exhibitionism & naturism as topics in therapy

Some topics raised by clients can be initially challenging for counsellors, not least of all from a lack of knowledge. 

Exhibitionism typically refers to exposing oneself with the intention of eliciting a reaction – often sexual or thrill-seeking. Naturism, by contrast, is centred on non-sexual nudity in communal and nature-oriented contexts, promoting comfort, body acceptance, and freedom. While both naturism and exhibitionism challenge societal norms around nudity, they differ in motivation and context: naturism is grounded in self-acceptance and shared values, whereas exhibitionism often involves an intent to shock or provoke.

Exhibitionism is classified as a paraphilia or fetishistic inclination, because it typically involves a strong urge to expose oneself to elicit a reaction. It is recognised in clinical settings as a behaviour that can have a compulsive or problematic aspect, especially as its presentation may involve non-consensual acts (see safeguarding, below). Naturism is not considered a fetish or a paraphilia. It is a lifestyle or philosophy centred around non-sexual social nudity, emphasising body positivity, freedom, and connection to nature. Naturists advocate for nudity as a natural state and engage in activities like hiking, swimming, and socialising without clothing in designated or private spaces, with a focus on non-sexual contexts.

For some clients, understanding and integrating their legal experiences, thoughts, and feelings without shame, blame, or guilt is part of their therapeutic journey. The counsellor’s role includes supporting this process and helping clients find safe, healthy ways to explore identity.

SAFEGUARDING

Counsellors should explore and assess clients’ understanding of the legal and social contexts around naturism and exhibitionist behaviours. Where necessary, they should provide clear information and reinforce their own legal and ethical responsibilities as outlined by their professional body (e.g., BACP). Supervision is essential for counsellors working with clients in this area, providing space to reflect, process dilemmas, and access the experience and perspective of a trained supervisor.

THE LAW: NATURISM

Naturism is generally legal in the UK, provided it does not cause harassment, alarm, or distress. The Public Order Act 1986 states that a person is guilty of an offence if their behaviour is likely to cause such reactions. Nudity in itself, it is important to note, is not illegal unless accompanied by an intent to offend or distress.

Designated naturist spaces exist across the UK, such as:

• Brighton Naturist Beach (East Sussex)
• Studland Bay (Dorset)
• Morfa Dyffryn (Gwynedd, Wales)

Naturist clubs and campsites such as Broadlands Naturist Camping in Norfolk offer private, community-based spaces for safe and legal practice. Respecting others, maintaining consent, and following local rules are key to lawful naturism.

THE LAW: EXHIBITIONISM

Exhibitionism is illegal if it involves exposing oneself with intent to cause alarm or distress, under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Public indecency and indecent exposure are criminal offences in these contexts. 

Consensual exhibitionism among adults in private settings (e.g., BDSM clubs or private events) is not unlawful. The legal focus is on protecting non-consenting individuals from harm, rather than policing consensual adult behaviour.

ORIGINATING EXPERIENCES

Exploring originating experiences can be valuable, especially when it helps clients understand the roots of their inclinations and feelings. It can increase self-awareness and reduce shame or internal conflict, by placing their experiences in the context of their personal history and development. It is important, though, to approach this exploration with sensitivity and to make sure it aligns with the client’s goals and readiness. A client must express interest in undertaking such a journey into the past. 

When supporting clients with exhibitionist fantasies or legal behaviours, the therapeutic aim is not to ‘cure’ or redirect, but to help clients understand themselves more deeply, reduce internal conflict, and explore their identity safely and ethically. Compassion, professional curiosity, and informed boundaries are key to this process. It can also help clients to separate their identity and preferences from any societal or internalised stigma they may have absorbed. Everything comes down to the individual client’s presentation, history, needs and therapeutic goals. Some clients may benefit greatly from understanding their past, while others might prefer focusing on present and future coping strategies and self-acceptance.

There is some debate around whether fetishistic behaviours and inclinations have specific originating experiences at all. Some psychological theories suggest certain fetishes or behaviours can be traced back to formative experiences in childhood or adolescence, where a particular event or object became associated with arousal. Others argue that not all fetishistic behaviours have clear origins or that they develop through a combination of factors, including biological, psychological, and social influences. The complexity of human sexuality means there is not a one-size-fits-all explanation, and each person’s experience can be quite unique.

In therapy, it is more productive to focus on how clients understand and relate to their desires, rather than trying to pinpoint a single cause. This person-centred approach helps clients integrate their experiences into a healthy and fulfilling sense of self, regardless of origin.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This information is intended primarily to support counsellors in working ethically, compassionately, and knowledgeably with clients who bring up naturism or exhibitionism as topics in therapy. It also provides clients and others with useful information. It is far from exhaustive. The guiding principle is to hold space for exploration while upholding legal duties and safeguarding of the client, others, and themselves.

Get in touch with Xander for a free 30-minute initial assessment and to work out a fee that’s right for your circumstances should you decide to proceed further. Xander has spaces currently available to welcome new clients.

Xander, trading as xph therapy, offers integrative counselling, which means working with multiple therapy types, including CBT, psychotherapeutic and person-centred to develop a therapeutic pathway just for you, whatever outcome you’re hoping to achieve.