Do my partner and I need psychosexual therapy?

Psychosexual Therapy is a specialist area of Pyschotherapy/Counselling. Often, sexual problems which have very obvious physical symptoms, such as pain (e.g. vaginismus)or difficulty in maintaining erections, can be treated by looking at what is happening in the sufferer's thoughts or feelings. Using a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and relationship counselling, psychosexual therapy can be very effective in resolving sexual problems. I have had extensive specific training in Psychosexual Therapy, and regularly work with clients experiencing a range of difficulties that can be addressed through such a course of treatment.

I will, if appropriate, propose a treatment plan for problems which have a psychological or emotional basis, based on an individual's or couple's specific needs. I will establish whether clients need to self refer to their GP or another specialist for medical advice. There will not be a physical examination.

Clients are encouraged to set their own goals, depending on what they wish to achieve. When the problem involves a current relationship, it can sometimes be helpful if both of you participate in the therapy. The therapy will involve discussing problems in a psychotheraputic way, and the setting and evaluation of homework tasks. Homework may be cognitive behavioural exercises or simply reflective tasks.

Issues that may be addressed through Psychosexual Therapy include:

Loss of/lack of sexual enjoyment

Erectile disfunction or rapid/retarded ejaculation

Painful intercourse or difficulty having intercourse (Dyspareunia, Vaginismus)

Fears and phobias about sex

Differences in sexual expectations between partners

Worries about sexual thoughts, feelings, fantasies or behaviour

Difficulties following sexual abuse

Termination of pregnancy

Issues around sexuality and the menopause, growing older, pregnancy or after childbirth