Sex Workers

SEX WORKER AFFIRMING THERAPY

I provide a safe, respectful, and non judgemental therapeutic space for people working within the sex industry. My practice is grounded in a sex worker positive perspective, recognising sex work as valid labour and affirming the autonomy, dignity, and humanity of those involved in it.

I understand that therapy has not always felt safe or accessible for sex workers. Many people have experienced judgement, stigma, assumptions, pathologising attitudes, or pressure to explain or defend their choices and experiences. In therapy with me, you do not need to justify your work, educate your therapist, or fear being reduced to stereotypes.

Whether you currently work within the sex industry, have done so in the past, or are impacted by sex work in some way, you are welcome in my practice.

HOW STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION CAN AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH

For many people, the emotional impact of stigma, secrecy, discrimination, shame, social judgement, or fear of exposure can take a significant toll on mental health and emotional wellbeing over time. Some people may experience anxiety, emotional exhaustion, hypervigilance, burnout, loneliness, difficulties with trust, or struggles around boundaries, identity, relationships, or self worth.

For LGBTQ+ sex workers in particular, these experiences can sometimes intersect with minority stress, trauma, rejection, financial pressure, discrimination, or the emotional impact of navigating multiple marginalised identities at once.

At the same time, it is important not to make assumptions. Sex workers are not a monolith, and not everyone experiences their work in the same way. Therapy should create space for your individual experiences, emotions, relationships, needs, and goals without judgement or predetermined narratives.

A SAFE SPACE TO EXPLORE YOUR EXPERIENCES

My approach is collaborative, relational, and grounded in empathy, confidentiality, and emotional safety. Together, we can explore whatever feels important to you, whether that relates directly to sex work or not.

This may include mental health, trauma, emotional wellbeing, shame, relationships, boundaries, identity, stress, addiction, self worth, emotional regulation, intimacy, safety, or simply having somewhere you can speak openly and honestly without fear of judgement.

My own lived experience of sex work helps inform my understanding of some of the unique emotional and social challenges sex workers may face, alongside my wider commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmative and sex worker affirming practice.

I am also listed in the NUM directory of sex worker friendly therapists. You can find out more about their work here: National Ugly Mugs (NUM)