WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

What is sex work? Why do people do sex work?

What experiences might sex workers have faced when seeking mental health support? How does sex work affect mental health? How do I navigate supporting a sex working client? Where does their work fit in my paradigm of health and growth?

This course begins with ‘Sex Work 101’, giving you a firm foundation in what sex work is and why different people might do sex work. It looks at sex work and the law, familiarising you with concepts such as the ‘Nordic Model’ and ‘decriminalisation’.

You will then go on to look at sex work from the counselling perspective, exploring studies into sex worker mental health and sex worker experiences of counselling. One excellent paper outlines what sex workers seek from counsellors, and you will imagine ways to meet these needs in your practice.
 

This certified 1-hour CPD course is available to complete online here.

On 17th May 2024, I presented an emergent model of Autistic Authenticity with my colleague, Lucy Button MA. This model developed the core person-centred theory of psychotherapeutic personality change to incorporate an understanding of internal and external autistic masking.

On 25th November 2023, I delivered a seminar at the Person-Centred Association's annual 'Queerness in the Person-Centred Approach' Conference. The talk began by debunking common myths and misconceptions around sex work before exploring how the person-centred approach is excellently placed to meet the needs of sex worker clients. 

For as long as psychologists have studied non-normative sexualities, they have pathologized them. However, recent studies indicate that kink is a healthy alternative lifestyle and sexuality. But what if kink isn't just 'pathologically neutral'? What if it can be a source of great healing and growth?

This course will take an in depth look at one case study into an individual's experience of kink meeting their: sensory needs, need for structure, need for direct communication, need for help with executive function and needs arising from RSD. Interweaving their diary entries with person-centred theory, you will be offered an insight into how some neurodivergent people can find great support in kink.

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Workshop coming Winter 2025.

On 2nd June 2023, I facilitated a workshop on  for trainee counsellors at the University of Nottingham to help develop their cultural competency when working with GSRD clients. We grappled with both theory and case studies to give students a chance to explore the limits of their understanding, empathy and unconditionality.