Seeking therapy can feel like a big step, especially when the concerns relate to sex, intimacy, relationships or parts of yourself that you have never spoken about before. Whether you are coming alone or as a couple, you are not expected to have all the answers before you begin.
Many of the people I work with are functioning well on the outside. They are managing careers, raising families, caring for others and juggling life's responsibilities, yet privately they may be struggling with anxiety, low desire, painful sex, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, loss of confidence, past experiences, or simply feeling disconnected from themselves.
Sometimes a significant life event, illness, menopause, parenthood, bereavement, betrayal or relationship change brings these struggles into focus. For others, there has never been one defining moment—it may simply be that patterns developed over many years have reached a point where they no longer want to carry them alone.
My role is not to tell you who you should be. Together we will make sense of your experiences, understand the patterns that have developed, work through what no longer serves you, and help you build a healthier relationship with yourself, your body and the people around you. My hope is that therapy does not just help you cope with life—it helps you reconnect with it.
Below you will find answers to the questions I am asked most often. If there is anything I have not covered, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why see a Clinical Sexologist / Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist?
Sex, intimacy and relationships are rarely just about sex.
Difficulties with desire, painful sex, erectile difficulties, orgasm, intimacy, communication or relationship conflict are often influenced by a combination of physical health, emotional wellbeing, life experiences, relationships and the nervous system.
A Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist has completed additional specialist clinical training to understand these complex interactions and provide evidence-informed therapy tailored specifically to sexual and relationship concerns.
I am a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, a COSRT Accredited Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist and Clinical Supervisor. Alongside my specialist training in Clinical Sexology, I hold a Master's degree in Exercise Medicine (Psychology), am a qualified NLP Practitioner and have over 20 years' experience working within health, wellbeing and behaviour change.
My work is both clinically informed and deeply human. Whilst I draw upon research and evidence-informed practice, I also believe every person is unique. Therapy should never feel like following a manual.
My approach is pluralistic, meaning I integrate different therapeutic approaches depending on your needs. At the heart of my work are humanistic values, compassion and curiosity. Alongside talking therapy I often incorporate somatic approaches, recognising that our bodies often hold experiences words alone cannot fully express. Together we work not only to understand what is happening, but to create meaningful and lasting change.
What happens during the initial consultation?
It is completely understandable to feel nervous, uncertain or even embarrassed about talking to someone new, particularly when discussing personal or intimate concerns.
As therapists, part of our professional training and ongoing development involves undertaking our own therapy. I know what it feels like to be the person sitting on the other side of the room, and I appreciate the courage it takes to reach out.
I offer a free 30-minute consultation via Zoom or telephone. This gives us an opportunity to explore what has brought you to therapy now, what you hope will be different, and whether I am the right therapist to support you.
The consultation is also your opportunity to ask questions, understand how I work and decide whether we feel like a good fit. Finding the right therapist is important.
Following our conversation, I will send you a personalised email summarising what we discussed, together with my recommendations for how therapy may look moving forward.
What does the history taking involve?
During our first one or two sessions we'll gently build a picture of your life, relationships, health, current difficulties and goals.
This isn't an interrogation or simply a list of questions—it's about understanding you as a whole person rather than focusing only on symptoms.
You may be invited to complete one or more questionnaires where appropriate, and we'll discuss how I work, confidentiality, expectations and any questions you may have. Together we'll create a therapy plan that feels comfortable, realistic and tailored to your needs.
How long are sessions?
Initial Appointment
A free 30-minute consultation via Zoom or telephone.
Regular Therapy Sessions (50-55 minutes)
Ideal for regular ongoing therapy. Most clients begin with weekly or fortnightly sessions to build momentum and consistency.
Two-Hour Deep Dive Sessions
Perfect when you'd like more time to explore a particular issue without feeling rushed. These work well as standalone sessions or alongside ongoing therapy.
Intensive Days
A full therapeutic experience lasting 5-6 hours (with breaks), followed by four weeks of ongoing support.
These days offer space for deeper exploration, integration and reflection that simply isn't possible within a traditional therapy session. They are ideal for clients wanting focused change within a supportive and structured environment.
Where do sessions take place?
In Person
Appointments are available in Norfolk, Suffolk and Central London.
Online
Sessions are held securely via Zoom. You'll receive your own private meeting link before each session. If you would prefer telephone sessions, simply let me know when booking.
How often will I need therapy?
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all.
Whilst many clients begin with weekly or fortnightly sessions, together we will decide what feels realistic and beneficial for your circumstances, lifestyle and goals. Some people come for a handful of sessions around a specific issue. Others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns. Some combine regular therapy with intensive sessions or workshops. Wewill regularly review your progress together, and there is never any pressure to continue therapy beyond what feels helpful.
Do I need to come as a couple?
Not at all.
Many people attend therapy individually, even when the difficulties relate to intimacy or their relationship. Individual therapy can often create significant positive change within relationships. If couples therapy feels more appropriate, we'll discuss this together.
Do you only work with sexual problems?
No.
Whilst I specialise in psychosexual and relationship therapy, many clients come to me for concerns relating to anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, body confidence, communication, menopause, relationship patterns, life transitions and emotional wellbeing. Sexual wellbeing is often closely connected with many other areas of life, which is why I take a whole-person approach rather than focusing on symptoms alone.
What if I don't know how to explain what's wrong?
That is absolutely okay. Many clients arrive knowing only that something does not feel quite right.
You do not need to have the right words before starting therapy. Together we will make sense of your experiences and gradually understand what is happening beneath the surface.
Will I have to talk about sex straight away?
Therapy always moves at your pace. We will begin wherever feels safest and most comfortable for you. For some clients that may involve discussing relationships, stress, health, family history or emotions long before we talk about intimacy or sex. There is never any pressure to discuss anything before you are ready.
Fees
Regular Therapy Session – £90
Reduced Fee Session – £70
Available Thursday between 9.30am and 3.30pm for students, individuals on lower incomes, NHS employees and NHS referrals (subject to availability and eligibility).
Free 30-minute Consultation
A chance for us to discuss your needs, answer your questions and decide whether we are the right fit before beginning therapy.
I also offer block booking discounts, payment plans for Intensive Therapy.
If finances are preventing you from accessing therapy, please do get in touch. Wherever possible, I will work with you to find an approach that feels manageable.
Payment is required upon booking via bank transfer. Sessions not paid for at least 72 hours in advance may be released.
How do I book?
Appointments can be booked via the website.
If you have any questions before booking, please feel free to contact me by email at michelle@theyonitherapist.com.
What Clients Often Leave Therapy With
Every therapeutic journey is unique, and there are no guarantees about how quickly change happens.
However, many clients describe leaving therapy with:
A greater understanding of themselves and the patterns that have shaped their lives.
A calmer, more regulated nervous system and practical tools to manage difficult emotions.
Increased confidence in themselves, their relationships and their decision-making.
Reduced shame, anxiety and self-criticism.
Better communication, healthier boundaries and more meaningful connections.
A renewed sense of intimacy, pleasure and connection, with themselves and with others.
Ultimately, my hope is that therapy helps you reconnect with yourself at the deepest level. So often we lose parts of ourselves through life's experiences, relationships, trauma, grief, illness, parenthood, societal expectations or simply years of putting everyone else first. Together we will gently uncover those parts, helping you understand yourself with compassion, reconnect with your body, your emotions and your needs, and create a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are. My wish is not simply that you feel better, but that you know yourself more deeply, trust yourself more fully and leave therapy feeling more connected, more authentic and more at home within yourself.