Sex and Relationship Therapy
Sex and Relationship Counselling Zurich
Relationship, Dating and Sexuality for Neurodiverse People
Autism, ADHD, heightened sensitivity and other forms of neurodivergence can shape dating, relationships and sexuality in distinctive ways. In my sex and relationship counselling and therapy, I take these individual and shared experiences into account without pathologising neurodivergence or using neurotypical expectations as the standard. Together, we develop strategies and solutions that reflect your individual needs, strengths and way of experiencing and living – or wanting to live – relationships, intimacy and sexuality.
Relationship/Communication
Wanting a relationship and finding fulfilment within it is a deeply human desire. Yet relationships can also bring challenges and uncertainties for all of us. For neurodivergent people, these challenges can sometimes be particularly complex – whether or not their partner is neurodivergent as well.
Trying to understand one another, reading between the lines, knowing how to communicate in ways that feel natural, or wondering why you sometimes react in a particular way can all be challenging. When you repeatedly feel misunderstood – or struggle to understand your own reactions – it can be easy to question yourself or feel that you are somehow “inadequate”.
Over time, these difficulties can create friction, uncertainty, misunderstandings and difficult or uncomfortable conversations. And once these patterns have become established, it is not always easy to find a way forward.
In both individual and couples therapy, I support neurodivergent people and couples in developing a deeper understanding of one another, reducing misunderstandings and discovering new ways of relating.
The aim is not for either partner to change or adapt themselves to fit the other. Rather, it is about creating a relationship in which both partners feel seen, understood and valued – with their individual needs, ways of communicating and ways of experiencing the world.
Sexuality
Sexuality is as diverse as people themselves. This is true for all of us. For people who experience heightened sensitivity, however, intimacy, desire, physical closeness and touch can sometimes present additional challenges.
Touch may feel uncomfortable, overwhelming or even painful. Physical closeness with a partner can at times feel almost unbearable. You may long for intimacy, connection and a relationship, while simultaneously experiencing physical touch and closeness as aversive or difficult to tolerate.
This can be confusing and painful for both partners. One person may experience guilt or shame, while the other may feel rejected or hurt.
You may also have developed very specific preferences or needs and find it difficult to communicate them, or perhaps you are unsure how to talk about sexuality with your partner at all.
These are experiences that can be explored and worked through. I can support you in understanding your own responses, communicating your needs and finding forms of intimacy that feel comfortable and meaningful for you.
Dating
Dating can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent people. Questions may arise such as:
How do I show someone that I am interested?
How do I know whether someone is interested in me?
How can I interpret their signals?
How do I communicate my own needs and boundaries?
These questions are familiar to many of us. For neurodivergent people, however, interpreting social cues or understanding the often unspoken expectations associated with dating can sometimes be especially difficult.
It can also be challenging to know how to communicate interest in a way that feels authentic to you while also being clear to the person you are getting to know.
I support you in developing greater confidence in dating and relationships, understanding your own way of connecting with others and finding forms of communication that work for you.
Together, we can explore how you can build relationships that feel authentic, mutually respectful and genuinely compatible with who you are.