FAQ

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about sessions, safety, boundaries and practical information. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please feel free to get in touch.

Session Details

What happens in a tantric massage session?

A tantric massage session lasts 3 to 4 hours and is shaped around your needs. We begin with a consultation and an optional shower for you, followed by a grounding meditation and a simple connection ritual of eye contact and breath. From there, we move into slow, mindful touch and full-body massage. The focus is on pleasure, relaxation, awakening sensuality and allowing sexual energy to flow through the whole body.

This outline is only a guide — each session adapts to what feels most supportive in the moment. Every massage ends with time to rest, integrate, and talk through your experience.

What happens in a somatic sex therapy session?

Somatic sex therapy sessions — sometimes called tantric healing or tantric bodywork — range from 90 minutes to 4 hours.

• Shorter sessions (90 minutes to 2 hours): Clothes-on only. They usually begin with a consultation and grounding meditation, followed by bodywork, with time to integrate and reflect at the end.

• Longer sessions (3 to 4 hours): These can be clothes-on or clothes-off, depending on your comfort. They often include an optional shower at the beginning and end, a connection ritual to establish safety and presence, and bodywork, therapeutic massage, or a combination of both. Specific exercises may also be included to support learning or address particular issues.

The structure is flexible — guided by your comfort, boundaries and what feels most supportive for your goals.

What happens in talk sessions? 

Talk-based therapy sessions last 60 minutes and can be held online or in person. These sessions do not involve touch, and are available to those who are building up to touch-based sessions, or are wanting an additional tool to help integrate anything that has come up in bodywork sessions, and to have support with making long-lasting changes.

Together we explore the areas most relevant to you — whether that’s specific issues, challenges in intimacy, or patterns in daily life. The emphasis is on connecting mind and body, building awareness, and strengthening resilience.

What happens in a TRE (tension and trauma release) session?

TRE sessions last 60 minutes and can be held online or in person. We begin with a short consultation, then move through guided exercises to activate the body’s natural tremor mechanism, always at your own pace. This is usually followed by up to 20 minutes of tremoring (less if appropriate). Each session ends with time to integrate and talk through your experience.

How should I prepare for my first session?

Whether you’re coming for massage, bodywork, talk therapy, or TRE, there’s no “right” way to prepare — we’ll always start where you are and move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable. I provide everything for the session, so you don’t need to bring anything else. Taking a little time beforehand to reflect on what you’d most like to explore or experience can be helpful.

Please avoid alcohol or non-prescribed drugs for at least 24 hours so you arrive clear-headed and ready to get the most from the work. Before we meet, I’ll send you a short, confidential questionnaire, which you’ll need to complete and either email back in advance or bring with you to the session.

What should I do after a session?

It is recommended to set some time aside afterwards so you can gently integrate the experience. Many people find it helpful to do things that feel nourishing and calming, such as resting quietly at home, taking a bath, spending time in nature, listening to music, journaling, or meditating.

Avoiding alcohol and non-prescribed drugs for at least 24 hours is also advised, as these can interfere with the integration process. Within a day or two, I will send you a follow-up email to check in, see how you are doing, and offer any further support if needed.

What if I feel uncomfortable during a session?

It is completely normal for emotions to surface in this kind of work. If they do, we will meet them gently and at a pace that feels safe and manageable. We always move gradually — exploring a little at a time, then returning to calm — so you don’t become overwhelmed.

Your physical comfort matters too. For face to face sessions, we can adjust the temperature, lighting, pace, or positioning at any time. You are always welcome to ask for a blanket, pillow, or pause.

You are in control of the process throughout — we can slow down, change direction, or stop whenever you need.

How many sessions will I need to feel a lasting change?

This varies from person to person. Some notice a shift after just one session, while others find their healing unfolds gradually over a number of sessions. It depends on your history, your goals, and the depth of what you are working with. After your first experience, we can talk through what might feel most supportive for you.

How long do the benefits of a session last?

Some people feel immediate changes in mood, relaxation, or physical ease, while others notice shifts over the following days and weeks. Regular sessions tend to support more lasting results, as the nervous system learns new ways of responding and the body has space to release deeply held patterns.

Services & Approaches

What services are offered? 

