1. Professional Profile
James Matthews is a New York-based relationship coach, SHA-Certified Sexuality Coach, sexology professional, entrepreneur and investor specialising in relationships, human sexuality, intimacy, pleasure education and holistic personal development.
At 28, with more than a decade of involvement in the field, James has worked with over 3,000 couples, helping individuals and partners navigate relationship challenges, rebuild emotional connections and develop healthier, more fulfilling intimate lives.
His journey into relationship coaching began through an introduction to the field by his cousin, a practising sex therapist. What initially started as an interest in human behaviour, relationships and sexuality gradually evolved into a professional calling. Fascinated by the complexities of human connection and motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, he built his practice from the ground up, transforming his early passion into an international business.
Today, James leads a multicultural international team of 21 professionals working across different time zones, countries and cultural backgrounds. His organisation provides international clients with coaching, educational programmes and relationship support, with operational coverage throughout the day across different regions.
He particularly enjoys working with multicultural teams, believing that different perspectives, experiences and cultural approaches bring tremendous value to business development, creativity and relationship education.
2. Career Journey & Professional Milestones
2016–2026 | A Decade of Learning, Development & Entrepreneurship
James's professional journey has evolved through academic education, specialised training, practical experience and entrepreneurship.
2016 | Age 18 – Academic Foundations
Begins undergraduate studies in Psychology at New York University (NYU), developing an academic interest in human behaviour, emotional intelligence, interpersonal relationships and psychological wellbeing.
2018 | Age 20 – Introduction to Relationship & Sexuality Work
Through his cousin, a practising sex therapist, James gets his first meaningful exposure to relationship counselling and human sexuality. Begins assisting with related work and exploring sexuality education and relationship development.
2020 | Age 22 – Advanced Academic Education
Completes his undergraduate degree at NYU and begins postgraduate education, enrolling in the Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies programme at Widener University.
2021–2022 | Age 23–24 – Specialisation & Professional Development
Completes postgraduate studies and begins developing his professional coaching methodology. Pursues specialised training in sexuality coaching, human intimacy and sexual wellness, including his SHA certification.
2022 | Age 24 – Establishment of Private Practice
Officially launches his independent relationship and sexuality coaching practice, transitioning into full-time professional work with couples and individuals. Begins developing an integrated approach combining relationship psychology, intimacy education and practical coaching.
2023 | Age 25 – Professional Expansion & Sexology Development
Expands professional education through the American Board of Sexology, pursuing specialised areas of sexology, holistic sexuality, tantra and sexual wellness. Begins developing a broader professional network and collaborative coaching structure.
2024 | Age 26 – International Retreats & Holistic Development
Continues professional development in somatic approaches, sexuality education, meditation and holistic wellness. Expands workshops and residential retreat activities in Bali, particularly Ubud, while developing relationships with international collaborators and specialist coaches.
2025 | Age 27 – Business Diversification & Investments
Broadens entrepreneurial interests through investments in businesses operating in the pleasure and intimacy industry, including pleasure products, intimate toys, intimate apparel and online educational platforms.
Begins bringing these ventures together into a connected ecosystem of businesses serving the wider relationship, intimacy and sexual wellness market. Strengthens international operations and develops the Bali studio and workshop apartment as a dedicated retreat and client experience base.
2026 | Age 28 – International Business Ecosystem & Leadership
Continues expanding his international coaching practice and entrepreneurial ventures. Leads a multicultural team of 21 professionals working across different time zones and serving an international client base.
His work now spans relationship coaching, professional education, international retreats, pleasure and intimacy investments, digital learning platforms and holistic wellness initiatives.
3. Education, Certifications & Professional Affiliations
James has an academic background in psychology and human sexuality, complemented by specialised professional education and training in sexuality, sexology, sexual wellness and relationship development.
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – New York University (NYU).
- Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies – Widener University.
Sexuality Coaching
- SHA-Certified Sexuality Coach – Sexual Health Alliance (SHA).
American Board of Sexology (ABS)
James reports completing the following certification programmes and professional designations associated with the American Board of Sexology:
- Certified Sexologist.
- Board Certified Diplomate.
- Certified Holistic Sexologist.
- Tantra Certified Sexologist.
- Somatic Certified Sexologist.
- Certified Sexology Educator.
- Public Information Sexologist.
- Certified Sexology Device Specialist.
- Mentor in Sexology.
- Apprentice in Sexology.
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
James has pursued professional development in the field of sexuality and sex therapy, with reference to AASECT's professional standards and certification framework.
His AASECT-related professional development and training cover:
- Human sexuality and sexual health.
- Sexual therapy and therapeutic approaches.
- Sexual wellness and intimacy education.
- Relationship and sexual functioning.
- Sexuality counselling principles and professional practice.
The designation AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist® is reserved for individuals who have formally received that certification.
4. Areas of Expertise
James works with couples and individuals across a broad spectrum of relationship, intimacy and holistic wellness subjects.
Relationship & Psychological Wellbeing
- Relationship communication and conflict resolution.
- Emotional disconnection and rebuilding trust.
- Relationship psychology and emotional awareness.
- Stress management and personal development.
- Confidence, self-awareness and interpersonal dynamics.
Sexuality, Intimacy & Pleasure
- Sexual wellness and intimacy enhancement.
- Human sexuality and sexual education.
- Desire differences and intimacy-related challenges.
- Conscious lovemaking and sensual awareness.
- Kamasutra principles and pleasure education.
- Understanding physical intimacy and mutual fulfilment.
Yoga, Tantra & Meditation
- Traditional yoga practices and mind-body awareness.
- Tantra principles and conscious intimacy.
- Meditation and mindfulness.
