David Peña-Charlon

Many people come to therapy when something in their sexuality, relationship or sense of self has become difficult to manage alone. There may be shame, loss of desire, compulsive patterns, trauma, conflict, infidelity, anxiety around intimacy, or the painful feeling of losing yourself in order to stay connected.

I am David Peña-Charlón, a psychosexual, trauma and relationship therapist working online with individuals and couples. My work is grounded, relational and honest. I offer a space where sexuality, desire, fear, anger, grief and shame can be spoken about without judgement, while also being explored with depth, care and clarity.

I am particularly interested in what sits beneath the presenting problem. Sexual and relationship difficulties are rarely just isolated symptoms; they often carry protective patterns, past wounds, unmet needs, attachment dynamics and the ways we have learned to survive.

With couples, I pay attention to both people and to the relationship between them: the repeated cycles, unspoken agreements, injuries that have not been repaired, and the possibility of more truthful contact.

My approach integrates psychosexual and relationship therapy, couples therapy, trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, parts work, somatic awareness and my background in social work. The aim is not only relief, but helping clients develop enough self-observation, self-trust and choice to stop abandoning themselves, while relating to others with more honesty, steadiness, freedom and care.

I am registered with BACP and COSRT. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, sex-positive and inclusive of diverse identities, cultures and relationship structures.