Tantric massage 

Tantric massage is best suited for those who want to explore pleasure, relaxation, and sensual awakening rather than address specific issues. The focus is on expanding capacity for enjoyment, moving sexual energy through the body, and discovering new ways of feeling. For men, this can also include learning to separate orgasm from ejaculation. Many choose tantric massage simply to experience something new, to deepen connection with their body, or to learn practical tantric techniques.

Somatic sex therapy

Somatic sex therapy (sometimes called tantric healing or tantric therapy) is more therapeutic in focus, whilst still being primarily touch-based. The emphasis is on safety, embodiment, and nervous system regulation. 

• Works directly with the body to address specific concerns. It is well-suited for those who feel uncomfortable or inexperienced with intimacy, struggle with giving or receiving touch, or want support with sexual dysfunction or relationship issues. While pleasure and arousal may be part of the experience, the core focus is therapeutic healing and regulation.

Supporting therapies

Below are additional tools to support those engaging in somatic sex therapy, or used as standalone therapies where relevant.

• Talk-based therapy offers a counselling-style space, usually in shorter and more regular sessions. It is often chosen for exploring addictions, compulsions, intimacy challenges, or personal patterns. The approach remains somatic — attention is always brought back to the body alongside the mind.

• Movement-based therapy (TRE) uses a sequence of simple exercises to activate the body’s natural tremor mechanism. This allows the nervous system to release stored stress and trauma in a safe and natural way. TRE involves little talking and helps to discharge tension physically and restore balance. It is often used alongside other somatic approaches.

For more information, see the Supporting Therapies page.

At a Glance: The differences between tantric massage, somatic sex therapy, talk therapy and TRE

What are the reasons you offer these different approaches?

When I first began with tantric therapy, I quickly realised that many clients were bringing issues my initial training hadn’t fully prepared me for — such as shame, feeling unsafe, or dissociation. Even in pleasure-focused tantric massage, it became clear that the blocks to feeling pleasure and arousal often needed deeper understanding and support. This led me to expand my training into somatic and talking therapies, so I could work more safely, professionally, and effectively with nervous system regulation, sexual dysfunction and other challenges.

What are the benefits of offering different services?

Because people’s needs are unique, I’ve found that different approaches work best for different clients. Some want to expand pleasure, others want to address difficulties, and many benefit from a blend of both. Offering a range of services gives me a “bird’s eye view” of both mind and body — I can work top-down (through thoughts and beliefs) and bottom-up (through touch and body awareness). This means I can draw on the right tools at the right time, creating a tailored experience that supports your goals and helps you get the most out of our work together.

Can I combine different services?

Yes — this is often an effective approach. TRE can support nervous system regulation alongside either talk-based or touch-based therapy. Talk therapy helps integrate insights or emotions that arise during bodywork or TRE. And for those who begin with somatic sex therapy to address specific issues, tantric massage can later become a natural progression once safety and trust are established — creating space to focus purely on pleasure and relaxation.

Will I be fully informed before the first session?

Absolutely. Before we begin, we’ll talk through what to expect, and you’ll have the chance to ask any questions. Nothing happens without your clear understanding and consent. You’re always free to pause, slow down, or change your mind at any stage.

Safety, Boundaries & Ethics

Do I have to take my clothes off?

No. All sessions are client-led, and you are always in control of how much you choose to wear. Clothes-off options are only available in tantric massage and longer touch-based somatic sex therapy sessions — always within clear boundaries and with your agreement. Talk therapy and TRE are fully clothed. Whatever the format, we’ll always talk through your comfort levels beforehand so you feel safe and informed.

Do you provide sexual services?

No — I don’t provide sexual services. My work is always professional and therapeutic, with a focus on healing, embodiment, and safe exploration of pleasure. I also remain clothed throughout every session, so you can feel reassured about clear boundaries and safety.

What if I become aroused during a session?

It’s natural for arousal to arise as the body relaxes and opens, and this is welcome within the agreed boundaries of the work. For some clients, arousal itself can feel unfamiliar or even challenging, so part of the process may be supporting you in reconnecting with these sensations and feeling safe to experience them without pressure or judgement.

What experience and qualifications do you have?

I have over 10 years of experience in this field, beginning with facilitating tantra and conscious sexuality workshops and retreats in the North East in 2015. In 2018 I completed professional tantric bodywork training to work with both individuals and couples, and since then I’ve supported hundreds of clients with a wide range of issues.

