Alex Shink
August 21, 2023

Josh Littleton, Ph.D.

1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?

The clients that knock on my door are often varied and present unique challenges and opportunities. They include:

My approach is multidimensional and holistic, recognizing that sexual well-being is intertwined with mental, emotional, and relational health. I consider the whole person's mental, emotional, relational, and physical well-being. Understanding how these aspects interact helps devise nuanced and responsive strategies for each client's unique needs.

2. Tell us about yourself. 

I was drawn to the complexity of human sexuality and how it interplays with our emotional well-being, personal identities, and relationships. Exploring this multifaceted aspect of human existence, which is often shrouded in mystery, misconceptions, and even shame, was intriguing. Additionally, working with kinky, neurodiverse, and queer persons, I realized that how we consume therapy can be diverse. Using tabletop gaming has been a helpful conduit for change within the lives of my clients.

3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.

I often encounter unique challenges that require creative approaches. One such experience involved an individual who identified as a queer gamer, entangled in a complex polycule relationship. This person felt disconnected from their partners and metamores, experiencing a breakdown in communication, trust, and intimacy. As a gamer interested in understanding intricate systems, I integrated the therapeutic board game "Deorum" into our sessions to support relational and sexual cohesion.

4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?

One of the challenging aspects of being a practitioner in private practice lies in the balance between autonomy and the multifaceted responsibilities that come with it. There's the challenge of managing the business side of the practice (e.g., marketing, scheduling, billing, and ensuring the continuous development necessary to stay abreast of the latest methodologies. This can become overwhelming, as it requires wearing multiple hats and managing aspects of the practice that go beyond therapy.

5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\

Top 3 tips I would give someone getting into private practice is:


  1. Starting, running, and growing a private practice can be both rewarding and complex.
  2. Success hinges on understanding your specific focus, such as assisting clients in overcoming barriers to pleasure, and bolstering that with continuous education and training.
  3. Managing a practice also requires strong business acumen, encompassing marketing, financial planning, legalities, and customer service; tools like development courses and technology can be essential here.

6. Where can people find you?

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