Somatic Sex Therapy
What is Somatic Sex Therapy?
Somatic sex therapy recognises that pleasure, intimacy and connection are often shaped by our past experiences, cultural conditioning and the state of our nervous system. For many people, it is difficult to feel relaxed, safe or fully present in the body, which can impact arousal, pleasure and relationships.
Some people refer to this work astantric healing or tantric therapy, but I use the word somatic because it more accurately reflects my training in trauma, sexual dysfunction and body-based therapeutic work. You can read more about my background on the About Tatiana page.
I integrate principles from both tantra and modern therapeutic approaches. The intention is to help you feel safe in your body so that pleasure, intimacy and connection become easier to access. We explore grounding, boundaries, communication, breath, movement, releasing tension and integrating past experiences that may be blocking ease or arousal.
A typical toolkit includes:
- Mindfulness and embodiment practices
- Boundaries and consent work, (including the Wheel of Consent)
- De-armouring
- Breath, sound & movement
- Somatic dialogue
- Therapeutic touch, including therapeutic erotic touch where appropriate for clothes-off sessions
You can read more about healing through somatic sex therapy in this article.
If you are looking for primarily pleasure-based work, please see Tantric Massage.
Somatic Sex Therapy Treatments for Men, Women & Couples
Working Safely
Safety and pacing are central to this work. We bring attention to the present moment and gently meet whatever may be arising, whether that is pleasure, arousal, numbness, emotion or tension.
It is common for fear, sadness, shame, grief, anger or dissociation to accompany or block pleasure. We work with these slowly and safely, using the principle of titration: touching on something challenging, then returning to regulation and presence. This allows for integration and long-lasting change.
Understanding the nervous system is one of the foundations of somatic work.
Who is it For?
Somatic sex therapy is suitable for anyone wanting to:
- Connect more deeply with their body
- Overcome sexual dysfunction
- Heal from sexual trauma
- Work on relationship or intimacy issues
- Heal sexual shame
- Address body image concerns
- Increase sensation
- Address the blocks that limit pleasure or arousal
Session Format
Sessions can be:
CLOTHES ON (1.5-2 hours)
Suitable for:
- Those not ready for nudity
- Those wanting shorter sessions
- Issues that do not require clothes off work
May include (and not limited to):
Consultation – Arriving Meditation / Grounding – Clothes on Bodywork – Integration – Closing consultation
CLOTHES OFF (3-4 hours)
Suitable for:
- Pleasure and arousal difficulties
- Sexual dysfunction
- Trauma work involving touch
- Becoming comfortable with nudity
- Becoming comfortable with receiving touch to the whole body
- Genital de-armouring
May include (and not limited to):
Consultation – Shower – Arriving Meditation / Grounding – Connection practices – Massage / Bodywork – Integration – Shower – Closing consultation
All touch is guided by your boundaries, comfort and consent. There is nothing you have to do, and everything is paced carefully.
Supporting Therapies
Hands-on work involving touch isn’t suitable for everyone. To support clients who are still building up to receiving touch, or who want additional tools for integration, I offer TRE and talk therapy as supporting therapies. These are available only to those preparing for somatic sex therapy and to existing clients, or for occasional one off sessions when appropriate.
Session Prices
Sessions are available in Teesside (TS13) and London (NW2)
Clothes On
1.5 hours – £175
2 hours – £200
Clothes Off – Teesside
3 hours – £350
4 hours – £400
Clothes Off – London
3 hours – £375
4 hours – £450
For information tailored For Men, For Women and For Couples please see the individual pages.
What Clients Say
“Tatiana is an exceptionally skilful practitioner. She holds space with care, compassion and a deep sense of safety, which allowed me to meet whatever was arising. She was able to support challenging emotions with steadiness and gentleness, and the work we did together felt deeply healing and nourishing. I only wish I had found her sooner.” Anon.
“After being widowed, I realised how much I missed safe, caring touch. I was able to share this with Tatiana, who met me openly and without judgement. Consent was always central, and she approached my feelings in a warm, respectful and practical way.”Anon.
“Tatiana is a kind, intuitive and highly skilful practitioner. The space she created felt safe and holding, which helped me to be more fully seen and to release emotions and long held tension. She guided me with reassurance and clarity throughout the process, helping me to understand myself more deeply and to navigate difficult experiences with more confidence.” Anon.