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Shay Rees-DaviesCounselling Sexologist · TRE® Provider

About

My name is Shay.

For years, I navigated the quiet weight of living out of alignment — trying to fit into rigid boxes shaped by cultural, social, and gendered expectations. Moving through life under those external rules slowly created a rift between who I was being (or pretending to be) and who I truly was, leaving me disconnected from my body, my desires, and my sense of agency.

The journey inward

The greatest adventure you will ever have, is on the journey inward.

Realising I was living by a script that wasn't mine forced the question that changed everything: Who am I beyond these expectations? And where do they come from in the first place?

This journey was not about trying to “fix” myself; it was about curious, compassionate inquiry and a conscious effort to know myself better. Slowly but surely, I unlearned old default settings, made peace with my past, and re-established a deeply trusting relationship with my body.

While I don't believe that “everything happens for a reason,” I do know, with certainty, that we gain a deeper, unshakeable knowing about ourselves and about life from every experience — no matter how painful. Just as the most beautiful lotus blooms from mud.

The backbone of my practice

Academic study, somatic work, and lived experience.

My work is anchored in formal academic study, evidence-based guidelines, and international standards of sexual health care. Holding a BSc in Sexology, I bring a scientific, interdisciplinary understanding of the complex biological, psychological, cultural, and social forces that shape human sexuality — both individually and collectively.

I am also formally trained in Hatha Yoga and Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (TRE®). This somatic foundation allows us to gently nurture alignment between thinking and feeling, doing and being through practical interventions.

The goal isn't about finding “inner peace” or feeling “good” 100% of the time. It's about building real capacity throughout all layers of your being to navigate life without becoming overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself.

What I believe

Five convictions that shape the work.

01

Healing Is Not the (Only) Destination

Addressing trauma, navigating boundary violations, and dismantling unhealthy patterns is essential work — but life is also meant to be lived, enjoyed, and actively experienced. Empowering yourself creates space for living.

02

Pleasure Is Your Birthright

You do not need to earn the right to receive care, pleasure, satisfaction, or deep rest. They are fundamental to your well-being; like air to your lungs.

03

Your Whole Self Is Welcome

Trans, Cis, Fluid, Straight, Queer, kinky, conservative, or questioning — whoever you are, your story, identity, and questions are valid, valuable, and allowed to evolve. May you find belonging here.

04

De-pathologising Human Diversity

We do not need to pathologise things just because they are out of the ordinary. I am far more interested in asking what is healthy, helpful, and good for you at this point in your life, within the context of your lived experience.

05

Choosing the Right Support

The most important part of any therapeutic journey is the relationship with the person walking beside you. My approach won't resonate with everyone, and that is completely okay. If we aren't the right fit, I will gladly help connect you with someone who is.

Proudly associated

Held to international professional standards.

  • European Federation of Sexology
  • International Society for Sexual Medicine
  • Southern African Sexual Health Association
  • TRE for All
  • Council for Sexual Health Professions

Choosing the right support

My approach won't resonate with everyone — and that's completely okay.

If we aren't the right fit, I'll gladly help connect you with someone who is. Start with a free, no-pressure 20-minute call.