Psychology Today: The Therapist Who Became a Porn Star

Psychology Today: The Therapist Who Became a Porn Star

LOS ANGELES — Psychology Today has published a thoughtful interview with "Daniel," a gay adult performer who is also a practicing therapist working with "a new model of sexual acceptance" that pivots dramatically from the standard practice of a sexually conservative field.

"Daniel is not just a figment of my fevered imagination. I’ve changed names and details in order to protect his privacy," noted Dr. David J. Ley. "Daniel believes he will come out publicly at some point, and this article is a part of that process. But for now, he’s interested in telling his story and exploring what his journey says about the therapy industry and his own journey through his sexuality."

Daniel, Ley observed, became an adult performer after working for a number of years as a therapist in the traditional mode; he cited Jet Setting Jasmine as an opposite example of someone who "came to a nontraditional model of therapy practice after she had already embraced an alternative sexual lifestyle and adult performance."

Ley described Daniel as "a handsome man with short hair, whose figure and sexual prowess has let him leap to stardom in the gay porn world [recently]. He looks like the prototypical gay porn star, but he talks like a seasoned therapist with a deep and profound level of self-awareness."

Daniel, who is openly gay, got sober from drugs and alcohol as a younger man, earned his degree and began working as a sex addiction counselor. He established a monogamous relationship with a partner but chafed, he noted, with how he had been trained to address sexuality in therapy.

He never bought completely into the traditional sex addiction model, but admitted he never knew about alternative therapies for people wrestling with their own sexual behaviors.

Daniel "struggled with the blend of sexual ignorance and sexual absolutes that were promoted as therapeutic," Ley observed, noting that sex isn't a binary problem with cut-and-dried solutions. "Daniel found that he was far more comfortable being a person in the room with his clients and joining with them as opposed to telling them how to live their sexual lives."

A challenging year — which included the dissolution of his relationship and contracting HIV — prompted Daniel to reassess his life on several fronts. He embraced "a new tribe" in New York City, which included exploring his sexuality. Some of his friends worked as adult performers and invited him to join them.

The experience liberated him. Today, Daniel has a new partner and a newfound sense of peace about his sexual identity; however, he admits to struggling with how to integrate his work as a therapist and as a popular porn star. He is applying those lessons to his daily work with his clients.

"Daniel no longer identifies as a therapist specializing in sex addiction and is now navigating ways to help clients who struggle with their sexuality, focused on reducing shame and increasing their self-acceptance," Ley said.

Read Part One of the article at PsychologyToday.com here; Part Two is forthcoming.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Penthouse Names Krystal Harper Its November 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Krystal Harper as Pet of the Month for November.

Sinatra Monroe Toplines New Digital Playground Comedy 'Single Minded'

Sinatra Monroe headlines the new comedy feature from Digital Playground, titled "Single Minded."

Adult Time Launches New Series 'Preggo World'

Adult Time has released the first episode of its new series “Preggo World,” titled “18 & Pregnant.”

Alexis James Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Alexis James has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Victor Ray.

Lucy Hart Stars in Mainstream Slasher Flick 'Director's Cut'

Long-time performer Lucy Hart has stepped outside the world of adult, starring in a new mainstream slasher movie, "Director's Cut," that premiered this weekend in theaters across the U.S.

Rae Lil Black, Rikako Katayama Star in Latest From Vored

Rae Lil Black and Rikako Katayama star in the latest release from Hentaied.pro studio brand Vored, titled "Sinful Taste."

Sage Hunter Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Sage Hunter has made her Hookup Hotshot (HUHS) debut alongside studio honcho Bryan Gozzling.

Gal Ritchie: From British Dominatrix to Rising L.A. Starlet

Gal Ritchie left her home in the U.K. and arrived in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, 2023. She remembers the exact date because it was such a key moment in her life.

May Hashira Is Twistys' November 'Treat of the Month'

May Hashira is Twistys’ Treat of the Month for November and will be highlighted online throughout the month.

Lilly Bell, Eve Sweet Star in Latest From Slayed

Lilly Bell and Eve Sweet star in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Slayed.

Show More