I am reminded that, some time ago, my friend David Schnarch, (“The Sexual Crucible”, “Passionate Marriage” et al.), together with his partner Ruth Morehouse, came to Britain following an invite from the London Diploma and the Naos-Institute (www.naos-institute.com). He stayed with us for a three-day Masterclass in London which attracted students from all over Europe, representatives of many … [Read more…]
In the last few days, I have had a challenging exchange with the John Lewis Partnership. My personal experience was one of their intransigence, lack of movement, holding the power and it reminded me of our couples work when two people cannot arrive at an amicable and mutually positive way forward. Despite my offering of … [Read more…]
“You’re on mute.” I didn’t know a year ago how often I would repeat these three words, every time with a smile on my face. Life as a Psychosexual and Relationship therapist has changed significantly in the past year. We all know why. COVID 19 has taken many casualties in its fury. People, businesses, relationships, … [Read more…]
I recently attended an on-line workshop via COSRT for working online, both parts 1 and 2. In the most recent one, about 40 practitioners attended, some I knew – others not and we were posed the question ‘How has living with COVID-19 been for you?’ It’s an important question, perhaps not so much if we … [Read more…]
It wasn’t that long ago that an Italian and a Greek met on a psychosexual training course (LDPRT). A couple of years, and a lot of hard work later, they reached the end of that course and scratched their heads wondering “what’s next?” As with all endings, a space opens up for a new beginning. … [Read more…]
The party scene in the LGBTQ+ world is constantly in flux and much has changed since the disco days of the 80s and 90s and the club scene of the new millennium. The advent of smartphones and their apps have, for the majority, become the platform for meeting new friends, forming new relationships and having … [Read more…]
Sometime life just does not make sense. There are moments, despite our best intentions, that we find ourselves reflecting on our self and our relationships and trying to work out how we arrived at this point yet again. Such moments can often be inflected with loss, pain and confusion. We tell ourselves we know better, … [Read more…]
Bernd Leygraf and Jean Miller Directorate LDPRT I remember the earlier days of Corona when trainees and supervisees (alongside the author!) pronounced that, basically, therapy was coming to an end. Forever! We were all adamant that working on zoom from one’s own home was severely compromising confidentiality, and not being able to feel, touch, smell … [Read more…]
(names have been changed to preserve the confidentiality of clients) Louise: “It has been like this for 15 years, Steve.Why are you doing this to me? Now! I can’t be without you.” Steve: “I feel suffocated by you, Louise. I cannot carry on carrying on.” I hold my breath and find the comfort in my … [Read more…]
When I mention to friends and fellow therapists that many of my clients practice BDSM, typical responses range from “Wow, you must hear some stories!” to “I just couldn’t relate to people who get off on pain and abuse.” The truth is, most people don’t really understand BDSM – an acronym derived from Bondage and … [Read more…]