Psychosexual Therapy in London
Sexual difficulties can affect confidence, emotional wellbeing and relationships. They can also be difficult to talk about, particularly when they are accompanied by shame, anxiety or a fear of being judged.
Psychosexual therapy provides a confidential and respectful space in which individuals and couples can explore concerns about sex, sexual functioning and intimacy. You may attend by yourself or with a partner. You do not need to be in a relationship to seek help.
Reasons People Seek Psychosexual Therapy
People come to psychosexual therapy for many different reasons, including:
- Differences or changes in sexual desire
- Loss of interest in sex
- Erectile difficulties
- Rapid or delayed ejaculation
- Difficulties with orgasm
- Vaginismus or difficulties with penetration
- Sexual pain
- Sexual or performance anxiety
- Avoidance of sex or physical intimacy
- The effects of illness, disability, medication or ageing
- Shame, fear or uncertainty concerning sex
- Difficulties communicating about sexual needs and boundaries
- Rebuilding sexual intimacy following a relationship rupture
- The impact of trauma or earlier sexual experiences
Sometimes a sexual difficulty is experienced mainly by one person but affects both partners. At other times, the concern lies within the couple’s sexual relationship rather than with an individual.
Understanding Sexual Difficulties
Sexual difficulties are rarely only physical or psychological. They may be influenced by health, medication, stress, anxiety, earlier experiences, cultural or religious messages, relationship dynamics and how someone feels about their body or sexuality.
The initial assessment will help us understand when the difficulty began, what may be contributing to it and how it is affecting you or your relationship. Where appropriate, I may also suggest speaking with your GP or another medical professional so that possible physical or medication-related factors can be considered.
How Psychosexual Therapy Can Help
The work will be shaped around your particular concerns rather than applying the same approach to everyone. It may include:
- Developing a clearer understanding of the difficulty
- Exploring anxiety, shame or unhelpful expectations about sex
- Improving communication between partners
- Reducing pressure surrounding sexual performance
- Becoming more aware of physical sensations and emotional responses
- Understanding patterns of avoidance or disconnection
- Developing a more realistic and personally meaningful sexual relationship
- Agreeing practical exercises to undertake privately between sessions
Any exercises will be discussed and agreed with you. The work will proceed at a pace that respects your boundaries, circumstances and readiness.
An Inclusive and Relational Approach
I work with people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, cultural backgrounds and relationship structures. I do not begin with an assumption about what sex or intimacy should mean for you.
My approach is integrative and relational. This means considering the sexual difficulty within the broader context of your emotional life, relationships, history and present circumstances.
If your main concern involves wider conflict or uncertainty within your relationship, couples therapy may be more appropriate. Where the difficulty involves compulsive sexual behaviour, pornography use, secrecy or betrayal, a more specialist assessment may be recommended.
Sessions are available in person in Central London and online via Zoom. A hybrid arrangement may also be considered where appropriate.
To arrange an initial consultation, please contact Relationship Therapy & Recovery on 07939 624 790 or email info@relationship-recovery.co.uk.