Psychosexual therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore and address issues related to sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. Whether it's coping with sexual dysfunctions, navigating concerns around desire or arousal, or managing the impact of trauma on sexual well-being, psychosexual therapy provides a specialised approach to help individuals and couples enhance their sexual health and satisfaction.

In psychosexual therapy, addressing shame surrounding sexuality is a vital aspect of the healing process. Shame often emerges from societal norms, cultural influences, past traumas, or internalised beliefs, significantly impacting sexual well-being and relationships. Below are just some of the presenting issues I’ve worked with.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. It can be caused by physical factors such as medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) or psychological factors like anxiety, stress, or performance pressure.

Premature Ejaculation (PE): Premature ejaculation refers to ejaculating sooner than desired during sexual activity, leading to distress or relationship difficulties. Psychological factors such as anxiety, guilt, or relationship problems, as well as physiological factors, can contribute to PE.

Vaginismus: Vaginismus is a condition characterised by involuntary tightening of the muscles around the vagina, making penetration painful or impossible. It can be triggered by fear, anxiety, past trauma, or negative associations with sex.

Low Libido (Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder): Low libido refers to a persistent lack of interest in sexual activity, which may lead to distress or relationship problems. Causes can include hormonal imbalances, relationship issues, stress, depression, or underlying medical conditions.

Sexual Trauma and Abuse: Sexual trauma and abuse can have profound effects on an individual's sexual well-being, leading to issues such as flashbacks, anxiety, dissociation during sex, or difficulty establishing trust and intimacy in relationships.

Relationship and Intimacy Issues: Relationship and intimacy issues can encompass a wide range of concerns, including communication problems, infidelity, loss of connection, mismatched sexual desires, or difficulty establishing intimacy and trust.

Delayed Ejaculation (DE): Delayed ejaculation involves a persistent difficulty or inability to ejaculate, even with adequate sexual stimulation. Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, as well as physical factors like medication side effects, can contribute to DE.

Anorgasmia: Anorgasmia refers to the inability to achieve orgasm despite adequate sexual arousal and stimulation. It can be lifelong or acquired and may result from psychological factors, medical conditions, medications, or relationship issues.

Body Image Concerns: Body image concerns can impact sexual self-esteem and satisfaction. Individuals may struggle with feeling insecure or ashamed about their bodies, leading to avoidance of sexual activity or difficulty connecting with a partner.

Mismatched Sexual Desire: Mismatched sexual desire occurs when partners in a relationship have differing levels of interest in sexual activity. This disparity can lead to frustration, resentment, and conflicts within the relationship.

Sexual Pain Disorders: Sexual pain disorders encompass a range of conditions, including dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) and vulvodynia (chronic vulvar pain). These issues can have physical, psychological, or relational causes and require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

Infertility-related Sexual Concerns: Infertility and fertility treatments can impact sexual intimacy and satisfaction for individuals and couples. Psychosexual therapy can address concerns related to stress, grief, body image, and relationship dynamics associated with infertility.

Sexual Identity Exploration: Individuals may seek psychosexual therapy to explore and understand their sexual identity, which can involve questioning or clarifying aspects such as sexual orientation, gender identity, or romantic attraction.

Sexual Dysfunction due to Medication or Medical Conditions: Certain medications or medical conditions can contribute to sexual dysfunction, such as antidepressant-induced sexual side effects or sexual difficulties associated with chronic illnesses like diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

Postpartum Sexual Concerns: Postpartum sexual concerns can arise following childbirth and may include issues such as changes in libido, discomfort during intercourse, or body image insecurities related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Menopause-related Sexual Changes: Menopause can bring about hormonal changes that affect sexual desire, arousal, and vaginal health. Psychosexual therapy can help individuals navigate these changes and maintain sexual well-being during this life transition.

Sexual Performance Anxiety: Sexual performance anxiety involves feelings of fear, pressure, or self-doubt related to sexual performance, which can lead to difficulties achieving or maintaining arousal or orgasm during sexual activity.

I provide a supportive and non-judgmental space for individuals and couples to explore their sexual concerns. Through compassionate listening, evidence-based interventions, and personalised treatment plans, I help clients navigate challenges related to sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. My goal is to empower clients to address underlying factors, cultivate sexual self-esteem, and enhance their overall well-being in a safe and affirming environment.