasons and learning more about yourself, the triggers, your past and how it surfaces in your life. We will draw out a treatment plan and provide techniques to best suit you and work together to resolve them. I work with couples on pre-martial counselling as well.
My clients seek my expertise with sexual and relationship challenges, looking for guidance on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and addressing intimacy issues. For Individual Sexual or Couples therapy we work towards what issues are troubling you and how it is presenting in your daily life and relationships. It is “peeling the onion” to find the main reasons and learning more about yourself, the triggers, your past and how it surfaces in your life. We will draw out a treatment plan and provide techniques to best suit you and work together to resolve them. I work with couples on pre-martial counselling as well.
Life may look “fine” on the outside, yet inside it feels different, not quite the feeling that it should be. You may feel weighed down, sinking into depression, emptiness, or even anxiety that may seem to come from nowhere. There is something you can't quite talk to people about. You might enjoy spending time with people, but still feel isolated and can't quite be fully yourself. What you really want is to feel lighter, relaxed, and happy—to have a life that feels meaningful, balanced, and fulfilling. You want to wake up with hope and happiness, feel more present in your relationships, and have a happy life.
Life may look “fine” on the outside, yet inside it feels different, not quite the feeling that it should be. You may feel weighed down, sinking into depression, emptiness, or even anxiety that may seem to come from nowhere. There is something you can't quite talk to people about. You might enjoy spending time with people, but still feel isolated and can't quite be fully yourself. What you really want is to feel lighter, relaxed, and happy—to have a life that feels meaningful, balanced, and fulfilling. You want to wake up with hope and happiness, feel more present in your relationships, and have a happy life.
My approach to therapy is founded in the belief that every individual deserves a safe and compassionate space to address their challenges and work towards their well-being. Drawing from my training, I use an integrative approach and value each client's unique experiences, beliefs, and cultural background, recognising that effective therapy must adapt to the diverse array of human experience. I firmly believe that everyone has the capacity to reach their full potential and I am dedicated to walking alongside individuals on their journey of self-healing
My approach to therapy is founded in the belief that every individual deserves a safe and compassionate space to address their challenges and work towards their well-being. Drawing from my training, I use an integrative approach and value each client's unique experiences, beliefs, and cultural background, recognising that effective therapy must adapt to the diverse array of human experience. I firmly believe that everyone has the capacity to reach their full potential and I am dedicated to walking alongside individuals on their journey of self-healing
Nearby Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Counsellors Searches for Saint Ives
- Andover
- Bournemouth
- Christchurch
- Eastleigh
- Fareham
- Frome
- Poole
- Portsmouth
- Ringwood
- Salisbury
- Southampton
- Winchester
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.