Meet Our Team
We’re a team of experienced therapists with passion for helping people gain insight, be more fulfilled, build happy and healthy relationships, and improve their sexual wellbeing.
Our Therapists
Our therapists know that the most important aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. You need to feel comfortable working with us and confident that we can help you, and we need to believe we can.
Di is an Accredited Psychotherapist, specialising in relationship and sex therapy. When she founded Your Time To Talk, she wanted to create a therapy practice that was welcoming and inclusive, and she has.
Charlie started out as an Integrative Counsellor before going on to train as a Relationship Psychotherapist at the renowned NAOS Institute.
Gordon is an Integrative Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist, with a passion for working with cultural differences and diversity in relationships.
Nicole’s background was in mental health and tantric practices before she became a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist.
Rose is an experienced Integrative Psychotherapist, currently studying for a Masters in Psychosexual Therapy.
Sara has worked in sexual health as a Doctor, Researcher, Sex Educator and Public Health Practitioner for the last 10 years. She’s now chosen to add Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy to the list!
And in October, Ella, Jem, Lu and Roisin will be adding their unique skills and experience to the team!
The thing we all have in common is our passion for supporting people in self-exploration and overcoming the difficulties they face.
Many of our therapists offer low-cost therapy, both online and in Bristol, UK.
Di Hassall | Psychotherapist, Relationship and Sex Therapist
I'm a down-to-earth, empathic and insightful therapist. I qualified as an Integrative Psychotherapist before specialising in relationship and psychosexual (sex) therapy. I also train and supervise other Relationship and Psychosexual Therapists, both in the UK and worldwide.
I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, as well as a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
I regularly participate in training to ensure my knowledge and skills remain relevant and up to date. My training over the last few years has focused on attachment theory in clinical practice, domestic abuse/violence; gender, sexual and relationship diversity; gender dysphoria and transition; BDSM and kink; working through shame; overcoming infidelity in relationships, and Islamic traditions and laws on sex and sexuality.
I'm an Accredited Member of the National Council of Psychotherapists, a Registered Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) and a Member of the International Society For Sexual Medicine.
Psychosexual and Relationship Therapists
Our therapists are fully qualified Psychosexual and/or Relationship Therapists or in their final year of training. They come from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, and between them offer therapy internationally and in four languages: English, Arabic, Portuguese and Spanish.
Gordon Birnie | Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist
I provide a space where people dealing with relationship challenges and sexual issues can explore these safely and without judgement, either individually or as part of a relationship. I am a qualified Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist, having completed a two-year Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy in 2022. I am also undertaking continuing professional development in the Developmental Model of Relationship Therapy.
Being an integrative practitioner means I draw upon a variety of therapeutic approaches that I blend to suit the needs of each individual or relationship. My background has involved extensive work overseas, so I'm sensitive to cultural differences and welcome diversity in relationships and sexualities.
I'm passionate about encouraging more men to seek therapy when facing difficulties in their relationships, which, in part, influenced my own decision to retrain as a therapist.
I'm a member of the National Council of Psychotherapists and a Registered Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).
Charlie Janes | Counsellor and Relationship Therapist
I originally trained as an Integrative Counsellor, blending a combination of person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive approaches to best suit my clients needs.
I soon realised that a great deal of my clients' difficulties were founded in their relationships, be it with partners, parents, siblings, friends or work colleagues, so relationship therapy was the natural progression for me.
My hope for all my clients is that they live, or learn to live in a way that is true to who they are, and that they are truly satisfied with. My aim for my therapy sessions is to foster an environment where my clients feel deeply supported, understood, and where they can boldly go on a journey of self discovery with no fear of judgment.
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Relationship Psychotherapy and I'm a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Nicole Tiska | Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist
I’m an intuitive, nurturing and attentive Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist.
My background is in mental health, as well as traditional yoga and tantric practices. Both underpin my way of working integratively with my clients: holding space for exploration, whilst providing logical and practical ideas to help them better understand and overcome difficulties.
I completed a two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy in 2021.
Over the years, I’ve led numerous workshops and classes on breathwork and mindfulness, exploring the power of being in the present moment, self-love and appreciation, as well as managing anxiety and depression.
I'm a Member of the National Council of Psychotherapists and a Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).
Ella Tressler | Associate Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist (from October 2023)
I create a warm, compassionate and safe space where you can freely explore any personal psychosexual issues or challenges within your relationship. Working collaboratively, we will navigate the complexities and challenges you’re facing, together.
I adopt a humanistic and integrative approach, utilising a diverse range of techniques and models.
Currently, I’m in my final year of training for a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, building upon my Foundation Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
In addition to this, I’ve gained valuable experience through volunteering at The Awareness Centre in Clapham. Here, I provided sessions for individuals seeking guidance on various concerns such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, among others. I’ve also worked in a secondary school for individuals with Autism, where I supported young people dealing with issues such as suicidal tendencies, self-harm, chronic pain, and social difficulties.
I’m a Student member of CORST, the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.
