PSYCHOSEXUAL THERAPY

What is psychosexual therapy?

Psychosexual therapy is a form of talking therapy that explores sexual difficulties and concerns, together with their impact on wellbeing, identity, and relationships. It may be undertaken individually or with a partner, and is open to adults whether or not they are currently in a relationship.

My practice is informed by a biopsychosocial model and sexual scripting theory. This involves considering how physical health, psychological experience, relationship dynamics, and cultural context may interact to shape desire, arousal, and sexual wellbeing. Within a confidential and collaborative therapeutic relationship, we can explore the factors that may be contributing to your concerns, the meanings and beliefs you associate with sex, and what you would like to change. Where physical factors may be relevant, I may suggest speaking with your GP alongside therapy.

I work with adults of all genders, sexualities, relationship structures, and cultural backgrounds, and my practice is gender, sex, and relationship diversity (GSRD) affirming.

Terms you might see used

This area of therapy is described in a few overlapping ways:

• Psychosexual therapy — therapeutic work focused on sexual difficulties, their contributing factors, and their psychological and relational impact

• Sex therapy — a more widely used term for similar work

• Psychosexual and relationship therapy — an integrated approach that recognises the close connection between sexual and relational wellbeing

How the process works

1. Initial appointment
An opportunity to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and your hopes for the work, and to consider whether we feel able to work together.

2. Assessment
A more detailed exploration of your concerns and relevant personal, sexual, medical, and relationship history. We will proceed at a pace that feels manageable, and you can choose what you share and when.

3. Formulation
A shared understanding of the factors that may have predisposed, precipitated, or maintained your concerns. This is developed collaboratively and informs our therapeutic work.

4. Ongoing work
We agree an approach that reflects your formulation and therapeutic goals. Where appropriate, this may include psychoeducation or structured exercises to complete outside sessions. We review our work regularly and adapt it as needed.

Who this is for

• Adults experiencing distress or concern about a sexual difficulty

• Couples or partners affected by a sexual difficulty, or by differences in desire

• People affected by illness, disability, medication, menopause, or ageing

• People experiencing shame or inhibition relating to sex, the body, or sexual identity

• People wishing to explore questions of sexuality, gender, or sexual expression

• Anyone who has found it difficult to discuss sexual concerns elsewhere

What psychosexual therapy can help with

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but common areas include:

• Desire — loss of desire, changes in desire over time, or differences in desire between partners

• Arousal and orgasm — difficulties with arousal, or difficulty reaching orgasm

• Erectile and ejaculatory concerns — erectile difficulties, and early or delayed ejaculation

• Pain during sex — including the psychological and relational impact of vaginismus and vulvodynia

• Performance anxiety — anxiety, self-monitoring, or avoidance relating to sexual activity

• Life stage and health — menopause, new parenthood, illness, disability, medication, or ageing

• Shame and body image — internalised beliefs about sex, or a difficult relationship with your body

• Sexuality and identity — sexual orientation, gender, kink, fantasy, or sexual expression

• Sexual trauma — the impact of past experiences on intimacy and sexual wellbeing

If your concern isn’t listed here, you’re still welcome to get in touch. You don’t need to know how to describe it before we speak.

I am currently training in psychosexual and relationship therapy, working towards registration with COSRT, and I practise this work under regular clinical supervision.