Is SHIPS right for me?
We practice with principles of inclusivity, diversity, respect and compassion. We would like our space to be welcoming and safe for you. SHIPS is a kink-friendly, poly-friendly, sex work-positive, LGBTIQA+ and disability inclusive practice.
We treat lots of different issues not just sex. Sex and sexuality are fundamental parts of being human and intersect with many areas of our identity, psychology and lives. While you may want to specifically address a sexual issue, treating this issue might involve working on your relationships, your mental health and other challenges in your life.
What will happen when I attend my first appointment?
Make sure to bring any relevant documents with you on the day. For the first appointment, it can be useful to arrive a little early so you can find your way to our office and relax in the waiting area. More details about finding us can be found here. You might be asked to complete some questionnaires and a consent form before or after the appointment.
Once the practitioner welcomes you into your therapy room, make yourself comfortable. In the first session you should feel safe and supported. The practitioner will ask what brought you and what you would like to get out of treatment. You will also be asked some questions about your current symptoms, your personal circumstances and history. There is no rush, and you can speak about whatever feels comfortable.
If there is anything you need to feel safe and supported, you should feel free to ask the practitioner or you can let our reception team know in advance. It is your space and we are here for you.
The session will last 50 minutes.
How often should I attend treatment and how long will it last for?
Treatment works in different ways for different people and for different issues. You can discuss how often you should attend treatment with your practitioner in the first session. Sometimes it can be useful to have a few weekly sessions to start off with. Once you and your practitioner understand what treatment is best for you, you can review the frequency of your sessions.
The length of treatment depends on many factors including the nature of the issue/s you would like to address, how long you have been experiencing these issues, and how motivated you are to engage in treatment. Changing the way you think or behave involves learning new skills - so practice, repetition, time and trust are required. This can sometimes take longer that you expected. The likely length of treatment is also something you can discuss with your practitioner after the first few sessions.
How do I know if treatment is working?
It is important that you review your progress with your practitioner so you can make sure treatment is working for you. If you would like to work in a different way, try something new, or if you have concerns about your progress, you should discuss this with your practitioner.
If treatment is working, you might start seeing yourself and the world around you differently. You might start experiencing less of the symptoms you started with and notice improvements in your mood and relationships. This is a gradual and complicated process. Not every therapy session will leave you feeling good. Sometimes hard work and difficult conversations are needed to leave you feeling better in the long run.
I have some more questions, what do I do?
You can call or email us with any questions you have about SHIPS, our treatment, or our practitioners. Our friendly reception team may be able to assist you or they can connect you with the right member of SHIPS to answer your question.
Sometimes it can be useful to talk to a practitioner before you have an appointment to make sure you are the right fit. If this is something you would like, our reception team can arrange a brief chat with the practitioner.