Hi, my name is Arlyn.

I’m a Psychosexual Therapist & Educator, Counsellor, Nurse, Sex Geek, Ally in-process, health nerd, armchair philosopher, animal lover, dreamer and all round Sex-positive, Kink-positive, and endlessly curious human BEing. My pronouns are He/Him.

In my private work, I provide Counselling and Education around Sexual Health, Sexuality & Relationships for individuals, couples & more. I am also a Registered Nurse, with a background in primary healthcare, sexual health, and critical care specialties.

I am a professional member of both the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS), Australasian Sexual Health and HIV Nurses Association (ASHHNA), and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). I practice in accordance the codes of ethics and conduct outlined by these governing bodies. My work is also informed by the codes of practice and ethics for Registered Nurses in Australia (AHPRA & NMBA).

I primarily practice from the perspective of Relational Gestalt Therapy (read about it HERE), but also make use of a number of different approaches to Therapy, including: Gottman Method for Couples, Non-Violent Communication, and Solution-Focussed Brief Therapy.

Create the environment to heal & grow, and a person can flourish.

Philosophy

I affirm that Sexuality is about so much more than S-E-X. It’s a central energy in who (& What) we are as human beings.
Sexuality is expressed and explored in how we dress, how we communicate, our self-esteem, how we relate and belong, who (& how) we love, what inspires us, what we desire, how we move, how we express ourselves, how we enjoy life and experience pleasure. It’s deeply personal & highly relational (to self & other).
It’s artistic, philosophical, scientific, psychological, sociological and political. It’s a concept that we can observe and engage with through any lens, because it is a part of everything.

Sexuality is about WHO we ARE.

Everyone is Welcome, regardless of your cultural background, identity or lifestyle. I strive to meet you where you’re at.
I am affirming & knowledgable in supporting folks from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, including but not limited to: LGBTQIA+, consensual non-monogamy, nonbinary & gender expansive, sex work, kink/BDSM & disabled folks.

I am committed to the protection of universal human rights, intersectionality and promotion of trauma-informed & harm-minimisation philosophy, and I practice in accordance with these values. I believe everyone deserves access to safe, confidential & non-judgemental healthcare, and I strive to provide this to my clients.

Professional development is important to me, and I am always undertaking a new course, attending webinars & workshops, or reading books related to sexuality and psychology. I also engage in regular clinical supervision with senior mentors, in both Psychosexual Therapy and Gestalt Psychotherapy (and regularly visit my own Therapist!).

Approaches to Therapy

My style of counselling is influenced by present-focussed, relational, somatic & humanistic philosophies, which indicates the most important tool in Therapy is the relationship between Client & Therapist. You are the expert of your inner world, your body holds wisdom, and I am your ally - We are a Team. I have a non-judgemental, gentle & welcoming style, but I also don’t shy away from challenging my clients.

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In working with my clients, I believe that each person has the most important answers & resources they need within them. They may just need some support, skills and permission to grow authentically (especially in regards to Sexuality). Through providing a safe & non-judgemental space for exploration, I hope to support my clients to reconnect with their inner values, their bodies, their relationship/s, their joys & pleasures.
Sessions with me initially involve history taking, in order to explore and understand your unique experience, the concern, your needs and your strengths. I make use of education and re-education resources, skills development, and may suggest exploratory ‘homework’.

Qualifications & Training:

Tertiary:

  • Advanced Clinical Training in Contemporary Gestalt Therapy (Sydney, 2021-2022) - The Relational Institute Australia (Sydney, Australia)

  • Master of Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health): Psychosexual Therapy - (University of Sydney, Australia) – Graduated June 2019

  • Bachelor of Nursing (University of Canberra, Australia)- Graduated 2012

Additional Training Certifications :

  • The Wheel of Consent ‘Like a Pro’ with Dr Betty Martin - 5-day training course - 2023

  • Kink-Informed Certification - One year program with Sexual Health Alliance - Current Student

  • Gottman Method for Couples therapy - Levels 1 & 2 Training. (Online, 2019 & 2021)

  • Embodying Non-Violent Communication – 8 month intensive program. (Sydney, 2019)

  • Solution Focussed Brief Therapy - Foundations Training. (Sydney, 2019)

  • Intention Tapping - Introductory Training (Online, 2020)

Professional Affiliations & Registrations:

  • Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Mr Arlyn W. Owens, PACFA Reg.Certified Practising 29565

  • Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS) - Professional Member

  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) – Registered Nurse

  • Australasian Sexual Health and HIV Nurses Association (ASHHNA) – Professional Member

Please don’t be shy in contacting me if you would like to collaborate

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I’m hoping to help change the world and our relationships through promoting Sex-positive, Intersectional and Inclusive education and public discourses, and generally throwing tired old taboos and stereotypes in the bin (where they belong).