Susie Tuckwell
BA (Hons), DipEd, GradDip Counselling, GCULT, M.HlthSci (SexHealth), PACFA reg. Clinical
I specialise in sex and relationship therapy. Clients represent the spectrum of ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and relationship models.
A clinical counsellor and psychotherapist in private practice in Sydney since 2004, I completed the Master of Health Science (Sexual Health) at The University of Sydney in 2012. This covered the physical, psychological and relationship aspects of sexuality. I also trained in the highly-effective Gottman couples counselling method, including additional Gottman method training on domestic abuse, and recovery from affairs and addictions. A Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Level 2), I often work with those impacted by first- or second-hand trauma.
Before my career pivot to counselling, I had an extensive international and Australian professional life including work for Oxfam/Freedom from Hunger, the UN FAO, UNICEF, the World Bank, Radio Australia, DFAT, UNSW and others. Communication has been a long-term speciality, including teaching communication and counselling subjects at university. I’ve presented to many organisations and conferences, including the World Association for Sexology Congress in Sweden, Lifeline, AFL, Carers NSW.
All this life and work experience enables me to bring a real-world practicality to my current work.
I’m a member of the Psychotherapist and Counsellors Federation of Australia, PACFA, the International Society of Sexual Medicine and the Australian Society of Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists (NSW).
Clients’ issues include sexual functioning (such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, vaginismus, anorgasmia); couple issues such as affairs, mismatched libidos, poor communication; sexual orientation and gender identity, coming out; porn use, sex addiction, unwanted sexual behaviour; and problems with dating, marriage, step-children, and separation.
Approach to therapy
My approach to therapy is based on research. But science is only useful if it helps us to solve your problems and achieve your goals.
That’s why our sessions are tailored to address your unique issues and needs.
Our sessions basically involve “talking therapy” using an “integrative” approach. That means that I use tools from a wide variety of methods to support our work together.
As a member of the International Society of Sexual Medicine, I draw on scientific, research-based sexual health information and research into relationships. In addition, as a highly-trained clinical counsellor, I use a variety of methods such as Applied Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Gestalt, existential therapy, solution-focussed brief therapy, narrative therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), stress management and relaxation – and more are drawn on, as appropriate for our needs.
Especially, I have done in-depth training with Drs John and Julie Gottman. Dr John Gottman is the world’s gold-standard relationship researcher. If you enjoy reading, I might recommend some of his books, podcasts or YouTube clips.
You will be asked to complete some questionnaires when we first meet so I can get a general picture of your life and concerns. Later, I may suggest you try out activities alone or with a partner at home.
Sometimes, straightforward, factual information quickly clarifies misconceptions or concerns. At times, we might talk more about the past, but mostly we work in the present. When needed, a referral to another specialist may be helpful. Ethical, respectful boundaries are maintained on both sides.
I work with you on a wide range of sex, relationship, and communication issues
For Help With:
- libido/desire problems, mismatched libidos
- couple communication difficulties
- recovery from affairs and betrayals
- recurring relationship conflict, conflicted issues
- maintaining sex and love in long-term relationships
- sexual and relationship problems caused by pornography or other internet activities
- orgasm issues, anorgasmia, delayed ejaculation
- ejaculation and erection problems, erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE)
- painful intercourse, vaginismus, dyspareunia
- pelvic pain issues
- trauma, sex-related fears
- unwanted sexual behaviour by self or others
- exploring sexual or gender orientation or identity, “coming out”, transition
- exploring sexual or other values, needs and practices in relationships
- improving sexual or dating self-confidence and communication
- conflicts about hopes, dreams, goals, including about pregnancy or children
- relationship stress from an expatriate or bi-cultural relationship
- conflicted religious or cultural issues, consequences of strict or “cult” background on sexual or relationship expression
- stress on relationship of caring for elderly, unwell or needy family or friends
- problems with family or in-laws
- polyamory and other non-traditional sexual and relationship options
- issues with dating, virginity, sexual shyness