Re-imagining the Future of Sexual Health

Founder, Educator, Creator, Sexual Health Psychologist

A woman with shoulder-length dark red hair standing against a brick wall outside, wearing a black sheer long coat, floral pants, and black boots, smiling and looking upward.

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by.

My name is Dr Sarah Ashton (she/her). I’m a psychologist, educator, and author driven by a deep commitment to changing the way we understand and care for sexual health.

I began this work over 17 years ago, guided by a belief that sexuality deserves the same compassion, curiosity, and respect as any other part of human wellbeing. Over the years, I’ve witnessed how shame, trauma, and silence can disconnect people from themselves and how empathy, insight, and honest conversation can restore that connection.

While my work began in one-on-one therapy, my vision now extends far beyond the therapy room. Through writing, teaching, and public education, I aim to create meaningful cultural change helping to reduce shame, promote inclusion, and transform how we think about sexual health and intimacy.

Founder and Director of

I founded Sexual Health & Intimacy Psychological Services (SHIPS) in 2018 in response to a clear and urgent need for a space where sexuality, intimacy, and mental health could be addressed with clinical depth, guided by research, and informed by community voices.

From the outset, my vision extended beyond building a clinic—it was about creating a movement for inclusive, trauma-informed care. SHIPS was founded as a safe haven for sex workers, people who practise kink or non-monogamy, and LGBTIQA+ communities—a place where they could access support free from judgement. Our practitioners share a commitment to evidence-based care, inclusivity, and reducing stigma. As Director, my focus has been on nurturing a team that provides high-quality, compassionate care, helping people navigate challenges, rediscover intimacy, and feel empowered in their relationships with themselves and others.

Since opening our doors, we’ve supported more than 10,000 clients. Today, our Brunswick East clinic is home to a team of over 37 people, including 27 dedicated practitioners. We’ve also launched SHIPS Self-Help, offering accessible, research-based online courses and resources for those who may not yet be ready or able to engage in therapy directly.

My ongoing vision is for SHIPS to continue expanding access to trauma-informed, inclusive psychological care—reaching more people, amplifying understanding, and helping individuals everywhere reconnect with their capacity for intimacy and wellbeing.

Word 'ships' in brown with a heart shape above the letter 'i'.
Learn more
A smiling woman with dark, shoulder-length hair and bangs, wearing a black vest over a metallic, olive-green blouse, standing in front of a textured beige curtain background.
A woman with dark red hair, glasses, and a smile, walking past a white brick wall, wearing a sheer black top and camouflage-style pants, with black heeled boots and a flowing black coat.
Silhouette of a woman with a curvy figure, crossed arms, and an elegant pose, in brown color.

Director, Founder, Lead Trainer at ISHPA

I founded the Institute of Sexual Health Psychology Australia (ISHPA) in 2020 (formerly known as SHIPS Training) because I saw a significant gap in education: there was no dedicated training supporting the use of psychological modalities in the treatment of sexual issues.

ISHPA is now a national training organisation committed to advancing inclusive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based education in sexual health psychology. We offer more than 28 online courses and have delivered hundreds of workshops to universities, workplaces, and professional organisations.

We are also actively engaged in research, partnering with institutions such as Swinburne and Monash University to ensure that education and practice remain connected to the latest knowledge in the field.

Learn more

When Trauma Affects Sex: Book Coming 2026

When Trauma Affects Sex: Book Coming 2026

Open book on soft fabric, background is blurred.

My book scheduled for publication with Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Hachette Group) in 2026
When Trauma Affects Sex: An Integrated and Inclusive Approach to Understanding and Treating Individual and Systemic Trauma in Sexual Health Therapy

In this book, I explore how trauma shapes sexual symptoms and functioning—both individually and systemically. Drawing on clinical experience, research, and lived narratives, I offer an integrated framework for understanding these links and practical tools to support healing. The book includes case studies, therapeutic strategies, and reflective exercises designed to help clinicians apply trauma-informed, inclusive approaches to sexual health therapy.

Let me know when this is released

Some more details…

    • Doctor of Philosophy, Preventative Medicine, Monash University

    • Registered Psychologist, AHPRA

    • Board Approved Supervisor, AHPRA 

    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Australian National University

    • Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)

    • Australian Association of Psychologist Inc (AAPi)

    • Member of Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS)

    • Annual lecturer at Monash University, The University of Melbourne, Swinburne University, RMIT University on Sexual Health.

    • Co-author of Deakin University’ first Sex & Sexuality Unit

    • Expert Advisor for: The Labia Library, Our Watch

  • Description text Peer-Reviewed Publications:

    Ashton, S., McDonald, K., & Kirkman, M. (2018). Women’s experiences of pornography: A systematic review of research using qualitative methods. Journal of Sex Research, 55(3), 334-347. doi: 10.1080/00224499.2017.1364337

    Ashton, S., McDonald, K., & Kirkman, M. (2019). Pornography and women’s sexual pleasure: Accounts from young women in Australia. Feminism & Psychology, 0, 1-24. doi:10.1177/0959353519833410

    Ashton, S., McDonald, K., & Kirkman, M. (2019). What does “pornography” mean in the digital age? Revisiting a definition for researchers. Porn Studies. doi:10.1080/23268743.2018.1544096.

