Gender, Sex & Relationship Diversity.
Sex & Sexuality in Therapy:
A Safe Space for Every Conversation
Sex is an important part of life—for some, but not all. Whether sex is central to your identity and relationships or something you feel disconnected from, you deserve a space where you can talk about it openly, without shame or discomfort.
In therapy with me, you can bring any aspect of sex into the conversation—your desires, your boundaries, your questions, or your lack of interest in sex. There is no “normal” when it comes to sexuality, only what feels right for you.
I take a GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity) affirming approach, recognising that sexual expression is deeply personal and shaped by many factors—identity, culture, trauma, relationships, and even hormonal shifts over time. I welcome conversations about it all.
Sex and sexuality don’t have to be off-limits in therapy.
You are welcome to bring your fears, fantasies, and feelings into our sessions, knowing they will be met with understanding, curiosity, and complete acceptance.
Seven-Stage Model of Open Relationships.
As a therapist, I utilise the seven-stage model to guide clients in designing and supporting diverse open relationship styles. This framework encompasses stages such as Imagining, Discussing, Contracting, Experimenting, Checking-in, Fine-tuning, and Stabilising. While not a linear path, it serves as a flexible guide for growth and expansive thinking, providing structure in areas where we may lack essential tools. Together, we’ll navigate each stage, adapting to your unique journey and fostering a relationship dynamic that aligns with your values and desires.
This model has been tried and tested with clients over 30 years - designed and created by therapist, Niki D
If you’re ready to explore new ways of relating or perhaps are already experimenting or living in this way, I’ll guide you through this process with compassion, insight, and the tools of the 7-Stage Model of Co-Creating Relationships (Niki D 2021) This tried-and-tested approach has been shaped by the real-life experiences of countless clients—helping them navigate the joys and challenges of relationship diversity.
Testimony from Niki:
“Jemma certainly walks her talk!
She was the first person to sign up for our pioneering course Opening Up CPD aimed at therapists/psychologists/coaches and offering an 11-day deep dive into Open & Polyamorous Relationship Therapy.
Jemma’s enthusiasm, intelligent contributions, and open sharing of her lived experiences of relationship diversity alongside her commitment to learning and supporting clients navigating the sometimes choppy waters of ethical non-monogamy was impressive.
You can be assured that working with Jemma will mean working with a coach and therapist who has the knowledge and personal, professional, and political awareness of what it means to live beyond monogamous norms”.
Designing a relationship style for you all
Setting Boundaries and Designing Agreements : Establish and maintain clear agreements to ensure all partners feel respected and secure.
Navigating Difficult Conversations: Develop skills to approach challenging topics with honesty and empathy, fostering mutual understanding.
Understanding Strong Emotions: Explore the roots of the feeling and implement strategies to transform it into personal growth and strengthened connections.
Repairing Ruptures: Together you can learn effective methods to address and heal relational breaches, restoring trust and harmony among partners.
Open Communication: I facilitate and help co-create an environment where all partners feel safe to express their needs, desires, and concerns openly.
Regular Check-Ins: I support in implementing routine discussions to assess the health of the relationships, ensuring alignment and addressing emerging issues promptly.
Informed Guidance: As a therapist well-versed in consensual non-monogamy I understands the specific dynamics and challenges involved, providing tailored support.
Navigating Social Stigma: With awareness of societal biases against non-traditional relationships, I can help clients manage external judgments and internalised stigma.
Gender-Affirming Support: I offer experienced in gender diversity offer a safe space to explore and affirm one’s gender identity, promoting improved mental health and overall well-being.
Kink-Affirming Approach: As a kink-aware therapist I acknowledge and respect diverse expressions of human sexuality, helping clients navigate their desires without judgment, thereby reducing shame and guilt.
I can support individuals and partners to foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships within a supportive and understanding environment.
“Affirming your gender means affirming you-
because therapy with me is a place where you are seen, heard, and validated as your true self.”
Affirming therapy is about being seen, heard, and supported exactly as you are. In a world that often questions or erases gender and sexual diversity, therapy should be a safe space where you can show up fully without fear or judgment. Research shows that affirmation reduces anxiety, depression, and overall distress—being respected for who you are is healing. Many of us carry internalised shame from societal expectations that don’t fit, but therapy offers the space to unlearn those, and embrace a more authentic life. Whether you’re questioning, exploring, or firmly rooted in your identity, you deserve support that acknowledges the full spectrum of gender and sexuality. With me, you can talk openly about gender, relationships, and identity without bias, misunderstanding, or erasure. Affirmation is liberation—when you are seen and respected, you can move through the world with greater confidence and ease. As a queer, kink-informed therapist, I offer non-judgmental support tailored to you—because you deserve to be accepted exactly as you are.
In a world that often questions or erases gender diversity, affirming who you are is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Your Identity is Valid
In today’s climate of fear and discrimination, it’s more important than ever to have a space where you can show up fully as yourself, without judgement.
Safety in Authenticity
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Studies show that gender affirmation reduces anxiety, depression, and overall distress—being seen and respected for who you are is healing.
Breaking Free from Shame
Many of us have internalised societal expectations that don’t fit—therapy offers a space to unpack and unlearn, allowing you to live more freely.
As a queer, kink-informed therapist, I understand the importance of identity affirmation and offer a space where you don’t have to explain or justify who you are.
A Therapist Who Sees You
Beyond the Binary
Whether you’re questioning, exploring, or firmly rooted in your identity, you deserve support that acknowledges the full spectrum of gender experience.
No Fear, No Filter
Here, you can talk openly about gender, relationships, and sexuality without worrying about bias, misunderstanding, or erasure.
Affirmation is Liberation
When your gender is seen, respected, and affirmed, you can move through the world with greater confidence, ease, and authenticity.