Therapy for Sex Issues in London – Professional Psychosexual Support

Therapy for sex issues in London provides professional psychological support for individuals and couples experiencing sexual difficulties. Treatment addresses erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, low libido, painful intercourse, and relationship intimacy concerns through evidence-based psychotherapy approaches.

Sexual concerns can feel isolating, but you’re far from alone. Whether you’re struggling with physical symptoms, emotional barriers, or relationship challenges around intimacy, professional support can make a profound difference. Here in London, our psychotherapy practice offers a confidential, compassionate space where you can explore and address sexual difficulties without judgment.

What Are Sexual Concerns and How Do They Impact Daily Life?

Definition: Sexual concerns encompass any physical, psychological, or relational difficulties that interfere with sexual satisfaction, including dysfunction, pain, low desire, or performance anxiety.

What Sexual Issues Can Therapy Help With?

Key Issues Treated:

• Erectile dysfunction and performance anxiety
• Vaginismus and painful intercourse
• Low libido or mismatched desire
• Premature or delayed ejaculation
• Difficulty achieving orgasm
• Sexual trauma recovery
• Communication about intimacy

Sexual problems affect people from all walks of life. According to recent BACP data, 35% of UK adults have sought therapy at some point, with many seeking help for intimate concerns. As a qualified sex therapist in London, I work with issues that might stem from psychological factors, physical conditions, or often a complex interplay between the two.

The distinction between physical and psychological causes isn’t always clear-cut. What starts as a one-off physical issue can spiral into psychological worry, creating a cycle that feels impossible to break. That’s where psychosexual counselling in London becomes invaluable, helping you untangle these threads and find your way back to comfortable, fulfilling intimacy.

How Do Sexual Problems Affect Relationships and Wellbeing?

Impact Summary: Sexual difficulties affect self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, mental health, and overall quality of life. Research shows 66.5% of those seeking sexual dysfunction therapy are women, though men increasingly recognise the value of professional support.

Living with sexual difficulties touches every aspect of your wellbeing. You might notice yourself withdrawing from your partner, not just sexually but emotionally too. NHS statistics reveal that therapy referrals have increased significantly, with sexual health concerns being a major factor.

The emotional toll includes:

• Persistent anxiety about intimate situations
• Reduced self-confidence and self-worth
• Relationship tension and communication breakdown
• Avoidance of dating or intimate relationships
• Depression or mood changes

The connection between mental health and sexual wellbeing runs deep; addressing one often brings relief to the other. This interconnection is why therapeutic support addresses both psychological and relational aspects of sexual concerns.

What Types of Sexual Issues Are Treated?

What Help Is Available for Male Sexual Problems?

Summary: Male sexual issues including erectile dysfunction therapy in London addresses physical and psychological factors. Treatment includes cognitive-behavioural approaches, mindfulness techniques, and communication strategies. Up to 1 in 5 UK men experience erectile difficulties.

Common Male Sexual Concerns:

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

• Affects up to one in five men across the UK
• Can be psychological (performance anxiety) or physical
• Creates cycles of worry and avoidance
• Treatable through therapy and/or medical intervention

Premature Ejaculation

• Most common male sexual complaint
• Often rooted in anxiety or conditioning
• Behavioural techniques can extend control
• Success rates high with consistent therapy

Low Sexual Desire

• Affects approximately 15% of men
• Often linked to stress, depression, or relationship issues
• Challenges societal expectations of male sexuality
• Responds well to integrated therapeutic approaches

Performance anxiety creates its own vicious cycle in male sexual therapy needs. One difficult experience leads to worry about the next time, and that worry practically guarantees problems will continue. Online psychosexual therapy UK-wide has made support more accessible for men who might feel embarrassed seeking help locally.

What Support Exists for Female Sexual Difficulties?

Summary: Female sexual issues therapy addresses vaginismus, low libido, orgasmic difficulties, and painful intercourse. Treatment combines psychological therapy with body awareness and medical consultation when needed. Research indicates 1 in 3 women experience low sexual desire.

Common Female Sexual Concerns:

Vaginismus and Painful Intercourse

• Involuntary muscle tensing makes penetration difficult or impossible
• Often involves fear and avoidance cycles
• Vaginismus therapy in London uses gradual desensitisation

Low Libido/Hypoactive Sexual Desire

• Affects one in three women at some point
• Can be hormonal, psychological, or relational
• May fluctuate with life stages
• Treatment addresses underlying causes

Anorgasmia (Difficulty Reaching Orgasm)

• Primary (never experienced) or secondary (lost ability)
• Often linked to psychological factors
• May involve body awareness work
• Success improves with patience and appropriate techniques

The inability to achieve orgasm despite wanting to can feel like your body has betrayed you. Female sexual issues therapy provides a safe space to explore these concerns without pressure or judgment.

How Does Couples Sex Therapy Work?

Summary: Couples sex therapy in London addresses mismatched desire, communication difficulties, and rebuilding intimacy after challenges. Sessions focus on both partners’ needs, improving understanding, and developing practical strategies for enhanced connection.

