Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Otago
I specialize in providing a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQIA+, sex worker, and neurodiverse clients. I understand the challenges of navigating identity, stigma, and societal pressures. In my practice, I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental space for clients to explore, affirm, or reflect on their identities. Together, we build resilience, address challenges, and focus on growth. Therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique journey, ensuring a respectful and empowering experience for all.
I specialize in providing a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQIA+, sex worker, and neurodiverse clients. I understand the challenges of navigating identity, stigma, and societal pressures. In my practice, I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental space for clients to explore, affirm, or reflect on their identities. Together, we build resilience, address challenges, and focus on growth. Therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique journey, ensuring a respectful and empowering experience for all.
My name is Jess and, together with my therapy dog Odinn, I offer body-based and animal assisted counselling and therapy services. We work with adult clients across the whole wellbeing spectrum: from people who want to get more out of their life, find a deeper sense of self, or connect to their body; to those that have experienced trauma struggling with basic tasks of daily living. Many have found traditional cognition based talk therapy less helpful or do not know yet how to put their experiences into words. No matter your reasons, we are here to create a space in which we can explore where you are, what you want, and what you need.
My name is Jess and, together with my therapy dog Odinn, I offer body-based and animal assisted counselling and therapy services. We work with adult clients across the whole wellbeing spectrum: from people who want to get more out of their life, find a deeper sense of self, or connect to their body; to those that have experienced trauma struggling with basic tasks of daily living. Many have found traditional cognition based talk therapy less helpful or do not know yet how to put their experiences into words. No matter your reasons, we are here to create a space in which we can explore where you are, what you want, and what you need.
Vanishar Jayaprakash
Counsellor, MA, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Queenstown 9300
Hi, I’m Vani, and I’m here to support you—whether you’re processing the past, navigating the present, or planning for the future. With a background in psychology and counselling, I take a down-to-earth, client-focused approach. My experience includes working with diverse communities, from volunteering with Bluebird Pluho to establishing a counselling unit at an international high school and working in private practice. I support clients through anxiety, depression, burnout, and life transitions, creating a safe space where you can explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.
Hi, I’m Vani, and I’m here to support you—whether you’re processing the past, navigating the present, or planning for the future. With a background in psychology and counselling, I take a down-to-earth, client-focused approach. My experience includes working with diverse communities, from volunteering with Bluebird Pluho to establishing a counselling unit at an international high school and working in private practice. I support clients through anxiety, depression, burnout, and life transitions, creating a safe space where you can explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.
Please contact me via email, rather than phone call. Cheers.
Please contact me via email, rather than phone call. Cheers.
Currently not accepting new clients.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
Currently not accepting new clients.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
Providing specialist relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Qualified sex & relationship therapist. Qualified child and adolescent mental health clinician.
Providing specialist relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Qualified sex & relationship therapist. Qualified child and adolescent mental health clinician.
Shelley obtained a Doctorate of Psychology and completed post grad work in Nova Scotia Canada in 2010. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & served in the role of Clinical Manager of a National DBT Service. DBT is an integration of western and eastern psychological philosophies and along with EMDR and CBT based prolonged exposure, is one of Shelley’s preferred therapeutic models for working with emotional regulation, complex needs and trauma.
Shelley obtained a Doctorate of Psychology and completed post grad work in Nova Scotia Canada in 2010. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & served in the role of Clinical Manager of a National DBT Service. DBT is an integration of western and eastern psychological philosophies and along with EMDR and CBT based prolonged exposure, is one of Shelley’s preferred therapeutic models for working with emotional regulation, complex needs and trauma.
Online Therapists
I am an ally to those in the trans, neurospicy, polyamorous, fat, disabled, sex-work, and kink communities.
I am therapist and registered Social Worker working in Te Awakairangi (Lower Hutt). I enjoy working with people in all stages of their lives, however I have a particular interest in working with young adults and prioritise referrals from the queer community. I work with people experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, OCD, and interpersonal difficulties.
I am an ally to those in the trans, neurospicy, polyamorous, fat, disabled, sex-work, and kink communities.
I am therapist and registered Social Worker working in Te Awakairangi (Lower Hutt). I enjoy working with people in all stages of their lives, however I have a particular interest in working with young adults and prioritise referrals from the queer community. I work with people experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, OCD, and interpersonal difficulties.
