ASHLEIGH JAMES

I am a qualified and NCPS-registered Person-Centred Psychotherapist currently undertaking specialist training in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy. Alongside sexual and relationship difficulties, I support adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, neurodivergence and the lasting impact of difficult life experiences.

My approach is trauma-informed and neuroaffirming, recognising the close relationship between emotional wellbeing, our relationships and our sexual experiences. I work collaboratively, drawing on person-centred therapy alongside an understanding of attachment, trauma and psychosexual wellbeing to explore both the difficulties that have brought you to therapy and the experiences or patterns that may sit beneath them.

I welcome people from different cultural, religious, gender and sexual identities and provide an inclusive, sex-positive and affirming space. I do not make assumptions about what relationships, intimacy or sexuality should look like, and instead take time to understand your own experiences, values and circumstances.

Within my psychosexual work, I support individuals and couples with concerns including differences in sexual desire, arousal difficulties, painful sex and penetration difficulties, erectile and orgasm difficulties, performance anxiety, sexual confidence, intimacy following trauma and changes in sexuality or intimacy at different stages of life.

I also work with relationship difficulties including communication, intimacy, recurring patterns and the impact that trauma, neurodivergence or significant life changes can have on a relationship.

Whether you attend individually or as a couple, my aim is to create a supportive space where sensitive subjects can be discussed openly and without judgement, helping you develop a greater understanding of yourself, your relationships and the changes you would like to make.

Qualifications:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosexual & Relationship Therapy, THiRST Learn – currently undertaking
• BA (Hons) Counselling & Clinical Supervision, First Class Honours – Plymouth University
• Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling – Cornwall Counselling Institute / Plymouth University
• Registered Member, NCPS
• Student Member, COSRT

Areas of support include:

• Sexual Trauma & Intimacy After Trauma
• Low Desire & Desire Differences
• Arousal Difficulties
• Painful Sex & Penetration Difficulties
• Erectile Difficulties
• Orgasm Difficulties
• Sexual Confidence & Performance Anxiety
• Intimacy & Connection
• Relationship Difficulties
• Communication Difficulties
• Neurodiversity & Relationships
• LGBTQIA+
• Gender Identity & Sexuality
• Cultural Diversity & Relationships
• Fertility, Pregnancy & Postnatal Sexuality