- Breathwork and relaxation practices.
- Embodiment and somatic awareness.
- Emotional balance and personal development.
Nutrition & Holistic Wellness
- Nutrition fundamentals and balanced eating.
- Lifestyle habits and general physical wellbeing.
- The relationship between nutrition, energy and overall wellness.
- Mind-body connection and healthy lifestyle practices.
- Holistic approaches to physical and emotional wellbeing.
His integrative approach brings together contemporary relationship education and traditional wellness practices, recognising the importance of emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing in maintaining fulfilling relationships.
5. Integrative Approach to Intimacy & Human Connection
James's work combines contemporary relationship education with traditional practices, incorporating elements of psychology, yoga, meditation, tantra and sexuality education.
A particular area of his interest is the intersection of ancient Indian teachings and modern relationship science. He explores the principles of the Kamasutra, the art of lovemaking, sensual awareness and conscious intimacy, helping couples develop a deeper understanding of physical connection and mutual pleasure.
Through guided exercises, intimacy practices, meditation, breathwork, pleasure-based exploration and structured coaching sessions, he encourages couples to move beyond social conditioning and common misconceptions surrounding sexuality.
His approach emphasises mutual consent, communication, comfort, exploration and understanding each other's needs.
6. Entrepreneurship, Investments & Business Ecosystem
Beyond his coaching practice, James is deeply involved in entrepreneurship, business development, strategic investments and the creation of businesses within the pleasure, intimacy and sexual wellness industries.
Over the years, he has invested in and developed interests across several businesses operating in the pleasure and intimacy space. His investment portfolio and entrepreneurial interests include:
- Pleasure products and intimate toys.
- Intimate clothing and lifestyle apparel.
- Sexual wellness and pleasure-focused consumer brands.
- Digital relationship and intimacy education platforms.
- Online learning resources for couples.
- Businesses operating at the intersection of lifestyle, wellness and human sexuality.
Rather than treating these as entirely separate ventures, James has been working towards building an interconnected ecosystem of businesses that complement one another.
His vision is to bring together relationship education, intimacy coaching, wellness products, intimate lifestyle offerings and digital learning resources within a broader entrepreneurial network.
This ecosystem allows him to explore the pleasure and intimacy industry from multiple perspectives, combining practical relationship education with consumer products, innovation, brand development and business opportunities.
He also brings hands-on experience in business operations, international team management, strategic marketing and expansion.
7. Bali Studio, Workshop Apartment & Retreat Operations
Bali holds a particularly important place in James's professional and entrepreneurial journey.
In addition to his international coaching activities, he has established his own dedicated studio and workshop apartment in Bali, serving as a professional base for hosting workshops, client programmes, private sessions and residential retreats.
The property operates with a dedicated local team of six professionals responsible for its day-to-day management and the complete guest experience.
Their responsibilities include:
- Workshop and retreat planning and coordination.
- Guest reception and client assistance.
- Food arrangements and dining coordination.
- Accommodation and property management.
- Scheduling, logistics and transportation coordination.
- On-ground support and general operational management.
The studio provides a personal and immersive environment for clients attending workshops and retreats. It allows James and his team to oversee the complete guest experience, from arrival and accommodation to programme delivery and departure.
He regularly organises retreats in Bali, particularly in Ubud, as well as selected locations across the United States and other international destinations.
These programmes combine relationship education, yoga, meditation, embodiment practices, intimacy workshops and personal development.
James takes a hands-on interest in planning and developing these experiences, working closely with his multicultural team to ensure that every programme is thoughtfully organised and professionally managed.
8. International Travel & Global Engagements
James's professional lifestyle involves frequent international travel. He regularly travels between different cities and countries for business development, client engagements, workshops, retreats, collaborations and meetings related to his investment ventures.
Travelling is also an important part of how he approaches his work. Exposure to different cultures, lifestyles, traditions and perspectives allows him to continually broaden his understanding of human relationships and intimacy.
He particularly enjoys interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and building professional relationships across international markets.
His global exposure also influences his approach to entrepreneurship, team management, relationship education and the development of new business opportunities.
9. Fashion Photography & Creative Pursuits
Beyond entrepreneurship and relationship education, James has a deep interest in fashion photography and visual storytelling.
Photography is more than a casual hobby for him; it is a creative pursuit through which he explores aesthetics, fashion, composition, styling and human expression.
He has collaborated with established fashion studios and creative professionals and enjoys being involved in creative concepts, editorial shoots and visual projects.
His interest in fashion extends to understanding design, personal styling, visual identity and the creative side of the fashion industry. He particularly appreciates the intersection of fashion, artistic expression and contemporary lifestyle culture.
Despite his demanding professional schedule, he makes time for photography and creative collaborations whenever opportunities arise during his travels.
10. Philosophy & Long-Term Vision
At the heart of James Matthews's work is a simple philosophy:
Strong relationships are built through understanding, communication, emotional awareness and conscious intimacy.
He believes that emotional security, physical connection and personal fulfilment are interconnected aspects of a healthy partnership.
His broader vision extends beyond traditional relationship coaching. Through his international coaching practice, business investments, pleasure and intimacy ventures, educational workshops and immersive retreats, he aims to contribute to a more open, informed and progressive understanding of relationships and human sexuality.
Whether working with couples, leading a multicultural team, developing a new business venture, hosting a retreat in Bali, exploring traditional wellness practices or pursuing a creative photography project, James approaches his work with curiosity, entrepreneurial energy and a genuine interest in people.
He continues to build an international network of professionals, businesses and educational initiatives that bring together relationship science, traditional wisdom, contemporary lifestyle, entrepreneurship and the evolving world of intimacy and sexual wellness.