Key Areas for Couples:

Desire Discrepancy

• One partner wants more/less frequent intimacy
• Creates pursue-withdraw dynamics
• Addresses both partners’ needs
• Focuses on quality over quantity

Communication Barriers

• Difficulty expressing needs or preferences
• Fear of hurting partner’s feelings
• Shame or embarrassment about desires
• Building vocabulary for intimate discussions

Rebuilding After Challenges

• Infidelity recovery
• Post-baby intimacy
• Health issues affecting sexuality
• Life transitions impacting connection

Relationship counselling for sexual issues helps couples navigate these sensitive topics with professional guidance, creating space for both vulnerability and growth.

What Is Our Therapeutic Approach to Sexual Concerns?

What Therapy Methods Do We Use?

Summary: Our integrative sex therapy combines cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic exploration, mindfulness, and body awareness techniques. This comprehensive approach addresses thoughts, emotions, physical responses, and relational patterns affecting sexual wellbeing.

Core Therapeutic Approaches:

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Identifies unhelpful thought patterns
• Challenges negative beliefs about sexuality
• Develops practical coping strategies
• Homework exercises between sessions

Psychodynamic Exploration

• Examines how past experiences shape current difficulties
• Explores early messages about sexuality
• Understands relationship patterns
• Processes unresolved emotional issues

Mindfulness and Body Awareness

• Present-moment focus during intimacy
• Reduced performance pressure
• Enhanced pleasure awareness
• Stress reduction techniques

As a UKCP registered psychotherapist in London specialising in sexual issues, I integrate these methods based on your unique needs and comfort level. This tailored approach ensures therapy addresses your specific concerns effectively.

How Does Buddhist-Influenced Therapy Help Sexual Issues?

Summary: Buddhist-influenced psychotherapy for sexual concerns incorporates mindfulness, non-judgmental awareness, and acceptance. This approach reduces performance anxiety and increases present-moment connection during intimate experiences.

Core Process Psychotherapy, as outlined in our practice philosophy, recognises both conditioned patterns and inherent wholeness. This perspective brings particular benefits to sexual concerns:

Present-Moment Awareness

• Reduces rumination about past “failures”
• Decreases future performance anxiety
• Enhances sensory experience
• Improves emotional connection

Non-Judgmental Observation

• Releases harsh self-criticism
• Accepts natural variations in desire
• Reduces shame and embarrassment
• Creates space for curiosity

This holistic sex therapy approach in London doesn’t require any religious belief – it simply draws on centuries of wisdom about human experience and suffering.

What Makes Our Therapy Space Safe and Inclusive?

Summary: Our confidential psychosexual therapy practice welcomes all genders, sexual orientations, and relationship structures. Strict confidentiality, professional boundaries, and cultural sensitivity ensure a safe therapeutic environment.

Our Commitment Includes:

• Complete confidentiality (with legal safety exceptions)
• LGBTQ+ affirmative practice
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Non-judgmental professional stance
• Flexible individual or couples sessions

Mark runs a fully inclusive, equal opportunities psychotherapy practice, as stated in our core values. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+, are in a non-traditional relationship structure, or have specific cultural considerations, you’ll find acceptance and understanding here.

What Should I Expect from Psychosexual Therapy?

What Happens in the First Sex Therapy Session?

Summary: Initial sex therapy assessment involves discussing your concerns, relevant history, and therapy goals. Sessions last 50 minutes, maintaining professional boundaries while creating a comfortable environment for sensitive discussions.

First Session Components:

Comprehensive Assessment

• Current symptoms and duration
• Medical history and medications
• Relationship status and history
• Previous therapy or treatment attempts
• Personal goals and expectations

Goal Setting

• Identifying primary concerns
• Establishing realistic expectations
• Creating initial treatment plan
• Discussing session frequency
• Addressing any immediate questions

Your first sex therapy session in London focuses on understanding your unique situation without pressure to disclose more than feels comfortable.

How Long Does Sexual Issues Therapy Take?

Summary: Sexual therapy duration varies from 6-8 sessions for specific issues to longer-term work for complex concerns. Most clients see initial improvements within 4-6 sessions, with significant changes typically occurring within 3-6 months.

Typical Timeline Patterns:

Short-Term (6-12 sessions)

• Specific performance anxiety
• Communication skills
• Educational concerns
• Simple behaviour modification

Medium-Term (3-6 months)

• Vaginismus treatment
• Erectile dysfunction with psychological factors
• Orgasmic difficulties
• Relationship intimacy issues

Longer-Term (6+ months)

• Complex trauma history
• Deep-seated relationship patterns
• Multiple interconnected issues
• Personality factors affecting sexuality

Progress in psychosexual therapy follows individual patterns – some experience rapid shifts while others benefit from gradual exploration.

Can I Have Online Sex Therapy Sessions?

Summary: Online sex therapy via Skype, Telephone, or FaceTime offers the same professional support as in-person sessions. Virtual therapy provides accessibility, convenience, and additional privacy for discussing intimate concerns.

