Space to talk about sex, substances and what you need
It can be difficult to talk about chemsex, especially if you feel ashamed or worry about being judged. I can help you explore the place sex and substances have in your life, the risks you are concerned about and the changes you want to make.
What this can feel like
You may recognise some of these experiences. We can begin with what matters most to you.
Connection and belonging
Wanting closeness, confidence or a place where you feel accepted.
Longer or more frequent sessions
Using for more time, or more often, than you intended.
The emotional aftermath
Low mood, shame, anxiety or difficulty settling after a session.
Boundaries becoming unclear
Concerns about consent, safety or situations you did not want.
Impact on everyday life
Disrupted sleep, missed work, money worries or relationship strain.
Wanting something different
Wondering how sex and connection might feel with fewer risks.
Understanding what chemsex means for you
Chemsex commonly refers to sex involving substances such as methamphetamine, mephedrone or GHB/GBL. Experiences and reasons vary; we can explore yours without assumptions about your identity or relationships.
Therapy can make room for pleasure and connection alongside concerns about control, harm or the aftermath. We can agree goals that fit your needs and discuss specialist health support where it is important.
How therapy can help
We can talk honestly about what chemsex offers you and what concerns you. I will help you consider changes and further support without adding to feelings of shame.
Compassion
Speak honestly about your experience without shame or judgement. Make room for difficult feelings, unmet needs and what you value about intimacy.
Curiosity
Explore the relationship between substances, sex, loneliness, confidence or past experiences. Notice triggers and the effect on your daily life.
Change
Plan manageable changes and ways to seek support. Explore boundaries, connection and intimacy, alongside specialist harm-reduction and sexual-health advice.
A fuller picture of intimacy
Change can involve clearer boundaries, seeking specialist support, recovering a sense of choice or building connections that feel more sustainable.
A little more about this work
Do you assume chemsex is an addiction?
We will look at your experience and its impact rather than begin with a label. We can also discuss whether specialist substance-use support would help.
Do I have to know my goals before starting?
You can begin with uncertainty. We can explore your concerns and what you would like to be different.
Can counselling support sexual-health concerns?
We can discuss their emotional impact. A sexual-health service can provide testing, treatment and medical advice alongside counselling.
Explore at your own pace
The longer article below explains this topic in more detail and includes further resources.
Read more about Chemsex Counselling →Useful resources
- Change Grow Live: chemsex ↗
Information about chemsex and specialist support.
- London Friend: GHB/GBL ↗
Information about GHB/GBL risks and the Antidote drug and alcohol project.
Explore what else may be involved
Shame and self-criticism can make it harder to talk about sex or substance use. These pages may help you explore those feelings.
Would you like to talk about it?
Send me a short message about what is troubling you. We can talk about what you need and whether counselling with me could help.
Get in touch