At SLT, we use queer-affirming and sex-positive because they reflect convictions that guide our work. Their value lies in how we practise, rather than how fashionable the words might be. They express our commitment to sexual wellbeing, dignity and informed choice.

Being sex-positive means recognising everyone’s right to explore and express their sexuality in ways that are safe, consensual, pleasurable and meaningful to them, while respecting others’ rights and boundaries. This includes the freedom to pursue sexual experiences, or not to pursue them, according to one’s own preferences and values.Sexual wellbeing involves more than frequency, orgasm or bodily response. Research identifies respect, safety, comfort, self-worth and personal agency as important dimensions (Lewis et al., 2026).

Queer-affirming care respects sexual and gender diversity while recognising how stigma and discrimination may affect relationships, wellbeing and a person’s sense of safety (Burger & Pachankis, 2024).

What Does Queer-Affirming and Sex-Positive Therapy Look Like in Practice?

Clients bring different sexual orientations, gender identities, sex characteristics, languages, cultures and relationship experiences. They may follow various religious traditions or none. They may be single, monogamous, ethically polyamorous or exploring what suits them. Each person brings a particular history, and understanding that history matters more than making assumptions based on a description or identity.

Queer-affirming care begins with thoughtful questions. SLT therapists ask how clients describe their relationships, what intimacy means to them and which personal, cultural or religious values matter in their lives. Even familiar words can carry quite different meanings.

Someone in an ethically polyamorous relationship may want to discuss communicating needs, negotiating agreements or maintaining meaningful connections with different partners. We approach all relationship structures with equal curiosity and respect, recognising that intimacy and commitment take different forms. Similarly, when a transgender client raises a concern about desire, we explore the experience on its own terms, including whether gender is relevant to them.

A person may value reserving sexual intimacy for marriage; another may be questioning teachings that have left them ashamed of their desires. For one, faith may provide reassurance and purpose; for another, there may be a difficult tension between belief and experience. Both deserve an opportunity to explore their concerns while retaining authority over their own decisions.

Research emphasises cultural humility in psychotherapy with sexual and gender minorities (Fischer et al., 2024). Transgender and gender-diverse people’s accounts also demonstrate the importance of queer-affirming care and the difficulties caused by stereotyping or invalidation (Mezzalira et al., 2025).

Our professional knowledge matters, and so does the client’s knowledge of their own life. A useful therapeutic conversation draws on both. We listen, check our understanding and remain willing to examine our assumptions

What Can You Expect From SLT?

Our therapists offer a specialised, talk-based service, and the conversation begins with the person rather than a predetermined explanation. All our therapists offer queer-affirming care. When seeing our therapists, you don’t need to have it all figured out. We can start by exploring what they have noticed, what concerns them and what they would like to understand. As you speak, we listen for the meanings you attach to your experiences, and check whether we have understood, allowing the conversation to develop at a pace that suits you.

Your goals guide the work. Some hope to feel more comfortable in their bodies and their experiences. Others want to communicate more openly or make decisions about their relationships with greater confidence.

Our therapists have different areas of expertise, so finding someone suited to your concerns matters. Our friendly admin staff can help answer any questions and find the right match. Appointments are available in Melbourne and Sydney, and I see clients in person in Launceston. Online sex therapy and relationship counselling are available across Australia.

References

Burger, J., & Pachankis, J. E. (2024). State of the science: LGBTQ-affirmative psychotherapy. Behavior Therapy, 55(6), 1318–1334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2024.02.011

Fischer, O., Cox, D. W., Mickelson, J. M., & Lyons, K. (2024). Bridging the multicultural orientation framework with sexual and gender minority psychotherapy: A mixed studies systematic review. Psychotherapy, 61(1), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000518

Lewis, R., Turner, B., Riddell, J., Campbell, M., & Mitchell, K. R. (2026). Definition and framework of sexual wellbeing for population health: A modified Delphi study. BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsrh-2025-203200

Mezzalira, S., Carone, N., Bochicchio, V., Villani, S., Cruciani, G., Quintigliano, M., & Scandurra, C. (2025). Trans in treatment: A mixed-method systematic review on the psychotherapeutic experiences of transgender and gender diverse people. Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process and Outcome, 28(1), Article 834. https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2025.834