Michaela Tutty

Every new journey at Desire Pathways starts with a Foundations Session. This is a 30-minute online introductory meeting where we discuss your goals—whether personal or relational—and ensure my approach is the right fit for your needs.

The Foundations Session is $50 NZD. This fee is non-refundable. However, the full $50 is credited toward your first full Individual or Relational coaching session should you choose to move forward.

No. I operate on a pay-as-you-go structure rather than long-term packages. This allows our work to evolve naturally at a pace that feels right for you or your partnership.

Somatic work is a process of building awareness and capacity, which takes time to integrate. While I operate on a pay-as-you-go basis, I generally recommend an initial commitment of 3 to 6 sessions, depending on your specific goals. This allows us enough space to move beyond the surface and deeply explore the core skills of breath, awareness, touch, sound, and movement within your personal or shared experience.

We use a grounded, bottom-up approach that prioritises your physical experience. While we do spend time in reflective conversation, the core of our work involves practical somatic tools: breath, awareness, touch, sound, and movement. I stay present with the map and the notes, which allows you to stay present with yourself or your partner as we explore your sensations and boundaries. We always move at a pace that feels safe for your system, ensuring you remain in control throughout the entire session.

Absolutely. Many people arrive at their first session feeling a mixture of curiosity and hesitation. My role is to provide a grounded, predictable environment where you can explore at your own pace. We move very slowly, and there is never any pressure to perform or "get it right." You are in a non-judgmental space where your boundaries are the most important part of the process.

Home play is a set of gentle, self-led exercises I suggest for you to explore between our sessions. These are designed to help you integrate what we have learnt into your daily life. They are not "homework" in the traditional sense, but rather invitations to stay curious about your sensations, presence, and connection while you are in your own environment.

That is completely normal. Many people start because they simply feel a sense of disconnection or curiosity. The Foundations Session is designed to help us uncover what matters to you right now, even if you don't have the "right" words for it yet.

Yes. Part of my role is to hold the "map" of our work together. Following each session, I will send you a summary of what we explored along with any suggested home play. These notes are a valuable resource for you to track your progress and revisit any insights or tools we used during our time on Zoom.

All coaching sessions are delivered online via Zoom. This makes them accessible nationwide across New Zealand and globally. For those in Taupō, I also host occasional in-person workshops and somatic events locally.

I work with clients globally. The booking system will automatically detect your local time zone and show you my availability in your own time, so there is no need for you to do any manual calculations.

You don't need any special equipment or prior experience. It is helpful to be in a private, undisturbed space where you feel safe to move and speak freely. Wearing comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict your movement or breath is also recommended. If you are joining as a couple, ensure you are both in a space where you can comfortably sit or move together.

Please ensure you have downloaded the Zoom app on a laptop or desktop rather than a phone, as a larger screen allows you to stay more present.

Actually, many clients find they can drop into their bodies more easily when they are in the comfort and privacy of their own home. We use the same tools, breath, awareness, and movement, and because I am taking the notes for you, the screen often fades into the background as you focus on your own sensations or the presence of your partner.

While our work can be therapeutic, somatic sex coaching is different from traditional talk therapy. We focus on the present moment and the "bottom-up" physical experience rather than just analysing the past. I am a sexologist and coach, not a psychologist or mental health therapist. If I feel your needs are outside my scope of practice, I will happily provide a referral to a clinical professional.

No. All sessions are conducted fully clothed and are hands-off. My role is to facilitate your own internal awareness and somatic exploration through guided tools and communication. We focus on building your capacity for pleasure and presence within a professional, safe, and boundaried environment.

Yes. Desire Pathways is an inclusive practice. I work with individuals and couples across the full spectrum of gender identity and sexual orientation. My focus is on your unique somatic experience and your personal or relational path to pleasure and presence.

Relational work is most effective when both partners are curious and willing to participate. If your partner is unsure, you are welcome to book an Individual Foundations Session first to explore your own needs and see how the somatic approach feels for you.

Yes. My practice is sex worker inclusive and provides a non-judgmental space for those working in the industry. Whether you are navigating the boundaries between professional and personal intimacy or simply seeking a somatic space where you do not have to filter your experiences, you are welcome here. We focus on your body, your needs, and your path to presence.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Massey University and am a graduate of the Institute of Somatic Sexology. I am a registered professional member of the Somatic Sex Educators Association of Australasia (SSEAA).

You can reschedule your appointment via your confirmation email up to 24 hours before our start time.