    Ashton, S., McDonald, K., & Kirkman, M. (2020). Pornography and sexual relationships: Discursive challenges for young women. Feminism & Psychology, 30(4), 489–507. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959353520918164

    Ashton, S., McDonald, K., & Kirkman, M. (Under review). The meaning of consent in women’s accounts of pornography.

    Other Publications:

    Ashton, S., McDonald, K., & Kirkman, M. (2017, 9 February). Fifty Shades Darker: An abusive fairy tale that robs women of sexual freedom. The Conversation. http://theconversation.com/fifty-shades-darker-an-abusive-fairy-tale-that-robs-women-of-sexual-freedom-72724

    Ashton, S & Kirkman, M. (2019, 10 May). Many you women find pleasure is sexually explicit material but it still reinforces gender inequality. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/many-young-women-find-pleasure-in-sexually-explicit-material-but-it-still-reinforces-gender-inequality-114370

    Ashton, S & Kirkman, M. (2019, 18 March). We need a new definition of pornography – with consent at the centre. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/we-need-a-new-definition-of-pornography-with-consent-at-the-centre-111994

    Ashton, S. (2020). Emotional Boundaries for Sustainable Sex Work. RED Magazine.

    • Part 1 Introduction: A Psychological Approach to Sex Therapy 

    • Part 2 Introduction: Therapy Foundation Skills 

    • Inclusive Language in Healthcare 

    • Psychological Treatment for Anorgasmia (Difficulties with Orgasm)

    • Psychological Treatment for Dyspareunia (Sexual Pain)

    • Psychological Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

    • Psychological Treatment for Pornography Addiction 

    • Treatment for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

    • Part 1: Attachment Trauma and Sexual Behaviour 

    • Part 2: Healing Attachment Trauma

    • Trauma and Sexuality 

    • Sex-Work Inclusive Practice 

    • Countertransference in Sex Therapy 

    • Ruptures & Borderline Personality Disorder 

    • Responding to Sexual Assault Disclosures 

    • Kink & BDSM Inclusive Treatment

    • Narcissism & Sexuality  

    • Assessment of Paraphilic Disorders

    • Treatment for Paraphilic Disorders

    • Sensate Focus Therapy

    • Neurodivergence and Sexuality (co-author) 

  • Professional Associations & Conferences

    • SHIFT model for treatment of Pornography Addiction - Word Association for Sexual Health 

    • Australian Psychological Society (APS): Trauma & Sexuality, Embracing Countertransference in sex Therapy Pornography Addiction, Erectile Dysfunction and sexual pain

    • Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA, 2024): Trauma & Sexuality

    • AAPi Webinar: Trauma and Sexual Pain

    • Australian Institute of Sexology & Sexual Medicine (2023): Paraphilia: Assessment and Treatment

    Universities & Specialist Centres

    • Monash University (2022–2024, recurring): Deep Dive Into Dyspareunia

    • Albion Centre (2025): Erectile Dysfunction and Trauma

    • CASA House: Kink & BDSM Affirming Practice

    • Headspace: Trauma and Sexuality

    • Mind Body Well (2025): How to Talk to Your Clients About Sex

    • Seed Psychology (2025): Narcissism & Sexuality

    • Inner North Clinical Psychology: How to Talk to Clients About Sex

    Specialist & Executive Groups

    • OMI Executive Group: Photography and Paraphilias

    • Helping Heroes: Responding to Sexual Assault Disclosures

    • Nicholes Family Lawyers: Inclusive Language

    • The House of Wellness (Channel 7) - The rise of STI

    • Triple J - The Hook up - Kinks 

    • Triple J - The Hook up - Praise kinks

    • Triple J - The Hook up - Kink at Pride

    • ABC radio - Ladies we need to talk - Kinks 

    • ABC radio - Pornogrpaphy & young people 

    • The Frae - Attachment, Kinks

    • Sex Bi the Bi - Asexuality

    • University of Queensland - Mentor at Sex Tech Hackathon 

    • Equity Mates - Meet, Play, Love

    • Psychology sisters - How do you know you’re enjoying sex?

    • Modern Intimacy - Humanise My Holes Workshop 

    • Consent labs - Consent - Mental health, consent and psychological first aid

    • The Satisfaction Project - Sex Work or therapy? Why and when you might want to see a therapist before booking a sex worker

    • Joy FM – Taking a Break From Sex 

    • Monash University’s ‘Safe and Sexy Week’: Female Founders of the New Sexual Revolution – Panel Member 

    • Modern Intimacy - Why does having sex with people who are bad for you feel so good?

    • Lewis Garnham podcast - Can I borrow your mind? - Porn Addiction 

    • Monash University - Pillow talk videos for sex education

A woman with long dark hair, wearing large hoop earrings, a black see-through shirt over a black top, and camouflage pants, stands next to a white brick wall with green leafy plants in the background, smiling at the camera.

Let’s connect

For supervision, mentorship and training requests: Find out more and book through ISHPA.

There are many incredible benefits now available when it comes to emotional support but it is importsnt that we consider therapeutic use with discernment. #therapy #ai #psychology
Why Sexual Health Psychology Needs to Be Its Own Discipline Up to 50% of people will experience a sexual difficulty in their lifetime, yet delays—or no treatment at all—remain the norm. These challenges don’t exist in isolation; the