Online Therapy Benefits:

• No travel time or costs
• Access from anywhere in the UK
• Enhanced privacy and discretion
• Comfort of familiar environment
• Flexible scheduling options

Face-to-face sessions take place at our Central London location at 8 Hop Gardens, St Martins Lane, WC2N 4EH. However, online psychosexual therapy has proven remarkably effective, with many clients preferring the additional privacy of virtual sessions.

Why Choose Private Psychosexual Therapy?

What Are the Benefits of Private vs NHS Sex Therapy?

Summary: Private sex therapy in London offers immediate access without GP referral, no waiting lists, choice of therapist, and flexible session scheduling. NHS services, while valuable, often have months-long waiting lists for specialised sexual therapy.

Private Therapy Advantages:

Immediate Access

• Start therapy within days, not months
• No GP referral required
• Direct booking available
• Crisis support when needed

Treatment Flexibility

• Choose your preferred approach
• Adjust session frequency as needed
• Combine individual and couples work
• Extended sessions available if required

Complete Privacy

• No medical records shared
• Choose level of disclosure
• Confidential billing
• Discrete location

Research indicates NHS waiting times for psychological therapies can exceed three months, with specialised psychosexual services often having longer waits.

Who Is Your Sex Therapist?

Summary: Mark Shiels is a UKCP registered therapist in London with extensive training in integrative psychotherapy. Qualifications include BA BTh MPhil ACPP, with specialised training from the Karuna Institute in Buddhist Psychology and Western psychotherapy.

Professional Credentials:

• UKCP Registered Psychotherapist
• Core Process Psychotherapy training
• Masters in Philosophy, Trinity College Dublin
• Years of clinical experience
• Ongoing professional development

Mark’s unique background combines Western psychological training with contemplative Eastern approaches. This integration enables a nuanced understanding of sexual and relationship concerns, addressing both psychological symptoms and deeper existential questions about intimacy and connection.

What matters beyond credentials is the quality of therapeutic relationship. Mark brings professional expertise balanced with genuine warmth and acceptance, creating optimal conditions for healing and growth.

How Do I Start Sex Therapy?

When Should I Seek Help for Sexual Problems?

Summary: Seek sexual therapy when concerns persist for over six months, cause distress, affect relationships, or don’t respond to self-help. Warning signs include avoiding intimacy, relationship tension, or significant mood changes related to sexual issues.

Key Indicators for Seeking Help:

• Problems persisting beyond 6 months
• Increasing avoidance of intimacy
• Relationship strain or conflict
• Mood changes (anxiety, depression)
• Failed self-help attempts
• Physical symptoms without medical cause
• Partner expressing concern

Research from BACP shows that 75% of people who try therapy find it helpful. Don’t wait for problems to become severe – early intervention often means quicker resolution.

How Should I Prepare for Sex Therapy?

Summary: Prepare for therapy by reflecting on when problems started, what you’ve already tried, and what you hope to achieve. No special preparation is required – just openness to the process and willingness to engage.

Helpful Preparation Steps:

• Note when difficulties began
• List current medications
• Consider your therapy goals
• Prepare any specific questions
• Arrange private time for online sessions
• Remember: nervousness is normal

You won’t be pressured to discuss anything you’re not ready to explore. The pace of sexual health therapeutic support is entirely yours to set.

How Do I Book a Consultation?

Contact Information:

• Phone: 07973 890 164 or 0207 2093224
• Email: mark@buddhistpsychotherapy.org.uk
• Location: 8 Hop Gardens, St Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4EH
• Options: In-person or online sessions available

Taking that first step might feel daunting, but support is readily available. An initial consultation allows you to assess whether this approach suits your needs without any obligation to continue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sex Therapy

Is Sex Therapy Completely Confidential?

Yes, all therapy sessions are completely confidential. The only legal exceptions involve serious risk of harm to yourself or others, which would be discussed with you. Nothing is shared without explicit consent, and records remain private.

Do I Need My Partner to Attend Sex Therapy?

No, you can attend individually or as a couple. Some concerns benefit from individual exploration first, while others suit couples work from the start. We can discuss the best approach for your situation and adjust as therapy progresses.

What’s the Difference Between Sex Therapy and Medical Treatment?

Sex therapy addresses psychological and emotional aspects through talking therapy and behavioural exercises. Medical treatment involves physical interventions like medication or hormones. Often, combining both approaches provides the most comprehensive support. As a private psychotherapist in London, I work alongside medical professionals when appropriate.

How Quickly Will I See Results?

Initial improvements often occur within 4-6 sessions, though this varies significantly. Simple concerns might resolve quickly, while complex issues benefit from longer exploration. Regular review ensures therapy remains effective and responsive to your needs.

Do You Work with LGBTQ+ Clients?

Absolutely. Our practice is fully inclusive and affirming of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures. We understand the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals may face and provide knowledgeable, accepting support.

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In Conclusion: Sexual difficulties don’t have to define your life or relationships. Whether you’re seeking erectile dysfunction therapy in London, support for vaginismus, or help with relationship intimacy, professional psychosexual support can facilitate meaningful change.

Your sexual wellbeing deserves attention and care. When you’re ready to take that first step, confidential, professional support awaits. Contact us today to begin your journey toward renewed intimacy and sexual satisfaction.