What is psychosexual therapy?

 

Psychosexual therapy helps both individuals and couples.  It is an opportunity to talk about sex in a safe, confidential space.  Problems may stem from relationships past or present or there may be some specific topic you wish to work on. In either case we will develop an individual tailored treatment programme for you to do in the privacy of your own home, either on your own or with your partner. It may be that I advise you to seek medical advice prior to the treatment commencing.  Therapy usually progresses through a series of stages. These are reviewed and discussed throughout offer the best treatment outcome. 

 

Why do people come to psychosexual therapy?

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People come to psychosexual therapy with difficulties including: ​

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• Loss of or low desire 

• Loss of or low arousal;

• Erectile disorders;

• Premature or delayed ejaculation;

• Difficulties in achieving orgasm;

• Painful sex

• Vaginismus;

• Vulvodynia

• Sexual avoidance

• Sexual compulsivity

• Sexual difficulties following abuse

• Menopause

• Pregnancy and post natal changes

• And other things besides. The list of reasons people come to psychosexual therapy is quite long, so please do get in touch if you think I can help.

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How can it help?

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Psychosexual therapy can help couples in a relationships and individuals who are not in a relationship.  You do not need be sexually active to benefit from psychosexual therapy; it can help to talk about sexual activity. 

• Some psychosexual problems are better addressed as a couple, especially if there are difficulties in the couple relationship, but this is not always the case;

• Sometimes sexual difficulties in a couple may seem to be specific to one partner.  This is often better worked on together as a couple, although you don’t always have to attend as a couple.

• Many psychosexual problems can be worked on individually.  So, if you are not in a relationship, and want to talk about or address a psychosexual problem this is possible

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How does psychosexual therapy with me work?

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• Psychosexual therapy involves exploring and understanding both the psychosexual issues you bring and what is happening in coupleyour relationships. These two things work in tandem, each informing the other. The therapy addresses both the specifics of the psychosexual issue you bring and your relationships.

• Initial sessions of therapy will involve a detailed exploration of your personal history, relationship history and the psychosexual issue you bring.  

• I will advise on some ‘starter’ exercises for you to complete at home, either individually or as a couple;

• I may advise that you see your GP or healthcare professional for a medical assessment;

• After a few weeks of getting to know you, I will recommend specific, individually tailored exercises for you to do at home. These will help with both your psychosexual issue and couple your relationship. You may do some exercises on your own, others as a couple. The exercises will build and develop over time.  Any medical interventions, for example, changes to medication will be integrated into the work.

• We will have regular weekly sessions to discuss, review and adjust the exercises as needed. We will discuss your relationships and think about how your progress with exercises relates to your relationships.  In this way, the therapy will consider and work with your psychosexual and relationship needs and issues in tandem.

 

What might be the outcomes of psychosexual therapy?

 

• Whether you have worked as an individual or as a couple, psychosexual therapy helps achieve a more fulfilling sex life;

• It helps to improve your well-being and your relationships;

• Both general and specific sexual problems will be understood and solutions to them found.

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Interesting in discussing more?

 

• Get in touch to start an initial consultation process so you can talk about your psychosexual concerns or problems in a safe, confidential setting;

• I will ask questions about your history and current situation;

• You can ask questions about the counselling process;

• Then we can think about how best to proceed. If we agree that psychosexual therapy with me is a good next step, we will arrange a regular time to have sessions;

• It might be that another type of therapy might be a better option for you. If this is the case, I will advise as to what may help;