Psychosexual therapy is a specialist form of talking therapy that explores sexual difficulties and the emotional, psychological, physical and relationship factors that may be contributing to them. It can help you understand what is happening and work towards changes that feel manageable for you.

Psychosexual therapy can support a wide range of concerns, including low or mismatched desire, erectile difficulties, premature or delayed ejaculation, difficulties reaching orgasm, painful sex, penetration difficulties, vaginismus, sexual anxiety, arousal difficulties and concerns affecting intimacy or sexual relationships.

The terms are often used interchangeably. Psychosexual therapy is specialist therapy focused on sexual wellbeing, sexual function, intimacy and the psychological and relationship factors that can affect someone’s experience of sex.

You can attend psychosexual therapy individually or as part of a couple. You do not need to be in a relationship to seek support, and whether involving a partner would be helpful can be discussed with your therapist.

Sessions involve talking with your therapist about what you are experiencing, the factors that may be contributing to it and what you would like to change. Depending on your needs, therapy may also include information, exercises or activities to work on between sessions. There is no sexual contact or physical examination as part of psychosexual therapy.

Yes. Psychosexual therapy can be helpful where erection difficulties are affected by factors such as anxiety, confidence, previous experiences or relationship dynamics. Because erection difficulties can also have physical or medical causes, your therapist may suggest speaking to your GP or another healthcare professional where appropriate.

Yes. Specialist psychosexual therapy can support people experiencing painful sex, fear or difficulty with penetration and vaginismus. Where pain or other symptoms could have a physical cause, it is also important to seek appropriate medical assessment.

Yes. Therapy can explore changes in desire, differences in sexual interest between partners and the emotional, physical, psychological or relationship factors that may be contributing to them. Low desire/libido is commonly included within specialist psychosexual services.

Yes. The Therapy Yard provides access to psychosexual therapists offering online sessions across the UK, alongside in-person appointments at selected locations. Your therapist profile will show how they work and their current availability.

No. You can arrange private psychosexual therapy directly. You do not need a GP referral to contact The Therapy Yard or choose a therapist. However, where a sexual difficulty could have a physical or medical cause, your therapist may recommend speaking with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.