Start Here: Exploring the Psychology of Desire
What to expect, where to begin, and how to dive deeper into your own erotic psychology.
Welcome to Psychology of Desire—a space where eroticism isn’t just explored, it’s understood.
I'm Emma, a Sexologist and Erotic Psychology researcher, and this is where I explore the stories, symbols, science, and the shadow side of desire. Whether you’re here to explore your own desire template, question cultural narratives about pleasure, or understand why desire disappears (and how to get it back)—you’re in the right place.
My education and experience includes:
Psychology Honours Degree (Psychophysiology)
Sociology Degree
Diploma in Psychotherapy (Art Therapy)
3+ years experience as a Researcher in Statistics and Psychophysiology
5+ years experience as a Medical Scientist (Sleep).
6+ years global ethnographic research in Shadow Sexuality
All of my learnings and wanderings have taught me many things about desire, and I am always learning more.
I firmly believe that to desire and be desired is a pivotal human experience.
And I also believe that our desires are a path to our authentic selves.
But we aren’t taught anything about desire.
I’m on a mission to change that.
In short: I am obsessed with exploring the Psychology of Desire and demystifying it for you.
My current projects include:
Exploring Eroticism & Psychology of Darker Desires in The Erotic Realm Podcast (top 5% Sexuality podcast, #1 Sexual Psychology & Erotic Psychology podcast on Spotify).
Mapping the Landscape of Erotic Dreams and Fantasies in the Deep Desire Project.
Exploring how we define and think about the female orgasm in the Her Climax Code Project.
Creating courses to “Activate Your Desire” and “Decode My Desire”- grab them both here.
I also offer 1:1 Desire Profiling
& Deep Dive Desire Coaching by application.
No matter your flavour or interest — Your desires are welcome here.
Which subscription is best for you?
Free Subscription:
Receive The Erotic Realm podcast every Tuesday and Friday straight to your inbox, select essays, research surveys, and notes.
Paid Subscription:
Everything in the Free Subscription +
Access to the Desire Salon (monthly membership with live Desire Explorations with Emma +
Co-creating research surveys at the forefront of erotic psychology +
huge discounts on courses (last one was free!),
behind-the-scenes reflections +
knowing that you are contributing to novel, independent research.
As a thank you for becoming a paid subscriber you’ll receive a FREE gift — The Desire Threshold: A reflective entryway into the architecture of your erotic psyche so you can begin exploring your desire right away!
Valued at $250, yours for only $100!
Desire Coaching Subscription:
Receive all of the above AND a 1:1 Deep Dive Desire coaching session with Emma ($50 off!). More details here about coaching here.
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these reader favourites:
The Sole of Desire: Foot Fetish Origins | Psychology of Desire: Case File #1
The Jung of Sex : The Alchemy of Libido | How Libido Fuels Your Desires, Creativity, and Power
Or perhaps you want to be part of original research?
Help Map the Landscape of your Erotic Dreams and Fantasies in the Deep Desire Project.
Explore how we define and think about the female orgasm in the Her Climax Code Project.
What readers of Psychology of Desire are saying:
"I receive value from every post and this work is so important! Thank you!"
“Emma is a fellow sex-nerd on a mission to demystify the nature of desire, and her newsletter is packed with relatable, science-backed insights that make you rethink everything you thought you knew about eroticism. She breaks down complex ideas in a way that’s engaging, thought-provoking, and refreshingly real. If you’ve ever wondered why you want what you want—or why desire can feel so complicated—Emma’s work will give you the tools to understand yourself on a whole new level. Highly recommend!”
“What they didn't teach you about desire!”
We all deserve a life where we own and live our desires.
Thanks for being here and creating a home for desire with me.
Emma — The Voice of Desire Psychology
Founder of Psychology of Desire | Host of The Erotic Realm Podcast
“Desire isn’t a problem to solve. It’s a language to decode.”
Want to know more about me?
Read about my desire story here & listen to my personal story on The Erotic Realm here.
Sponsor the Psychology of Desire
Psychology of Desire began in January 2025 and now reaches over 7,000 curious minds on Substack and over 25,000 minds across platforms. People who are exploring the deeper dimensions of sexuality, identity, and erotic psychology.
My readers include therapists, kink practitioners, educators, creatives, researchers, and erotic explorers from 152+ countries and 50 U.S states — all drawn to conversations that combine depth, science, symbolism, and shadow.
With over 80,000+ streams in it’s first year The Erotic Realm is outpacing 97% of new podcasts. & is now the #1 Sexual Psychology & Erotic Psychology podcast on Spotify.
And this is just the beginning!
I collaborate with brands and creators aligned with themes like:
Psychological and erotic exploration
Sexual wellness and pleasure-positive tools
Feminine-led leadership, healing, and transformation
Literature, art, and storytelling in the erotic realm
Coaches, therapists and other sexperts
Whether you offer a product, service, event, or experience that resonates with my audience — I’m open to discussing meaningful sponsorships, affiliate partnerships, and creative collaborations.
To chat more about collaboration email Emma at:
emma@psychologyofdesire.com
I think we’d have a lot to talk about! 😁