Psychosexual Therapy
Very often women accept 'sex' is something they used to do when I strongly believe we deserve to enjoy pleasure and to be pleasured. I specialise in researching and treating all things relating to the Yoni including but not exclusive too the menstrual cycle, menopause, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, sexual; abuse, trauma & addressing how our experiences can influence how you feel & the effect on your sexual relationships. Over the weeks I help you work through the past, release what needs to be let go, accept and comfortably contain so you find find the sexual being you so deserve to be.
Vaginismus/Pain on Penetration
Is a condition that affects a woman's ability to engage in any form of vaginal penetration.
It can be categorised into primary or secondary:
Primary vaginismus refers to women who have never been able to undergo vaginal penetration without significant discomfort or pain.
Secondary vaginismus occurs in women who have previously been able to engage in penetration without issues but later develop the condition, possibly due to trauma, surgery, menopause, or an underlying medical condition.
Woman experience involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles, causing pain, discomfort, and sometimes making penetration impossible.
The exact cause of vaginismus is not always clear, but it is often associated with anxiety, fear of pain, past sexual trauma or abuse, relationship issues, and certain beliefs about sex. Physical factors may also contribute, including infections, conditions that cause pain during sex, or menopausal changes.
The good news, it often only required short term therapy to resolve.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Can have a serious impact on your health both mentally & physically. Psychosexual Therapy allows you to explore the anger/grief but also acceptance and help to empower you to make positive steps moving forward. Together we create a plan working with other health professionals to ensure your quality of life is positively improved.
As with all presenting issues a full history taking and assessment will be completed. I will advise and give options, this may include referral to other health professionals or together we may decide to work on the physical and psychosexual issues presented. I put you at the forefront of deciding your therapy journey.
‘Michelle has literally changed my life! I had spent a long time on Medication for my bladder. Working with Michelle over six months I could stop all medication. I had also had a back operation and Michelle has helped me get mobility back again’. - Lorraine
Low Sexual Desire
Is often a persistent lack of sexual thoughts, fantasies, or interest that causes distress and/or desire differences in a relationship which can result in conflict. Sexual desire is not just about biology; it can be affected by a range of factors:
Biological Influences
Of course hormonal imbalances, especially decreases in estrogen, testosterone, & other key hormones, can play a role. Certain medications (like antidepressants or birth control pills), chronic health conditions e.g., diabetes, thyroid issues & fatigue can also lower desire.
Psychological Factors
Stress, depression, anxiety, past trauma, & low self-esteem can affect sexual interest. Body image issues & low self esteem can also impact greatly.
Relationship Dynamics
Desire is often impacted by the emotional connection & dynamics within a relationship. Resentment, lack of communication, unresolved conflicts, a history of relationship trauma & having sex to ‘keep the peace’ can dampen sexual interest.
Lifestyle & Environmental Factors
High stress, lack of time, & lifestyle factors (such as excessive alcohol use or sleep deprivation) can suppress desire.
Past Sexual Experiences
Sexual experiences, particularly negative or traumatic ones, can significantly affect sexual interest.
Now available Desire Reclaimed an online programme, access to exercises and interventions 24/7, lifetime access, rediscover your sexual self. Click HERE for further details.
Finding Your Sexual Self
I often find women have various social scripts running. The rule we must abide by; the good girl code & if we step away we move to the ‘slut shaming’ side. Despite in recent years we have seen strides in sex posivity, the movement is still playing catch up. Society still appears to make assumptions and very often many women are left with low self esteem & self worth. Psychosexual therapy gently unpicks the beliefs and societal scripts.
We also have many women finding themselves single after being in a relationship or marriage for many years. Navigating the dating game can create much stress & anxiety. Sometimes women have never truly experienced being sexual for their own pleasure. Learning your sexual map is empowering & then building the confidence to date, form another relationship, choose the type of relationship that suits you requires depth of exploration.
Single Be Ready To Mingle Workshops
Sign up to receive information on the dating workshops. A relaxed, informal day, filled with love, lightness & laughter to ensure we take the fear out of dating.
Sex After Childbirth
It is natural for many women & their partners to experience physical & emotional challenges during this time. The postpartum period brings both physical recovery & lifestyle adjustments that can impact sexual desire, comfort, & confidence.