My qualifications also include TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises), somatic trauma therapy, and counselling. I am fully insured for all the approaches I practice. For a full list of training and more about my background, see the About Tatiana page. 

How do you work with trauma safely?

My approach is trauma-informed, with safety, grounding, and consent at the centre. I work with the principle of titration — exploring experiences slowly and a little at a time so the nervous system stays regulated. This allows you to integrate what arises without becoming overwhelmed and supports your body in developing new patterns of safety and resilience.

How is the information I share protected?

Everything you share is kept strictly confidential. I comply with GDPR data protection laws, which means your personal information is stored securely and never passed on to third parties. The only exception would be if there were a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case I may be legally required to disclose information. Otherwise, your privacy is always respected.

Practical Information

Where are your sessions held?

I am based in the TS13 area of Teesside, around 10 minutes’ drive from Saltburn-by-the-Sea, where I work most of the time. I also offer sessions in London (NW2), a short walk from Willesden Green station on the Jubilee line, on a near-monthly basis. Online sessions are also available.

Is there parking or public transport nearby?

Yes. In Teesside there is ample free on-street parking. In London, I am based a short walk from Willesden Green tube station, which is the easiest option for most clients. Free local parking is available after 6:30 PM for evening sessions. Full directions are provided once your booking is confirmed.

Do you work with couples as well as individuals?

Yes. I welcome both individuals and couples. For couples, sessions can focus on taking time out together to reconnect and deepen your bond, or on learning practical skills such as massage and communication.

I also offer talk-based sessions in a more traditional counselling style, where the focus is on exploring ongoing relationship challenges and building healthier patterns of intimacy and connection.

Do you accept people with health conditions?

In most cases, yes — though it depends on the condition. Talk therapy is generally safe for everyone, while TRE or touch-based work may need adjustments if you are pregnant, recovering from surgery, or living with a serious medical issue. Please share any relevant health details beforehand so we can ensure the work is safe and supportive for you.

Do you work with all genders and orientations?

Yes. My work is fully inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationship styles.

How much do sessions cost?

Fees vary depending on the type and length of session. For full details, please see the individual service pages. Concessionary rates are available for those on a low income — please ask if this applies to you.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes. Online sessions are via Zoom, which is secure and easy to use. To protect your confidentiality, sessions are not recorded, and I recommend choosing a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable to talk openly.

Do you work weekends?

No, I don’t work weekends. Most sessions take place Monday to Friday during the day, with some late afternoon or evening appointments available on request.

Getting Started

How quickly will I hear back after contacting you?

I usually reply to emails and contact form messages within 24 hours (often sooner), and to phone calls, voicemails, or text messages within 48 weekday hours. 

Can I arrange a free call before booking?

Yes. You are welcome to arrange a free 10-20 minute call. This gives us a chance to talk through your needs, for me to explain what I can offer, and for you to ask questions.

How do I book a session?

You can get in touch via the contact form, email, call, or text (please note I don’t use WhatsApp). Once we’ve discussed your needs, I’ll send you my availability so you can choose a time that works best for you.

Still have questions?

Feel free to get in touch to arrange a free 10-20 minute call, or ask your questions by email or text.

What Clients Say

“Thank you, Tatiana, for a wonderful session. I felt relaxed, safely held and nurtured, and you helped me uncover and release old grief from my body that had been there for many years” Anon

“From the start of my session, Tatiana made me feel welcome and safe in the treatment room. She listened intently and understood the reason for my visit. Tatiana helped me relax through deep breathing and put me at ease by explaining how the session would progress through each stage. Throughout the session, Tatiana sought my consent as she moved through the different stages, and I felt very safe in her capable hands. After I got home, I felt deeply relaxed and as though a huge weight had lifted from me” Duncan

“It is difficult to put into words how I felt after my second session with Tatiana. ‘Wide open, spacious and blissful’ doesn’t really do it justice, but hopefully it points in the right direction. Tatiana is a very genuine, skilled and experienced bodyworker and holds the space in such an unconditionally compassionate way that I found it easy to allow, welcome and be present with whatever thoughts, emotions or sensations arose. The end result speaks for itself. I feel wonderfully light, free and in love with the world. Thank you, Tatiana. I look forward to next time 🙂” Stu C

Contact Tatiana