The Nurtured Story Approach
Relational and Sex Counseling
About the approach
The Nurtured Story approach utilizes narrative therapy to explore, understand and reauthor the difficult problem stories influencing your relationships and sex life.
Narrative theory believes that problems are separate from people. Using a mix of story exploration, metaphor, art therapy (if you are into that), and humor, we will identify the problems influencing the dominant narrative of you life. Utilizing externalizing techniques we will separate you from the problem, and finally we will identify and strengthen your preferred way of being.
Dominant narratives are influenced by the stories that shine the brightest in the constellation of our lives. We will work together to identify multiple stars in the solar systems of you to create new, better fitting constellations.
This approach was developed to support people with underrepresented stories; queer, neurodivergent, polyamorous or anyone a grandpa might define as "a little different." This approach is designed to help you find the place you fit, rather than "fitting in."
In person and virtual service are available to all Georgia residents, with our in person space located in Decatur, GA. Counseling is Provided through Atlanta Therapeutic Collective by Shel Pohnan, APC
About Shel Pohnan
APC · Sex Therapist
Neurodivergent counselor with a special interest in sexuality and relationships. I have 150 hours of Narrative training, and even more in sexual health and education (including a summer study abroad in human sexuality at the University of Amsterdam) I approach conversations about desire, identity, pleasure, and connection with curiously, honesty, and authenticity. I want to co-investigate these problems with you. This way we can find the type of love and relationship you desire.
I believe therapy works best when people are genuinely at ease. In my office we are curled up or crisscross on the couch, fidget buffet within arms reach, and shoes optional. Get comfortable to sit in discomfort. Discover a space where nothing is too awkward or "too much" to talk about.
My clients would describe me as grounded and comforting while also providing structure and challenging the problems without shaming or blaming the individual. It's like Animal Crossing met the Oregon Trail, don't worry though we have treatment or dysentery.
I am under clinical direction by Courtney Geter, LMFTS, CSTS and Supervision by Mary Chase Mize, LPC, CPCS. All therapy is given through Atlanta Therapeutic Collective
Services
Individual Sex Therapy
- Help with sex anxiety
- Difficulty enjoying sex
- Painful sex
- Sex with chronic illness or chronic pain
- Sex with HIV or herpes
Individual Relationship Therapy
- Difficulty making or maintaining relationships
- Inability to feel secure in relationships
- Trouble navigating the dating scene and forming meaningful connections
- Communication issues leading to loneliness or feeling misunderstood
Couples Sex Therapy
- Differences in sexual desire or sexual experience
- Sexless relationships
- Difficulty discussing sex
- Asexual-affirming couples therapy
- Navigating painful intercourse as a couple
Couples Therapy
- Difficulties communicating
- Getting caught in unproductive relationship patterns
- Navigating differences in healthy, collaborative ways
- Decrease the effects of negative or unproductive cycles
Polyamory & Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) Relationship Therapy
- Support for individuals who are in or considering ENM relationships
- Managing jealousy
- Deconstructing monogamous relationship norms
- Therapy for couples, triads, and polycules
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy
- Identity exploration
- Sexuality exploration
- Sex and relationship therapy for queer individuals and couples
- Intersex-affirming individual and sex therapy
Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy
- Helping clients unmask and live more authentically
- Improving communication skills to strengthen relationships
- Support for parents of neurodivergent children
- Couples or sex therapy to help partners navigate and better understand neurodivergent differences