What I do
Sex & Relationship Therapy for Individuals and Couples
Support for intimacy difficulties, desire discrepancies, communication challenges, painful sex, sexual shame and relational disconnection.
Hello and welcome,
My name is Joana, you can call me Jo. I am a Psychosexual and Relationship therapist, registered member of the College of Sex and Relationship Therapists – COSRT. I abide by their professional code of ethics and practice.
I am here to help you navigate any questions or difficulties related to sex, sexual health, intimacy, identity and relationships.
You’re not alone and you don’t need to navigate this by yourself. Many people struggle with intimacy, desire, communication or sexual wellbeing at some point in their lives. These experiences can feel isolating, confusing or heavy, but they are also deeply human. Therapy offers a safe, grounded space to explore what’s happening with care, curiosity and compassion.
I work collaboratively and openly with adults, couples, and people in all kinds of relationship structures, including polyamory, ethical or consensual non-monogamy, kink and queer relationships, to gently untangle what’s getting in the way of connection, pleasure and emotional closeness.
My practice is inclusive of all types of backgrounds and identities, rooted in respect for the many ways people are, connect and relate.
I offer individual and couples therapy both in person in Hove and online across the UK and internationally.
At the heart of my work is a simple intention: to support clients on their journey toward healthier and more fulfilling sex lives and relationships with others and themselves.
The sessions are available in English and Portuguese.
How can I help
Psychosexual & Relationship Therapy
Talking therapy sessions for adults only (18+), in English or Portuguese. In person in Hove, telephone, online via Zoom (UK and internationally).
Psychosexual therapy
Support for:
- Painful sex
- Erection problems
- Ejaculation difficulties
- Desire discrepancies
- Arousal challenges
- Low or high libido
- Sexual anxiety
- Sexual shame
- The impact of trauma on sexuality
- Feeling disconnected from your body
- Low self-esteem
- Orgasm problems
- Fetishes and kinks
- Compulsive Sexual Behaviours
- Porn use
- Menopause
- Sexual violence
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Sexuality or gender identity concerns
- Fertility
- Sexual health
Relationship therapy
Help with:
- Understanding attachment patterns
- Communication difficulties
- Cultural differences
- Religious differences
- Repeated conflict cycles
- Rebuilding trust
- Navigating life transitions
- Disconnection
- Divorce
- Infidelity
- Domestic abuse
- Intimate partner violence
- Ethical non-monogamy
- Polyamory
Individual therapy
Individual therapy offers a gentle, confidential space to explore what’s happening in your sexual wellbeing, intimacy, identity or relationships.
You’re welcome to bring any questions, worries, or experiences that feel confusing, painful or difficult to talk about elsewhere. Together, we move at a pace that feels safe for you, making room for understanding, healing and connection with yourself.
Session duration: 50 minutes.
Session fee: £70.
Couples therapy
Also known as relationship or intimate partner therapy, offers a supportive space for partners to explore any questions or difficulties arising within your relationship, including those related to sex and intimacy.
Indicated for partners who wish to attend therapy together and explore their psychosexual or relationship challenges.
Session duration: 50 minutes.
Session fee: £95.
I offer a small number of concessionary‑rate sessions for clients who may need reduced fees, these are limited and you’re welcome to enquire about availability.
My approach and what to expect
My approach
My approach is pluralistic, which means I don’t rely on a single therapeutic modality. Instead, we work collaboratively and openly, choosing what feels most supportive for you and moving at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
Together, we choose from a wide range of evidence‑based interventions and select the ones that best fit your reasons for coming to therapy and the goals you’d like to work toward. Your experience guides the process and we adapt as your needs evolve.
I welcome individuals and couples of all genders, sexual orientations and relationship structures.
What to expect
A safe, contained, non‑judgmental and confidential space.
- You don’t need to know exactly what to say, we’ll take things step by step.
- We move at a pace that feels safe for you, with space to pause, reflect or slow down whenever needed.
- We make decisions together about what feels helpful and you’re always welcome to guide the direction of our work.
- You can bring whatever feels important even the parts that feel difficult, confusing or tender. This is a non‑judgmental space.
How it works
The therapeutic process
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, so I keep the process simple and gentle. You’re welcome to take things at your own pace.
1. Free 15‑minute consultation
A short call where you can share what brings you to therapy, ask any questions, and get a sense of whether working together feels right for you. There’s no pressure to decide immediately.
2. First session
I will carry out an initial assessment so I can understand what brings you to therapy and what you hope to explore. This is a gentle, conversational process, not a test. It helps us get a clear picture of your needs, your experiences, and what feels important for you right now. We take our time and you’re welcome to share only what feels comfortable.
3. Ongoing sessions
Together, we choose the approaches and tools that best support your goals. Sessions move at a pace that feels safe and manageable, with space for reflection, exploration and practical guidance when helpful.
4. Ending session
When you feel ready to end therapy, we plan a gentle and supportive ending together. This usually includes reflecting on what has changed, what you’ve learned and how you can continue supporting yourself after sessions end. You can return at any point in the future.
FAQs
Where are the therapy sessions?
The sessions are conducted in person in Hove, telephone or online via Zoom.
What is the duration of each session?
The initial phone consultation has the duration of 15 minutes and the therapy sessions 50 minutes.
What commitment is required?
I deliver open ended sessions, which means you chose what better suits you. It can be short-term or long-term therapy.
How frequent are the sessions?
Sessions are weekly or fortnightly depending on what we have agreed before the start of your therapeutic process.
How much does the session cost?
Initial phone consultation is free. Individual sessions are £70. Couples or partnered sessions are £95.
How do I start?
What happens after the initial consultation?
If you think I am a good fit to be your therapist, I will share with you the therapeutic contract which should be signed by all the parties before therapy starts. I will undertake an assessment during your first session.
Who can benefit from psychosexual and relationship therapy?
Anyone seeking professional support to navigate questions or difficulties related to sex, sexual health, intimacy, identity and relationships.
Free inital Consultation
Ready to take the next step?
A small first step can make a meaningful difference. Book your free 15-minute phone or video call.
Let’s find out together how I can help you.
This is a commitment-free session where you have the opportunity to understand whether I am a good fit for you.
JVM Therapy 