Are you looking for change, but you’re not sure where to start? I am a registered Psychotherapist, working with people from all walks of life to identify what is causing distress, and how to remove obstacles to growth.
Are you looking for change, but you’re not sure where to start? I am a registered Psychotherapist, working with people from all walks of life to identify what is causing distress, and how to remove obstacles to growth.
Tēnā koe, I'm Andrew (he/him). I identify as a Chinese New Zealander (2nd gen), hetero-demisexual, ethical non-monogamist, cisgendered male. I love working alongside people on their journey towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life. My own life and work experiences have led me to have a passion for understanding, accepting, and then uplifting the people around me. Connection, community, and relationships are really important to me while also being key factors in a person's well-being. Together, we can explore and move towards the things that are most important for you!
Tēnā koe, I'm Andrew (he/him). I identify as a Chinese New Zealander (2nd gen), hetero-demisexual, ethical non-monogamist, cisgendered male. I love working alongside people on their journey towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life. My own life and work experiences have led me to have a passion for understanding, accepting, and then uplifting the people around me. Connection, community, and relationships are really important to me while also being key factors in a person's well-being. Together, we can explore and move towards the things that are most important for you!
Tēnā koe, I am a registered psychologist passionate about partnering with individuals, couples and families across the lifespan to enhance their wellbeing and to find sustainable solutions to a wide range of concerns. My practice is collaborative, empathetic, and evidence-based. I am also a trained mediator and am especially interested in supporting couples in conflict and families in transition (during and after separation).
Tēnā koe, I am a registered psychologist passionate about partnering with individuals, couples and families across the lifespan to enhance their wellbeing and to find sustainable solutions to a wide range of concerns. My practice is collaborative, empathetic, and evidence-based. I am also a trained mediator and am especially interested in supporting couples in conflict and families in transition (during and after separation).
Paula Moneypenny Counsellor+Supervisor+Facilitator
Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
Verified Verified
Hamilton 3216
I work with children, young people, adults, and facilitate therapeutic groups and workshops. I enjoy working with brain-injured and neurodiverse clients (including ADD and ASD). I support clients to stand up to problems and develop preferred ways of being. I work with them to identify, reflect upon, and achieve the hopes and goals that are important to them in their life and relationships. I also provide professional and clinical supervision to health and allied health practitioners.I believe that a collaborative, safe and respectful therapeutic relationship enhances emotion regulation and promotes self-awareness and resilience.
I work with children, young people, adults, and facilitate therapeutic groups and workshops. I enjoy working with brain-injured and neurodiverse clients (including ADD and ASD). I support clients to stand up to problems and develop preferred ways of being. I work with them to identify, reflect upon, and achieve the hopes and goals that are important to them in their life and relationships. I also provide professional and clinical supervision to health and allied health practitioners.I believe that a collaborative, safe and respectful therapeutic relationship enhances emotion regulation and promotes self-awareness and resilience.
Hi! I enjoy working with people committed to personal, relational and spiritual growth. My areas of interest include supporting the LGBTQ+ and Ethically Non Monogamous/polyamorous communities, as well as trauma survivors. I have 30 years experience with a variety of mental health problems & addictions. I am interested in attachment, loss, life transitions, relationships, spiritual & personal growth, gender, sex, sexuality, and neurodiversity. I provide assessment and diagnoses for mental health conditions and ADHD. I am honoured to support the transgender community through Informed Consent for Gender Affirming Care.
Hi! I enjoy working with people committed to personal, relational and spiritual growth. My areas of interest include supporting the LGBTQ+ and Ethically Non Monogamous/polyamorous communities, as well as trauma survivors. I have 30 years experience with a variety of mental health problems & addictions. I am interested in attachment, loss, life transitions, relationships, spiritual & personal growth, gender, sex, sexuality, and neurodiversity. I provide assessment and diagnoses for mental health conditions and ADHD. I am honoured to support the transgender community through Informed Consent for Gender Affirming Care.
Living an extraordinary and joyful life is about ending the mental suffering when events outside of your control occur. With training and qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, and NLP, I will empower you to manage and overcome anxiety, burnout, grief, trauma, and low moods; so that you will restore and enjoy confidence, self-esteem, health, well-being, and better relationships. I work exclusively with adults of all ages; and welcome cultural, sexual, gender, and neuro diversity.