Considerations when returning to sex;
Vaginal soreness & tearing, women who had had a c section will need healing time as with any surgery, hormonal changes, vaginal dryness, making intercourse uncomfortable.
The weight & pressure of pregnancy can weaken pelvic floor muscles, which may affect sexual sensation, cause discomfort, or contribute to conditions like urinary incontinence.
Breastfeeding can reduce desire. All of the above will affect body image & self-confidence, the fear of pain, adapting to a new baby, which is exhausting will increase risk of depression or suffering from anxiety.
Therapy will help you navigate the changes & help you communicate your needs showing yourself lots of self compassion, encouraging self-care & rest.
We discuss the use of lubrication, pelvic floor exercises &
how to explore different types of intimacy.
Peri to Post Menopause
Menopause can bring about significant changes that affect sexual health & wellbeing. For many women, the hormonal shifts associated with menopause — including lower levels of estrogen, progesterone, & testosterone — which can impact desire, arousal, & physical comfort during sex.
Menopause affects sexual health in multiple ways, primarily through hormonal changes &, often, associated lifestyle &/or emotional shifts:
Hormonal Changes: As estrogen levels fall, vaginal tissues can become thinner, drier, & less elastic, leading to vaginal dryness & atrophy. This can make sexual activity uncomfortable or even painful.
Testosterone also declines with age, which can reduce sexual desire & arousal.
Physical Changes: Decreased natural lubrication & loss of elasticity can make sex uncomfortable. The pelvic floor muscles may weaken over time, potentially impacting sexual pleasure and causing issues like urinary incontinence.
Very often there are physical limitations associated from ageing & I spend the time to discuss & explore sex aids to make sexual positions more comfortable.
Emotional and Psychological Factors: Fluctuations in hormones can cause mood swings, anxiety, or depression, which can, in turn, lower sexual desire, add the fact certain medications commonly associated to treat depression can also lower desire.
Self-Image and Confidence: Some women may experience changes in body image and confidence, impacting their sense of sexuality.
Relationship Dynamics: Changes in sexual function or desire, requires more communication and understanding to adjust together.
Well Woman Workshops
Spend time together to rest, replenish & restore. Take the time for this essential self-discovery. Tune into your body, shift from fertility & reproduction to conserving & nourishing the self.
Women's Wellness Coaching
I have put together my experience of health and exercise combined with my therapy skills to bring you a transformative 12-16-week journey designed to help you reconnect with your body, mind, and purpose.
You have earned the right for pleasure.
Sexual Abuse/Historical Trauma
Finding a sense of sexual self after experiencing sexual abuse/trauma can be a complex journey. Sexual abuse/trauma can deeply impact one’s relationship with intimacy, self-worth, & sexuality. Many of my clients have tried to be sexual for many years & struggle to understand why sometimes they have been able to participate & other times have no desire &/or interest. Reclaiming sexuality after abuse is about restoring a sense of safety, control & confidence within one's own body and finding ways to experience intimacy on one’s own terms.
This journey can be challenging, for me, the relationship is at the centre of the work that is done & I aim to be non-judgemental, empathic, & as honest as possible. I give clients the options to share what they need, to work content free if that supports the therapy process.
I get to see clients release and shift
‘heavy stuff’ quickly.
To see clients heal, gain a sense of connection to their bodies with patience, support, & self-compassion is very rewarding. To see clients believe, trust & have a new chapter ahead is where the magic is & the answer to my why.
Orgasm Difficulties
Or anorgasmia, are common among women & can have a variety of causes, including physical, emotional, relational, and social factors.
Some women experience lifelong anorgasmia (never having had an orgasm), while others develop orgasm difficulties later in life. With a combination of open communication, exploration & self-compassion, we understand the root causes, that is the first step toward addressing this concern, depending on the causes will dictate how the therapy journey may look but together we find effective solutions. many women can overcome orgasm difficulties & find satisfaction in their sexual experiences.
Therapy may include:
Acceptance of sexual past/sexual self. Exploring self pleasure.
Mindfulness & relaxation techniques. Extended foreplay & sexual experimentation. Communication practice with your partner.
Pelvic floor therapy.
