Sex Therapy

Sex therapy supports individuals and couples with sexual difficulties and intimacy concerns.

It is confidential, non-judgemental and focused on practical change.

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Sex therapy addresses psychological, relational and emotional factors affecting sexual wellbeing. Therapists may also recommend medical assessment when appropriate.

What happens in sex therapy?

Sessions involve discussion, education and practical exercises to try at home. There is no sexual activity during sessions.

What can sex therapy help with?

Low desire or libido concerns
Erectile or arousal difficulties
Pain during sex

Confidentiality and safety

Choose a properly trained psychosexual therapist. Seek medical advice for pain, bleeding or sudden changes.

History of Sex Therapy

Sex therapy developed from psychology, counselling and sexual health disciplines. In the UK it is delivered by practitioners with specialist training and ethical standards.

Typical conditions that use Sex Therapy

Condition	Evidence	Notes
Intimacy concerns	strong	Core use for intimacy concerns.
Intimacy difficulties	strong	Communication and relational patterns are central.
Libido concerns (supportive)	strong	Core use for libido concerns.
Sexual difficulties	strong	Core scope; assess psychological + relational + physical factors.
Sexual performance anxiety (supportive)	strong	Core use for sexual performance anxiety.
Sexual wellbeing concerns (supportive)	strong	Core use for sexual wellbeing concerns.
Attachment issues	strong	Sex therapy for attachment issues affecting intimacy.
Body image concerns	strong	Sex therapy for body image in sexual context.
Erectile dysfunction	strong	Often needs medical assessment alongside therapy work.
Low libido	strong	Common presentation; explore stress, relationship, hormones/meds.
Low mood in men	strong	Sex therapy for men's sexual concerns.
Menopause symptoms	strong	Sex therapy for menopausal sexual concerns.
Painful sex (dyspareunia)	moderate	Often multidisciplinary with pelvic health/medical input.
Premature ejaculation	strong	Behavioural + anxiety reduction approaches commonly used.
Relationship conflict	strong	Sex therapy for relationship conflict.
Relationship stress (men)	strong	Sex therapy for men's relationship stress.
Vaginismus	moderate	Often multidisciplinary; consent, pacing and safety essential.
Difficulty reaching orgasm	moderate	Education + anxiety reduction + communication work.
Domestic abuse recovery support (sensitive)	moderate	Sex therapy in domestic abuse recovery.
Family conflict	moderate	Sex therapy for family/relationship conflict.
Jealousy	moderate	Sex therapy for jealousy in relationships.
Low self-esteem	moderate	Sex therapy for low self-esteem affecting sexuality.
Multiple sclerosis support (adjunct)	moderate	Sex therapy for MS sexual concerns.
Parkinson’s support (adjunct)	moderate	Sex therapy for Parkinson's sexual concerns.
PCOS support (adjunct)	moderate	Sex therapy for PCOS sexual concerns.
Performance anxiety	moderate	Often overlaps with sexual confidence and arousal issues.
Perimenopause symptoms	moderate	Sex therapy for perimenopause sexual concerns.
Peripheral neuropathy support (adjunct)	moderate	Sex therapy for peripheral neuropathy sexual impact.
PMDD support (adjunct)	moderate	Sex therapy for PMDD relationship impact.
Postnatal emotional support	moderate	Sex therapy for postnatal sexual recovery.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)	moderate	Sex therapy for PMS relationship impact.
Rheumatoid arthritis support (adjunct)	moderate	Sex therapy for RA sexual concerns.
Separation / divorce support	moderate	Sex therapy for post-divorce sexual confidence.
Shame	moderate	Sex therapy for shame in sexual context.
Stroke recovery support (adjunct)	moderate	Sex therapy for post-stroke sexual concerns.
Trust issues	moderate	Sex therapy for trust issues in relationships.
Acne-related confidence concerns	limited	Sex therapy for body image affecting intimacy.
Anxiety	moderate	Address anxiety as contributing factor when relevant.
Guilt	limited	Sex therapy for guilt affecting sexual experience.
Lipolymphoedema support	limited	Sex therapy for lipolymphoedema sexual impact.
Long-term condition coping	limited	Sex therapy for chronic illness impact on sexuality.
Lymphoedema (lymphedema)	limited	Sex therapy for lymphoedema sexual impact.
Post-surgery swelling support	limited	Sex therapy for post-surgical sexual recovery.

Frequently asked questions

Do I attend alone or with a partner?

Both options exist. Decide with your practitioner based on goals and comfort.

Will I be given exercises?

Often communication tasks or practical strategies are suggested between sessions.

Is medical input involved?

It can be. Liaison with your GP or specialist is encouraged where relevant.