Relationships2 min(s) read
Published 11:31 14 Aug 2026 GMT
A sex therapist's job is to listen to their client's deepest desires and help them find a way forward.
Now, one such therapist has revealed that some requests for activities in the bedroom that many people might call "unusual" are actually much more commonplace than you might think.
Speaking to The Sun, sex counsellor Lucy Rowlett is on a mission to make sure it's easier than ever for couples to open up to each other about what they actually want from sex.
"Most people expect my sessions to be quite serious," Rowlett admitted. "But sex is fun and funny!"
Rowlett says that sometimes when a couple is having trouble connecting in the bedroom, it's important to open their minds to the fetishes their partner may be interested in.
That way, they can safely explore each other's wants and needs without any pressure or fear.
In fact, exploring certain aspects of BDSM is more common for most couples than you may expect, since it's an easy way for sexual partners to open up to each other.
"Sometimes I encourage couples to go to conscious kink workshops," Rowlett explained. "[This is a place] where they can explore spanking, flogging and domination."
This practice is more successful than you may think, too, since Rowlett claims that "[the couples] come back and tell me they’ve discovered something that really works for both of them."
She does recommend against former clients speaking to her about their escapades in public, since she was discussing a client's bondage weekend with her husband while shopping at her local supermarket.
One intriguing fetish that Rowlett had to help a client work through, however, is a bit more niche than your standard BDSM fare.
"One woman I met who was really quite shy when we started talking developed a real fetish for sploshing," Rowlett recalled.
"Sploshing" is, she explains, "[a fetish that] covers a whole range of kinks involving food play during sex — from squirty cream on a nipple to orgies in a bath of baked beans."
This specific client, Rowlett goes on to say, "had the best orgasm of her life while sitting on a cream cake."
Rowlett's best advice for exploring food play during sex, however? Make sure you clean up.
"I did feel the need to remind [the client] to make sure she had cleaned up properly after food play," Rowlett says.
“Nobody wants a yeast infection from a Victoria sponge."
