About me
I’m Lou, an integrative CBT & Psychosexual (Sex) and Relationship Therapist based in Leeds.
People come to me with a wide range of concerns. Some want help with erectile difficulties, pain during sex, low or mismatched desire, or finding orgasm difficult. Others feel stuck in patterns of shame, anxiety or disconnection around sex and intimacy. Many simply want to understand themselves or their relationship better.
I see individuals and couples, and I also work with polycules and people in non-monogamous relationships. I welcome clients of all genders, sexualities and relationship styles, and you won’t need to explain or justify who you are.
Together we’ll look at what’s happening now and how it developed, then work out what might help. I tailor sessions to you, and the work often includes practical exercises to try between sessions.
Talking about sex can feel daunting, and many people tell me the hardest part was sending the first email. If you’re considering therapy, I offer an initial consultation so you can ask questions and get a feel for whether we’re a good fit.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have worked in mental health and therapeutic settings for over 25 years, including within the NHS. Before I specialised in psychosexual therapy, I spent eight years supporting people affected by rape and sexual violence within Rape Crisis centres. That experience still shapes how I work. I move at your pace, and I take care to make the room feel safe enough for difficult conversations.
Qualifications and memberships
- MSc Contemporary Psychosexual Therapy (Distinction) - University of Hull
- PGDip Advanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - University of Cumbria
- PGCert Psychological Therapies - University of Exeter
- BA (Hons) Sociology - University of Essex
Plus additional training in: Relational & Couples Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Motivational Interviewing & Somatic Approaches.
Member organisations
COSRT is the UK’s leading membership organisation for therapists specialising in sexual and relationship issues.
All members must abide by their Code of Ethics and the performance of accredited members is regularly monitored.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Erectile difficulties; premature and delayed ejaculation; orgasm difficulties; low or changing desire; differences in desire between partners; painful sex, including vaginismus and vulvodynia; sex and menopause; sex and chronic pain; sex after spinal injury; performance anxiety and sexual confidence; intimacy difficulties; sexual and gender identity; kink and BDSM; polyamory, polycules and non-monogamy; boundaries, consent and talking about sex; shame around sex and sexuality; sex after sexual trauma; recovery from difficult relationships.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£90.00 - £150.00
Additional information
- Individual therapy: £90 (50 minutes)
- Couples therapy: £125 (60 minutes)
- Triads/small polycules (3-4): £150 (75 minutes)
When I work
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Further information
I’m not the kind of therapist who nods quietly while you do all the talking. I’ll ask questions, offer ideas and help you work out what’s going on, and we’ll figure out the next steps together.
Lots of people arrive feeling embarrassed, or quietly convinced they’re the only one with their problem. You almost certainly aren’t. I’ve heard most things over the years, and nothing you say will shock me. You won’t need to fit some idea of what sex or relationships are supposed to look like, because I don’t think there’s one right way to do either.
Queer, trans, kinky, poly or still working it out, you’re welcome here.
You don’t need the right words or a neat story before you get in touch. We can start wherever you are and take it at a pace that feels right for you.
I offer a free 20-minute chat by phone or online. It’s a chance to tell me a bit about what’s going on, ask me anything, and see whether we’d work well together.
