Rachel McDonald - Oxford and Faringdon (Oxfordshire)

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Sex- and sexuality-related practitioners

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

I welcome people of all gender identities, sexual practices and orientations, and relationship structures, and I am kink-knowledgeable.

I offer sex therapy (also known as psychosexual therapy) to individuals, couples and polycules, working with all kinds of sexual issues, including difficulties with sex related to trauma or dysphoria, discrepancy of desire or other sexual issues within relationships, erectile problems, premature ejaculation, pelvic pain, vaginismus, orgasm problems, and low desire.

I take a biopsychosocial approach to psychosexual therapy, and my practice is relational, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed. This means we will think about what might be going on 'under the surface' in yourself and your relationships, as well as in your conscious thoughts, and approach your issues holistically to find the best treatment for you. We will include cognitive and behavioural techniques where appropriate, such as mindfulness, and I may also provide you with information, advice and 'homework'.

I will work with you to build trust and create a space in which talking about sex feels comfortable, and you feel safe enough to explore whatever you need to bring to our sessions.

I have experience of working with people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and life experiences, and I celebrate difference and diversity. My practice is neuroinclusive and I have experience working with autism, ADHD and other kinds of neurodivergence.

I work in a variety of locations in Oxford and Faringdon, but I am only able to list one address here. My other locations in Oxford are on Abingdon Road and off Iffley Road, and in Faringdon I am based in the Lotus Retreat in the town centre.

Sexual identity:

Kink - BDSM
Queer

Gender identity: Non-binary

Gender history: Not as assigned at birth

Non-monogamy: Yes

Intersex: No

Trans: Yes

Neurodivergent: Unsure

Personal pronouns: They/Them

Qualifications - Links to websites:

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Practice, University of Oxford

Accredited by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Currently completing a Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy, Tavistock Relationships

Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT)

Trained in working with survivors of sexual violence through Rape Crisis England & Wales.

Experience and approach:

I come to my work with humility and curiosity, and recognise that each therapeutic relationship is unique. I believe that building trust and a solid foundation is crucial for that relationship, so creating a space that feels safe-enough for you is always a priority.

My practice is trauma-informed and influenced by queer theory and queer of color critique. For me, this means I think it is valuable to consider our place in society, and how structures of power and the social norms they produce affect us, and what these dynamics might bring to bear on our choices and behaviours, unconsciously and consciously.

I work hard to practise in an anti-oppressive way, and I actively explore my power and privilege in and outside the consulting room through formal training and ongoing personal development.

I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Practice and am currently completing a Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy. I also have many years’ experience of community building and activism in queer and kink spaces, and work with survivors of sexual violence.

Approaches: