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Psychosexual Therapy

Psychosexual Therapy Service

 

What is psychosexual therapy?

Psychosexual therapy focuses on addressing and resolving psychological issues related to sexual function, behaviour and relationships. It aims to help individuals or couples overcome sexual difficulties and improve their sexual health and well- being.

 

Problems with having sex

 

What are sexual problems?

People can experience sexual problems at any stage of life but may feel embarrassed about seeking help. These are sometimes referred to as psychosexual problems because they can be caused by psychological blocks and barriers, although there is sometimes a physical component as well.

Due to high demand for appointments in the Psychosexual Therapy Service you may need to wait for several months before your appointment comes through. Because of this we have listed some of the common sexual problems below, along with some links to educational and self-help resources which you may find useful: 

   
Problems for women include:

  • Loss of interest or desire
  • Painful sex
  • Lack of arousal (e.g. lubrication)
  • Difficulty having an orgasm

Useful Links

Men may suffer from:

  • Loss of interest or desire
  • Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
  • Ejaculating (cumming) too quickly
  • Difficulty having an orgasm

Useful links

 

What are the criteria for being referred to the West Sussex Psychosexual Therapy Service?
 

  • You live in West Sussex
  • You are over 16 years old
  • You have been referred by your GP, a sexual health clinic or another healthcare professional

 

How can I get help?

Our sexual health service is able to offer psychosexual therapy to help with these problems. Your referrer, usually your GP, will write to the psychosexual therapy service and can also provide us with any relevant details of your medical history, medications and results of relevant blood tests. You will then be placed on the waiting list and sent an appointment when your turn comes.

 

What should I expect?

At your first appointment the therapist will ask you about your problem so that a full assessment can be made. This will include trying to work out what is causing it. Sometimes the answer may be as simple as stopping or changing a particular medication you are taking. At other times the therapist may suggest exercises for you to practise between sessions.
Some people may also benefit from using certain medicines. Usually up to six sessions are given, although more may be needed in certain circumstances. Once you have had your initial assessment, your remaining sessions can be carried out by video call using a NHS-approved platform called Attend Anywhere, if this is more convenient for you.

 

Can I bring my partner?

We often encourage people to bring their partner with them so that the partner can understand more about the problem and what part they can play in helping to overcome it. There are times when the sexual problem happens because of difficulties in the relationship. At other times a sexual problem can be the cause of relationship difficulties. Because of this, the therapist will often need to ask about aspects of your relationship that may be important in finding a solution.

 

Are there any problems I can’t get help with?

We do not offer psychosexual therapy in the following situations; however we have provided some links to access support and information:

1)    Victims of recent sexual assault  

2)    Problems of gender identity/dysphoria

3)    Pornography or sex addiction, compulsive sexual behaviours

4)    Sexual practices which would be the subject of action under the criminal justice system

5)    Where the sexual problem is part of a major psychiatric disorder

6)    Relationship problems not related to the sexual disorder

While you are waiting for your first appointment there are some general points that may be useful to act on:

 

1)     Are you looking after your general health? There is a strong link between sexual health and general health, and often simple measures can make a big difference. For example, think about improving your diet, taking regular exercise, getting enough sleep and reducing alcohol consumption and smoking. Are there any improvements you could make to feel better in yourself? Even taking a half hour walk several times a week can improve blood circulation and therefore sexual functioning, as well as improving mental health.

2)     Breathing exercises. These can help you achieve the calm state that is needed before you start working on many sexual issues. You can try guided breathing exercises which you find online in videos or podcasts, or simply breath more consciously and deeply than usual (from the stomach) for a couple of minutes, breathing out for longer than you breathe in.

3)     Relaxation exercises/mindfulness. Many sexual problems are worsened by stress and anxiety. Practising mindfulness and relaxation exercises on a regular basis can be surprisingly effective in helping to resolve sexual problems. There are many apps, Youtube videos or podcasts that can be easily accessed. Find one that suits you, or just go for a walk and try to be aware of the things around you and how you are feeling both physically and mentally.

Apps to download on your phone to use whenever and wherever:

NHS videos on how to manage various feelings and moods through relaxation techniques

Pre-recordings on mindfulness and meditations

Other articles and useful links

4)    Do you know what medications you are on? And what dose? Bring a list of your medication to your initial appointment or prompt your referrer to attach recent test results, medical history and a list of current medications to the referral letter.

5)    If you have a partner, have you spoken with them about this therapy? It can be helpful to keep communication as open as you are able to, both before and during the therapy process.

 

Services offering sex therapy and relationship counselling Directories of therapists and organisations working with sexual difficulties:

 

  • www.cosrt.org.uk – College of Sexual and Relationship Therapy Find an accredited sex and relationship therapist.
  • www.pinktherapy.com – Pink Therapy Directory of therapists who work with gender, relationship and sexual diversity.
  • www.relate.org.uk – Relate Offers relationship counselling.
  • www.tccr.org.uk -Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships Offers relationship counselling.
  • www.psychologytoday.com/gb – Psychology Today Directory of therapists. Please search for those specialising in sexual difficulties or sex therapy.
  • www.counselling-directory.org.uk – Counselling directory of therapists. Please search for those specialising in sexual difficulties or sex therapy.

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Sexual Health West Sussex