Many people experience difficulties in their sexual relationship at some time or other in their lives. Sometimes things get better without needing to seek help from anybody else but sometimes go from bad to worse.

Many clients say that sexual difficulties are at the route of their relationship problems, for example one partner wanting sex more than the other, addiction to or use of pornography etc.

Relate sex therapy also helps couples and individuals (gay, lesbian or straight) overcome specific sexual dysfunctions. One common example is Erectile Dysfunction which affects 1 in 10 men over the age of 40.

Who is the service for?

Psychosexual Therapy is for individuals and couples who are aged over 18. It is aimed at couples who are in a steady relationship and are prepared to come to sessions together. It is also for individuals who are not currently in a relationship but struggle with sexual issues. It is designed for people of all sexual orientations and backgrounds. Therapists will never make judgements about your sex life.

Who are the therapists?

Our psychosexual therapists are all experienced relationship counsellors who have also undertaken the Relate Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy

What can I do if I feel shy about my problem?

Everything you say will be treated confidentially. Many people find that sexual problems are difficult to talk about and the therapist understands this and will quickly put you at your ease.

What happens in PST?

You and your therapist will take time to decide whether the PST service is right for you. If you decide to go ahead the therapist will design a programme tailored to your individual needs. You will be given tasks designed to improve your understanding of your own and your partner’s sexual and emotional needs; to undo faulty or unhelpful learning about sexuality; to encourage open and positive communication and changed behaviour and to diminish performance anxiety. Our Therapists use their specialist relationship counselling skills to work with you in a holistic way, so whilst the focus of the work remains the sexual problems, you can also spend time looking at your relationship, and the impact the sexual dysfunction is having on their relationship.

The outcome of the service is that the couple or individual feel able to have an intimate relationship, or that their sexual relationship is improved

During the sessions sexual matters will be talked about in depth but you will never be asked to undertake any sexual tasks in the session - only at home.

How long does therapy take?

This varies, naturally, but most couples attend on average between twelve and fourteen times.

man and woman hugging