Psychosexual help

It can sometimes be difficult to talk about personal and intimate sexual problems but, there are many services that offer help in a confidential and supportive way. Psychosexual services are available through the NHS. General Practitioners (GPs) and specialist sexual health services are there to discuss any problems a person may have about their sex lives.

It is recommended that you visit your GP or Integrated Sexual Health clinic about any physical sexual problems before considering psychosexual therapy. Your GP can check if the problem has a physical cause that needs medical rather than psychological treatment.

To find out about psychosexual services near you follow the link below:

What is psychosexual therapy?

Psychosexual therapy is a talking-based treatment, provided by a qualified counsellor, doctor or allied health professional. They are trained to help people with issues relating to sex. Sexual difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of gender or sexuality, and are more common than people think.

Psychosexual clinics can help with sexual problems such as:

• a lack of desire
• difficulty having an orgasm
• pain during sex or an inability to have penetrative sex
• difficulty getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• premature ejaculation or other ejaculation problems

What happens in a psychosexual clinic?

The therapist/specialist will listen to your problem(s) and assess whether the cause might be psychological, physical, or a combination of the two.

Each therapy session is confidential. You may attend sessions alone, or if the problem includes your partner it may be better to attend therapy together. Talking about your problems will enhance your understanding of what is happening and the possible rea sons why. The therapist may give you exercises to try with your partner in your own time.

A session usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes and you may be advised to have weekly or monthly sessions depending on your problem.

How can I find help with sexual difficulties?

It is recommended that you visit your GP or Integrated Sexual Health clinic first so they can check whether your problem has a physical cause. Your GP might refer you to a specialist clinic if they think it will help you. However, these clinics may not available with the NHS in all areas.

You can also visit a therapist/specialist privately, which you will need to pay for. It is important that you see a fully qualified, registered specialist. Look for one who is a member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) or the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine. Organizations such as Relate also offer sex therapy for a fee.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, psychosexual services might be limited to telephone or video therapy and counselling.

To find out about psychosexual services near you follow the link below:

Useful websites

Find a specialist in South Wales via the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine at www.ipm.org.uk

COSRT is the professional body for Psychosexual and Relationship Therapists in the UK, to access their specialist therapists visit www.cosrt.org.uk/search members

Sex Therapy is provided at many local Relate services across England and Wales. For more information on Relate, click the ‘Relationships’ tab at the top of our home page.

Fumble is a sex education charity that offers digital content on sex and relationships. They offer non judgemental advice and information for young people of all genders and sexualities. For more information visit www.fumble.org.uk