Joy Mandel

My work is to help individuals and couples take a fresh look at their relationships and to offer strategies to help them cut through the blocks that are getting in the way of satisfying, loving connections. We often put blocks up because we understandably want to feel ‘safe’, but this can become a painful trap, keeping you stuck and feeling isolated and alone. I aim to create a safe place where you can be seen and heard without judgement. I work in an LGBTQ affirmative way and my practice is open to all lifestyle choices and sexual orientations.

Talking about sex can be embarrassing and awkward for many people, but I hope that my open, friendly and gentle approach will help you to feel more comfortable with intimate discussions. A sex therapy program is tailored to each individual’s needs, but typically involves a combination of detailed history taking, along with behavioural tasks, exercises and ‘experiments’ to learn ways to overcome blocks and couple incompatibilities, and to be more in touch with your senses and your body.

I have experience in dealing with issues including erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory control, loss of desire, mis-matched desire in couples, vaginismus, inability to achieve an orgasm, painful sex, addiction or obsession with sexual stimuli, a history of sexual abuse, or negative childhood images about sex.

I use an integrative approach drawing on training in systemic, humanistic, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) , ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), Mindfulness, Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) and EFCT (Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy).