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Re-imagining the Future of Sexual Health

Founder, Educator, Author & Sexual Health Psychologist

When Trauma Affects Sex: Now available

In When Trauma Affects Sex, I explore the complex relationship between trauma, sexuality, and sexual functioning through a trauma-informed, inclusive, and compassionate lens.

Drawing on clinical experience, contemporary research, and lived narratives, the book offers an integrated framework for understanding how trauma can shape arousal, desire, intimacy, sexual behaviour, and relational patterns. It includes case studies, therapeutic strategies, and reflective exercises designed to support clinicians in applying trauma-informed approaches to sexual health therapy.

This book is written for therapists, psychologists, health professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intersections between trauma and sexuality.

Reviews

“Dr. Sarah Ashton bridges neuroscience, attachment theory, and somatic healing to reveal how symptoms like numbness, anxiety, and avoidance are protective adaptations — not personal failures. Grounded in compassion and clinical depth, this book offers a path from sexual disconnection to integration, safety, and aliveness.”

— Jessica Fern, author of Polysecure and Polywise

“This book will spark a quiet revolution in how we engage with sexuality in the therapy room.”

— Dr Carol Sandiford, Lecturer, Deakin University Sex & Sexuality Unit

“Dr Ashton’s book is an incredibly comprehensive and helpful resource for every clinician who works with sex and trauma. It provides a systematic overview of the landscape of trauma and holds out hope for the many trauma survivors who experience sexual difficulties, and the clinicians who walk with them.”

— Dr Ahona Guha, author and speaker

“This is the book I’ve been waiting for.”

— Dr Anita Elias, Head of the Sexual Medicine and Therapy Clinic, Monash Health

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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.

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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.

Director, Founder, Lead Trainer at ISHPA

Learn more

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.

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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)

    • Member of the World Association of Sexual Heath (WAS)

    • Member of International Society for the Study of Women Sexual Health (ISSWSH)

    • 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

Let’s connect

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

Yesterday was a very special day. I had the opportunity to visit my publisher in London and meet the wonderful team who helped bring When Trauma Affects Sex to life. A huge thank you to @amylankester, @sarah_t_at_jkp, and everyone at @jkpbooks for t
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