Stella Anna Sonnenbaum

‘Before we met Stella we had been struggling with intimacy for a while - we each had difficult sexual experiences in our pasts and could not seem to help each other in the present, or find pleasure together, even when we both wanted to. As a queer couple, it was important to us that Stella advertised welcoming all genders and sexualities - we felt more confident going into the experience because of this and our confidence only grew from our first meeting. Even after our first session - which I assure you, I agonised over as much as anybody who embarks on a mission to “fix” such a personal aspect of their relationship - we both felt incredibly hopeful about our sex life. We have found Stella to be a fantastic match: she has taken our very different approaches to expressing ourselves (one very chatty, one very held back) and still managed to make both of us feel heard, safe and accepted with our own personalities. She is an open, understanding and supportive guide during our sessions so that even the very 'British' one of us feels better able to navigate difficult topics, triggers or half-formed thoughts, without fear of judgement. Stella has also challenged us - we had been stuck in our own cycles for so long that it helped to have Stella reframe our thinking on some key issues. She has gently guided us to a more task-oriented approach. “Let’s try this”, or “How about this?”, “I’d like to try this.” The tools and exercises every time prove very effective, even when they seemed too small or silly in theory. For example, I discovered - without her having said it out loud! - that I do not trust myself to set boundaries or say no. My partner instead faced how much she felt like she had to earn pleasure and we have both been pursuing things that made us feel better in and outside our bedroom. Stella is an excellent observer and an intuitive listener, who goes beyond the words and reads behind them. This has allowed us to make progress fast and effectively. Working with her has been transformational - to the point where I’ve been eager to recommend her to all of our friends.’

Gay couple

Working with Stella has been such a transformative experience - she instantly made me feel so safe and supported and her genuine care is very clear. This is an ongoing journey but I'm already so glad to have worked with her and can't recommend her highly enough.

Female Client

I suffered from ED and it was really starting to impact my life. I really didn't know what to expect from a sex therapist but nevertheless, I was desperate for help. Through our sessions together, we were able to realise how much of my problems were psychological and discovered the underlying course for the disorder. I was pleasantly surprised, and this negated the need to see a psychologist. After several sessions together I had gained better mental health and felt more confident. My self-esteem is at an all-time high. ED is no longer an issue. Stella was very friendly, compassionate and empathetic. I always felt at ease in our sessions together.

Male Client

Stella, This is from L and me. We thank you for how you cared for us today. You saw our individual internal conflicts and you guided both of us as you helped us to face our demons  ( imagined and real!). We recognise your amazing skills and patience - a true professional!  Today it felt as though we have really taken the first true step on our intimate journey together - a journey we both first recognised was needed about 2 years ago. Thank you for your warmth and generosity of spirit. We hope you will accept virtual hugs from both of us!

Couple