Career Counseling for Sex Workers

Written By S.

Let’s be clear about what career counseling for sex workers is and what it is not.

I am not here to convince you to become a sex worker.

While I think that sex workers are some of the most bad ass, resilient, adaptable, highly skilled people. Existing as a sex worker is not without it’s unique challenges.

Sex workers are impacted by a cocktail of SESTA/FOSTA, systemic violence, censorship and constant de-platforming that contribute to decreases in workplace safety, job insecurity, and financial loss. And — if that’s not enough then add on the social stigma associated with being in the industry that impacts one’s relationships, ability to branch out from the industry, and mental well-being. 

I work specifically with individuals that have already made a choice to be in the industry prior to working with me.

I am not here to provide you with a job. 

Typical career counseling often includes connecting you with job opportunities. This is where our work will differ. Instead — I will help you with identifying your strengths, boundaries, and value system (in life and work) that will support with increasing conditions that encourage self-aligned work practices, self assurance, and emotional resilience to better navigate the myriad of situations that sex workers may face in the line of work. We’ll create a plan for your specific needs and goals.

Additional topics of discussion:

  • Exploration of persona and voice

  • Risk profile assessment, mitigation strategies, crisis management

  • Navigating transitions — into a different sector of the industry, into the industry as a newcomer or into your next career outside of the industry.


Why offer career counseling to sex workers?

Why not? Sex workers should have opportunities to explore their job goals, skills, and feel secure with a plan for their future — in a shame-free environment and with a professional that is familiar with multiple sectors within the industry they work.

Many of the institutions that have existed to provide sex-worker specific peer support, job training, harm-reduction services, etc. are currently underfunded or have been lost entirely. This is my offering to ensure that another tier of support continues to exist for sex workers.

What if I don’t need career counseling but I’d like to work through my experiences as a sex worker and/or the impact of this line of work on my relationships, sexual experiences, emotional well-being, perception of self, etc?

No problem — I can support you with that as well!

I have been providing therapy to sex workers for years and love supporting current and/or former sex workers through the mental, emotional, and relational intricacies that come with existing in this line of work in a world such as ours.

Common themes of work:

  • Processing trauma related (or unrelated) to experiences in the industry

  • Relational distress and conflict associated with partner, peers, family experiencing difficulty accepting your line of work

  • Self esteem, body image issues, existing in the digital age

  • Scarcity mindset and navigating industry lulls

Schedule a phone consultation with me by clicking Book Free Intake Call to talk further about the possibility of working together.

S.