Psychosexual therapy is a method of therapy which aims to help people who suffer from psychological sexual difficulties. Clients may suffer from temporary or long term issues, and be of any age or sexual orientation. Sexual difficulties can often be embarrassing to talk about, even to a partner, so a psychosexual therapist can provide professional, empathetic and objective support on sexual matters.
Psychosexual therapists can help clients to overcome issues such as the following:
- Recent lack of sexual desire
- painful intercourse
- difficulties with orgasm
- arousal disorders
- erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation
- post-abuse
- breakdown in a relationship
- not being able to achieve penetrative sex
- sexual anxieties
- menopause
- pregnancy and postnatal sex
- poor body image which affects intimacy
Psychosexual therapy does not involve medical examinations or any sexual acts; therapists are trained to listen and work through a client’s sexual issues and emotions only. Past events may be identified which have caused present difficulties such as sexual abuse which the therapist can discuss with their client. A treatment plan will be devised, which may incorporate exercises such as sensual touching for the client to practice alone or with a partner. Sex therapy can also help people suffering from chronic illnesses and disabilities by providing other solutions in order to achieve sexual intimacy such as artificial aids.
Professional psychosexual therapists should have been trained in a post-graduate diploma in psychosexual therapy and have taken part in at least 200 hours of supervised clinical work.