Working with Sex Workers

At the heart of my counseling practice is a deep commitment to providing a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This commitment is especially important when working with sex workers, a community that has long faced stigma and marginalization. My work with sex workers is informed not only by my counseling qualifications and therapeutic experience but also by my personal and professional history as a peer within this community.

My Peer Status and Experience

I have worked with a prominent Aotearoa New Zealand-based organization dedicated to supporting sex workers, where I served as a counsellor and peer support worker. I have been a peer for 13 years, bringing lived experience and an intimate understanding of the complex dynamics of the sex industry, including issues related to safety, consent, boundaries, stigma, and discrimination.

This experience informs my practice in a way that goes beyond traditional counselling approaches. I understand the nuances of sex work, including the varied reasons people choose this profession, the diverse experiences within the industry, and the impact of societal attitudes on mental health and well-being. I approach my work with sex workers from a place of empathy, respect, and genuine care, ensuring that my clients feel safe to share their stories without fear of judgment.

Creating a Stigma-Free, Empowering Space

I recognize that mainstream mental health services have often failed sex workers by perpetuating harmful stereotypes and assumptions. In my practice, I am committed to dismantling these barriers by creating a space where sex workers can:

• Explore their experiences without judgment
• Discuss concerns related to work and personal life in a safe, supportive environment
• Address issues such as burnout, boundaries, relationships, and self-care
• Process trauma, including experiences of violence or discrimination
• Reclaim their narratives and build self-empowerment

I believe that every individual deserves access to mental health care that respects their choices, identities, and lived realities. My approach is grounded in the understanding that sex work is work, and that each client’s experience is valid and worthy of respect.

Tailoring Therapy to Individual Needs

Just as no two clients are the same, no two sex work experiences are identical. I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each client, drawing on a range of modalities such as:

• Gestalt Therapy – Helping clients connect with their present experiences and explore the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and actions.
• Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques – Supporting clients in developing tools to manage stress and anxiety.
• Feminist Therapy – Addressing power dynamics and fostering empowerment.
• Client-Centered Therapy – Building a collaborative relationship where clients feel fully accepted and supported.
• Solution-Focused Techniques – Helping clients identify their strengths and move toward their goals.

I also draw on Indigenous models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā to ensure that my practice acknowledges and respects holistic well-being through a cultural lens.

Addressing Common Themes in Therapy

While each client’s journey is unique, there are common themes that often arise in my work with sex workers, including:

• Navigating dual identities: Balancing work identity with personal identity and the complexities that can arise.
• Managing stigma: Coping with societal judgment, both external and internalized.
• Setting boundaries: Developing strategies to maintain emotional and physical safety in both professional and personal contexts.
• Building resilience: Finding strength and self-compassion in the face of challenges.
• Exploring trauma: Processing experiences of violence, discrimination, or marginalization.

Advocacy and Allyship

Beyond one-on-one counselling, I see my role as an advocate and ally for sex workers. I am committed to challenging stigma in all its forms and promoting greater understanding and acceptance within the mental health sector. I work to educate other professionals about the importance of providing culturally safe and non-judgmental care to sex workers, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable approach to mental health.

Your Story Matters

If you are a sex worker seeking support, know that you will be met with empathy, respect, and understanding in my practice. You don’t have to explain or justify your experiences to me—I already understand the complexities and nuances of your work. Our sessions will be a collaborative space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely, knowing that your story will be held with care.

Together, we can work through challenges, celebrate successes, and build a life that feels fulfilling and authentic. Whether you want to process difficult experiences, navigate life’s transitions, or simply have a space where you can be fully yourself, I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way.