Living an extraordinary and joyful life is about ending the mental suffering when events outside of your control occur. With training and qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, and NLP, I will empower you to manage and overcome anxiety, burnout, grief, trauma, and low moods; so that you will restore and enjoy confidence, self-esteem, health, well-being, and better relationships. I work exclusively with adults of all ages; and welcome cultural, sexual, gender, and neuro diversity.
I provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping you to gain insight, develop coping skills, and make positive changes in your life. I work with many issues, including maternal mental health, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, sexual abuse, and trauma.
I provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping you to gain insight, develop coping skills, and make positive changes in your life. I work with many issues, including maternal mental health, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, sexual abuse, and trauma.
Kia ora! I am a Pākeha clinical psychologist providing remote therapy to people across Aotearoa. I work with adults (age 18+) experiencing a range of life challenges and mental health difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, OCD, low mood, LGBTQIA+ issues, and relationship difficulties.
I am warm, nonjudgemental, and genuine, and strive to create a space where you will feel safe to share your experiences. I am passionate about helping you learn about yourself, overcome feeling stuck, and develop skills and strategies, so that you can ride the waves of life with a sense of presence, resilience and purpose.
Kia ora! I am a Pākeha clinical psychologist providing remote therapy to people across Aotearoa. I work with adults (age 18+) experiencing a range of life challenges and mental health difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, OCD, low mood, LGBTQIA+ issues, and relationship difficulties.
I am warm, nonjudgemental, and genuine, and strive to create a space where you will feel safe to share your experiences. I am passionate about helping you learn about yourself, overcome feeling stuck, and develop skills and strategies, so that you can ride the waves of life with a sense of presence, resilience and purpose.
Kia ora, my name is Anna (she/her). Are life’s challenges leaving you feeling anxious, sad, resigned, or angry, affecting how you feel about yourself and others? I work with people from all walks of life, who want change and growth, but feel unsure where to start.
Kia ora, my name is Anna (she/her). Are life’s challenges leaving you feeling anxious, sad, resigned, or angry, affecting how you feel about yourself and others? I work with people from all walks of life, who want change and growth, but feel unsure where to start.
Do you long to feel safe being yourself? Is there something holding you back from your full potential? Whether you want to free yourself from the impact of trauma, childhood trauma, or are looking for personal growth, I can help you make the changes you are hoping for. Problems such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, self-criticism, perfectionism, phobias, procrastination, or low self-worth, can all be alleviated by addressing the underlying pain driving these symptoms. Transformational change is possible, and I can help you to help yourself.
Note: I am approved for ACC Sensitive Claims if you have history of sexual harm in NZ.
Do you long to feel safe being yourself? Is there something holding you back from your full potential? Whether you want to free yourself from the impact of trauma, childhood trauma, or are looking for personal growth, I can help you make the changes you are hoping for. Problems such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, self-criticism, perfectionism, phobias, procrastination, or low self-worth, can all be alleviated by addressing the underlying pain driving these symptoms. Transformational change is possible, and I can help you to help yourself.
Note: I am approved for ACC Sensitive Claims if you have history of sexual harm in NZ.
UNIQUE I don’t believe in “one solution fits all”. So I do an initial assessment and get to know you and your therapy goals. I train in different methods and techniques and tailor the session to your needs. HOLISTIC My approach to well-being and happiness is holistic. I look at the different elements in your life and your environment to better understand where you are at right now and what you need. I work on being present, mindful, and accepting. EMPOWERING I believe in giving people tools to apply in their lives outside of the therapy room. I like to give people the autonomy to make choices and perfect their reflective skills.
UNIQUE I don’t believe in “one solution fits all”. So I do an initial assessment and get to know you and your therapy goals. I train in different methods and techniques and tailor the session to your needs. HOLISTIC My approach to well-being and happiness is holistic. I look at the different elements in your life and your environment to better understand where you are at right now and what you need. I work on being present, mindful, and accepting. EMPOWERING I believe in giving people tools to apply in their lives outside of the therapy room. I like to give people the autonomy to make choices and perfect their reflective skills.
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.