Psychosexual Therapy

Sex can be one of the hardest things to talk about. Many people live with worries, frustrations, or questions about their sexuality for years before speaking to anyone. They may feel embarrassed, isolated, or wonder if there is something "wrong" with them. In reality, sexual difficulties are far more common than most people realise.

Psychosexual therapy offers a confidential, thoughtful, and non-judgemental space to explore these concerns. Whether you're experiencing changes in desire, difficulties within your relationship, anxiety about sex, or questions about your sexuality or sexual identity, therapy can help you better understand what you're experiencing and move towards a more satisfying and authentic sexual life.

Despite what society, social media, or popular culture often suggests, there is no single definition of "normal" when it comes to sexuality, desire, relationships, or sexual interests. Comparing ourselves to unrealistic expectations can leave us feeling confused, inadequate, or ashamed. Therapy offers the opportunity to step away from these expectations and develop a relationship with your sexuality that feels authentic, comfortable, and right for you.

Sexual difficulties can arise for many reasons. Sometimes there is a physical cause. Often, emotional experiences, relationship dynamics, anxiety, stress, trauma, or long-held beliefs about sex continue to shape how we experience intimacy in the present. For some people, therapy is about resolving a specific sexual difficulty. For others, it is about understanding and accepting aspects of themselves that may have felt confusing, hidden, or difficult to talk about.

Areas I Can Help With

I work with individuals and couples experiencing a wide range of psychosexual concerns, including:

Low sexual desire or differences in sexual desire within relationships.
Erectile difficulties and premature ejaculation.
Pain during sex and difficulties with orgasm.
Performance anxiety.
Shame, guilt, or anxiety relating to sex.
Compulsive sexual behaviour and problematic pornography or internet use.
Sexual identity and orientation.
Gender identity and exploration.
Kink, fetish, BDSM, and alternative sexual interests.
Consensual non-monogamy and relationship diversity.
Chemsex and the relationship between sex and substance use.
The impact of sexual trauma or abuse.
Difficulties with intimacy, communication, and emotional closeness.

Whatever brings you to therapy, you will be met with openness, respect, and curiosity rather than judgement.

How We Might Work Together

Every person's experience is unique, so there is no single approach to psychosexual therapy.

Our work begins by understanding what has brought you to therapy and exploring the emotional, relational, psychological, and, where relevant, physical factors that may be contributing to your difficulties. As we develop a clearer understanding of your experiences, we can decide together on the most appropriate way forward.

My work draws upon psychodynamic, person-centred, cognitive behavioural, and psychosexual approaches, adapting therapy to your individual needs rather than asking you to fit a particular model.

Depending on your circumstances, our work may include:

Understanding how past experiences continue to influence your sexual relationships today.
Challenging unhelpful beliefs, myths, or expectations about sex.
Developing greater confidence in communicating your needs, desires, and boundaries.
Improving emotional and physical intimacy within relationships.
Practical exercises to support specific sexual difficulties where appropriate.
Helping partners understand and navigate differences in desire, preferences, or expectations.
Exploring the role of medication, medical interventions, or sex aids where these may be beneficial.
Adapting to changes in sexuality across different stages of life.

While therapy can include practical strategies, lasting change often comes through understanding ourselves more deeply. When we can make sense of our experiences without shame or self-criticism, it becomes easier to develop a healthier and more fulfilling relationship with ourselves, our partners, and our sexuality.

Whether you attend as an individual or with your partner, therapy offers a confidential space where nothing is off limits. Many people tell me it is the first place they have ever felt able to speak openly about their sexual experiences. Simply being able to put words to those experiences can be the beginning of meaningful and lasting change.