Blog

Chemsex is not systematically problematic – but when clients are struggling to manage the risks, balance their lives, or to give up a practice they no longer enjoy, all therapists need to know how to respond. In the second of two blog posts aimed at general practitioners, psychosexual and relationship therapist Silva Neves shares the most common difficulties reported by clients who engage in chemsex – and emphasises the role of sex-positivity, harm minimisation and cultural competency in supporting clients when they are struggling.

What do therapists need to know about chemsex? In the first of two blog posts aimed at general practitioners, psychosexual and relationship therapist Silva Neves provides a helpful introduction to the practice and culture of chemsex – including why it is popular, where it may intersect with experiences of minority stress and homophobia, and which important skills can help to keep chemsex non-problematic.

When working with self-harm and suicide in the black community, we need to understand the impact of minority stress and the self-othering involved in adaptation to white spaces. Ahead of PESI UK’s live and online Working with Suicide, Self-Harm and Trauma summit next week, psychotherapist, author and activist Dr Dwight Turner shares how he uses sandplay to help clients explore the unconscious landscape of internalised systemic oppression.

More likely to seek our support, yet less likely to experience a good therapeutic outcome: evidence suggests sexual minority women are being underserved in therapy. As we mark International Women’s Day 2023, Counselling Psychologist and ACT trainer Aisling Leonard-Curtin considers what ‘embracing equity’ means for this client group, and suggests how therapists might develop our insight and resources so that all women – regardless of identity, orientation or behaviour – feel seen, heard and understood.