Psychosexual Counselling
Key information
Where
Online, in-person, phone call
When
By appointment
Eligibility
Age range
Location restrictions
People who live, work or socialise in
Merton, Richmond, Wandsworth
Application required
Professional referral / self-registration
For adult (18+) residents in the boroughs of Wandsworth, Richmond and Merton.
What it offers
The Psychosexual Counselling service provides focused, short-term (6 sessions) support for psychosexual function and relationship concerns for adults (18+) residing in Wandsworth, Richmond or Merton boroughs.
Psychosexual Counselling or Therapy (PST) is an advanced, integrated therapy using several components: psychosexual therapy, relationship therapy, and broader psychotherapy. Psychosexual psychotherapists explore, support, guide, and inform clients who present with sexual functions issues or behaviours (for example sexual compulsivity) which may cause problems for individuals or their relationships.
Other psychosexual interventions include broader relationship-focused issues such as consensual non-monogamy, non-consensual non-monogamy or relationship breakdowns. In treating these presentations, the psychosexual therapist will focus on improving the relationship between individuals and intimate partners, acknowledging that many sexual difficulties are situational and relational.
Psychosexual presentations include:
- Painful vaginal or anal intercourse and penetration problems (i.e. vaginismus, dyspareunia)
- Erection problems and premature or delayed ejaculation
- Low sexual desire
- Inability to orgasm
- Compulsive sexual behaviours
- Sexuality, gender, erotic and relationship concerns, including specific sexual interests (BDSM, kinks and fetishes, recovery from Chemsex)
- Recovery from sexual trauma, assault and non-current childhood sexual abuse
- Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and body image issues
- Other psychosexual interventions include broader relationship-focused issues such as consensual non-monogamy, non-consensual non-monogamy or relationship breakdowns.
Service Suitability (short-term therapy)
Following the College of Sex and Relationship Therapists’ (COSRT) professional guidelines, the short-term therapy approach works best for specific types of concerns. This service may not be suitable for people currently dealing with:
- Recent or major trauma: These issues require longer-term, specialised support than the brief model can safely provide
- Active substance use or addiction: These challenges benefit from dedicated addiction services
Alternative Support Options
If this service isn't the right fit, our team can help you access:
- Other Spectra counselling services
- Appropriate external agencies like Galop, Rape Crisis England and Wales, Refuge
- Specialist referrals, i.e. to urological or pelvic physiotherapy teams referred by client’s own GP
How to Access Our Service
- Professional Referrals: We accept referrals from GPs, consultants, and other healthcare providers. Please use our Professional Referral Form below to submit a patient's details.
- Individual Enquiries: While most patients are referred by a professional, we do accept self-referrals.
Getting Started
If you're unsure if this service suits your needs, we encourage you to make contact. Our team is available to help individuals find the right support for their circumstances.
The service follows COSRT ethical guidelines.
Contact information
We can be reached on psychosexualcounselling@spectra-london.org.uk.
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