Sex Therapy
Many people – of all genders – have problems with sex at some time in their life. Problems may revolve around lack of desire or difficulty in achieving orgasm, but there are many other potential issues, including addiction to porn, pain during sex, premature ejaculation, depression, low self-esteem, trust issues and so on.
A trained sex therapist (sometimes called a psychosexual therapist) can see clients individually or as part of a couple. The sex therapist will talk through the situation with the client(s), allowing feelings on both sides to be expressed and acknowledged, and may suggest exercises or tasks.
Counsellors and therapists who are members of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists specialise in this area; Relate and the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships both offer sex therapy.
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Who benefits from sex therapy?
Sex therapy can help anyone of any age, gender, sexual orientation and health level to overcome issues which may be affecting their sex lives.
Sex therapy can be helpful for both individuals and couples. It can be very beneficial to attend with your partner as it will help both parties understand the impact the sexual issue is having on both of you, even if the issue may only physically affect one person in the couple.
Sex and relationship therapist Nicola Foster explains more
How do I talk to my therapist about sex?
Therapist Monika Dedus says:
"Both women and men have insecurities, secrets and anxieties about themselves as sexual beings and with sex as a whole. So, why are we so confused when it comes to sex? It has been said that sex is our oldest obsession. We do obsess about it, read about it, are intrigued and also scared by it. Some women tell me that they occasionally speak about sex with their girlfriends... yet interestingly enough, men tell me that sex is not discussed in any depth with their male friends.
So what do women talk about? Topics vary, from body image issues affecting them sexually, low libido, painful intercourse, vaginismus, anorgasmia, arousal difficulties, adjusting to intimate life after childbirth, surgery, illness and many others. Actually, men suffer in a very similar way but the symptoms presenting might be different: erectile difficulties, premature and delayed ejaculation, as well as sexually compulsive behaviour, is frequently described.
So although it might be uncomfortable to share sexual thoughts with people around us – who don’t (or won’t) ask, so we don’t (or won’t) tell – we must remember that sex and sexuality is an essential part of us all.
If we ask, and share, we will learn so much more about our partners, and in turn ourselves. I know I will continue to ask questions about sex, and continue to be fascinated by what I learn."
Training as a psychosexual therapist
Training as a psychosexual therapist is often something that professionals already trained as counsellors or psychotherapists undertake in order to specialise.
To become a psychosexual therapist in the UK, you can train at a number of institutions, including:
London Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy
A two-year course that combines classroom teaching and clinical placements to develop counselling and psychotherapy skills
Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy at Tavistock Relationships
A course that provides knowledge, skills, and clinical practice opportunities
CICS Professional Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy
A six-month online blended learning program that provides specialist training for qualified counsellors, psychologists, and medical professionals
MSc Contemporary Psychosexual Therapy at University Campus Doncaster
A postgraduate programme that integrates theory and practice to develop skills in working with individuals and couples
Professional Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy at Relate
A 24-month course with 16 blocks of study over the course of the programme
To gain registered status as a sex therapist, you can register with the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine (IPM) and the COSRT.
Relevant organisations
Last updated October 2024
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