Chanelle den Ouden is a psychosexual therapist and counsellor who has recently completed her specialist training in psychosexual therapy. She is a Registered Nurse (Div 1.) and works as a Sexual Health Nurse and Educator in the community with adolescents and adults. Chanelle completed a Master of Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health) – Psychosexual Therapy from the University of Sydney. She also has a Master of Counselling and a Master of Nursing Practice. Her undergraduate studies focused on physiology and geoscience.
Chanelle’s approach
Chanelle uses a trauma-informed approach in her counselling. Which she combines with mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) techniques. As a result her approach enables her to tailor sessions to individual clients and their diverse needs.
Chanelle den Ouden works with people with issues of genital and sexual pain, mismatched desire/libido, and anorgasmia. She also works with people experiencing erectile functioning issues and premature/rapid ejaculation. Chanelle is non-monogamous/poly- friendly and has a particular interest in working with people who are beginning to open up their relationship. Chanelle is queer-friendly, kink-friendly, and sex worker-friendly.
Her work as a sexual health nurse and educator provides specialised knowledge and support for clients. Chanelle can support clients with sexually transmitted infections. Which can include supporting individuals through a recent diagnosis or learning to adjust to living with long-term infections such as herpes (HSV) or HIV.
Chanelle den Ouden developed a passion for hearing her patient’s stories while working as a nurse in the public health care system. During her work she observed that the medical model often did not appreciate the need for psychosocial support; something that left people feeling dismissed, unheard and dissatisfied. She is passionate about providing a space that feels safe and free of judgement for her clients to explore what is most important to them.