Lu Cook | Counsellor and Associate Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist
Intimacy and connection are fundamental human needs and, as such, I believe the quality of our relationships determine the quality of our life. I’m passionate about helping people have happy, healthy and fulfilling relationships.
Perhaps you’re hurt, lacking trust, dealing with painful issues you can't face alone, struggling in your sex life, repeating the same patterns that make you both miserable, or maybe you've just drifted apart.
I will offer you a safe space to explore and deepen your understanding of what's going on between you, what it is you both wish for in your relationship and how you're going to build it together. Long term relationships are hard work but incredibly rewarding if you take the time to find out how to nurture them and are willing to put the effort in. Let me help you on this journey.
If you’re facing sexual difficulties, this can have a significant impact on your wellbeing and your relationships. As an integrative therapist, I draw from a range of approaches, skills and techniques to best suit the uniqueness of every client and the work we’re focussing on.
I welcome people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship configurations, erotic preferences and cultural backgrounds.
I hold a Foundation Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy and I’m in my final year of a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy.
I’m a Student member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (CORST).
Dr Sara Elsayed | Associate Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist
As a Medical Doctor, I have been advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights for 10 years. During this time I have worked on many different aspects of sexual health as a doctor, researcher, sexual educator and public health practitioner.
However, I came to realise that sexual difficulties are not typically due to organic causes alone. That’s why I chose to study for a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy; to gain a more holistic understanding of the field of psychosexual therapy. And in doing so I realised the importance of intimate relationships to people’s emotional, mental and sexual wellbeing, so now I work with couples on improving their relationships too.
I provide a warm and safe space for my clients, free from judgment to allow them to be authentic and feel accepted for who they are. I adopt an integrative approach because I believe that therapy and treatment must be tailored to my clients’ distinct needs, where they set the pace
I have worked in different countries and with minority communities. I appreciate human differences and diversity, and offer an empathetic and accepting environment for everyone.
I offer therapy in English and Arabic
I'm Registered at the General Medical Council (GMC) and a Student Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).
Jem Stopes | Associate Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist
My first career was in languages – Russian, French, and Czech. In search of greater meaning, I left that behind in 2013 and hitchhiked some 25,000 miles across Europe, Africa and Asia on my own. I came to a halt in 2016 in Bristol and trained in Mediation and then in Non-Violent Communication and began to work as a mediator within inter-personal and professional contexts. For the last two years I have been working as a specialist with male perpetrators of domestic abuse running a behaviour change programme.
I wanted a way to go deeper with people, and to engage with some of the root causes of the conflicts I was meeting as a mediator. I trained in 2020 as a coach with MOE Foundation and studied an integrative counselling foundation at BCPC (Bath Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy). I'm now in my final year at the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology training as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist.
I was previously on placement at MIND’s LGBTQ+ counselling service.
I offer a judgement free space for all genders, sexual orientations, relationship styles, kinks, lifestyles and preferences. I have a strong, and long-standing somatic meditation and movement practice which informs the quality of presence that I bring to this work.In my spare time, I produce community events with my mobile sauna and play music with friends. I love dancing and nature.
I’m a Student member of CORST, the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.
Roisin Green | Associate Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist (from October 2023)
I work at depth with gentleness and kindness to offer the possibility of change and transformation.
I have a background in dance, mindfulness, and a keen interest in neurobiology in relation to trauma. My study of Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy provides a framework to employ these complimentary qualities into my therapy practice.
I am trained in Relational Life Therapy for working with couples and have been working with people individually, in coupes and groups for the past four years.
And I’m a Student Member of College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (CORST).
Rose Patten | Associate Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist
Therapy, for me, is creating a safe place for my clients to feel comfortable enough to open up and speak without the fear of being judged.
My career path started with a degree in psychology, and evolved into working in HR and Mediation. I felt myself much more drawn to the people side of the job and the individual stories I encountered. This eventually led me into a career in therapy.
I'm a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a Student Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT). And I offer therapy in English and Portuguese.
Candice West | Counsellor and Associate Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist
I offer a supportive, non-judgemental and uncensored space where clients can understand and explore their most intimate psychosexual and relationship difficulties. I work integratively with clients, tailoring sessions and treatments to the unique needs of each individual or couple.
I'm in my final year of training in a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, following completion of a Foundation Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Previously I worked with the NHS supporting victims of sexual abuse, and in humanitarian work across the world. These roles underpin my capacity to work empathetically with people from all walks of life and my sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
Human beings are so diverse, and I value the unique and individual journey of all my clients, welcoming people of all sexualities, gender identities, relationship diversities and erotic preferences.
I am a Student Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).
Keeley Alvarado-Rivero | Practice Administrator
Keeley makes sure the practice runs smoothly.
She has almost 20 years’ experience in administering therapy practices and mental health services, including 15 years as Senior Administrator for Mind in Croydon.
Keeley will be your first point of contact at Your Time To Talk. She’ll check availability, set up your sessions and be the link between you and your therapist.
