Consent, Boundaries & Body-Based Work

Somatic Sexology and body-based work can feel unfamiliar or vulnerable for many people, so it’s important that you understand how I work before we begin.

Clear boundaries, ongoing consent, emotional safety, and professionalism are central to my practice. These boundaries exist to protect both you and the therapeutic relationship, and to create a space that feels respectful, grounded, and safely held for both of us.

Building safety and trust

All work begins with talking sessions and somatic awareness practices.

There is no expectation for body-based work, self-touch, or physical touch. Many clients work entirely through talking and embodied awareness without progressing into bodywork.

If body-based practices are explored, this happens slowly, collaboratively, and only when there is enough trust, communication, and therapeutic understanding in place.

There is never any pressure to move faster than feels safe or appropriate.

Online and in-person sessions

Most sessions take place online via Zoom.

Where body-based practices are included online, clients guide their own touch and engagement with their body, with therapeutic support and guidance from me.

Some clients may later choose to work in person. Any in-person bodywork is discussed clearly in advance and approached with ongoing consent, clear professional boundaries, and therapeutic intention. All touch is one way, and I will wear latex-free gloves where appropriate, much like a doctor would.

Professional boundaries

This work is therapeutic and client-centred. It is not a sexual service or sexual interaction between client and practitioner.

If touch is included within in-person sessions, it is always intentional, consensual, professionally boundaried, and in service of your therapeutic process, not mutual touch, performance, gratification, or fantasy.

Sexual feelings, attraction, embarrassment, shame, or fantasy can sometimes arise in spaces where sexuality and intimacy are being explored. These experiences are not wrong or shameful, and can be explored safely within the work when relevant.

The focus always remains on your relationship with yourself, your body, your boundaries, and your healing process.

You are always in choice

You can pause, stop, slow down, change direction, or say no at any point during a session without needing to justify yourself.

There is no pressure to continue any practice beyond what feels safe, appropriate, or consensual for you.

This work is collaborative and paced carefully around your boundaries, capacity, and nervous system.

Session structure and pacing

Somatic practices are time-bound within the session and are approached slowly and intentionally.

There is no expectation to “push through”, perform, or reach any particular outcome. The goal is not performance, arousal, or climax, but greater self-awareness, embodied consent, safety, and connection with yourself.

Practices can be paused or ended at any time if needed by either client or therapist.

Confidentiality and recording

All sessions are confidential within normal ethical and legal safeguarding limits.

Sessions are not recorded by the therapist and should not be recorded by the client.

FAQs

Do I have to do bodywork or self-touch?

No. Many sessions remain entirely talk-based.

Can I change my mind during a practice?

Always. Consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time.

What if I feel awkward, disconnected, ashamed, or numb?

That’s incredibly common, and often part of the work itself. Nothing needs to be forced or performed.

Is this the same as sex work or a sexual service?

No. This is a therapeutic, trauma-informed, consent-led practice with clear professional and ethical boundaries.

If you have questions about how this work is held, you’re welcome to ask before booking. I want you to feel informed, safe, and clear about the therapeutic container we are working within.