Sexual Problems

PSYCHOSEXUAL THERAPY

An active sex life is an enjoyable and important element of a healthy relationship. However, many people encounter sexual problems at some point in their lives.

There are lots of physical and emotional reasons why this can happen, such as stress, tiredness, illness, family and work pressures, even a new baby. Lots of people find these sexual problems don’t last long. Where a problem does last, Relate Plymouth can help.

Who is it for?

Relate can help where people have stopped having sex due to physical or emotional reasons. Relate sex therapists see lots of people with sexual difficulties like:

loss of desire
erectile dysfunction
premature ejaculation
pain on intercourse
having difficulty reaching orgasm

What happens?

The first meeting with the Sex Therapist is an Initial Assessment

The Initial  Assessment for Sex Therapy is just that;  the Therapist will ask a series of questions designed to ascertain whether the difficulties clients are experiencing come under the diagnostic criteria of sexual dysfunction.

  This is Stage 1 of the Assessment for Sex Therapy.

There is a possibility of more than one outcome of this Initial Assessment, even when it is clear you are experiencing a sexual difficulty:

1 A medical referral is indicated - this does not mean that you cannot have a programme of Sex Therapy.

2 The problem is definitely of a Sexual Nature but there is no apparent Sexual Dysfunction - Couple Counselling with a sexual focus may be indicated in this case. 

3 It may become clear that problems in the couple relationship are impacting on the couple’s sex life and these need to be addressed along with the sexual issues - Couple Counselling may be indicated to improve the couple relationship.  The relationship may then either improve on its own accord; or need more specific Couple Counselling with a sexual focus.

4 It may be that the difficulty clients are experiencing is beyond the experience of the Sex Therapist or outside the remit of this Agency - in that case the Therapist may be able to suggest alternative approaches.

5 It may be that the client decides that this Agency is not the most appropriate place for them to deal with their difficulties.

6 It may be that further assessment is necessary to decide the best way forward.

Stage 2  - This consists of an in depth History Taking with each client individually.  This information will help the Therapist determine the causes of the current problem and the next appropriate course of treatment.

Stage 3 - The third stage of the process is called a Round Table,where the Therapist and clients  meet to discuss the outcome of the previous assessments and decide the most appropriate way forward. 

 If  at this point a final decision is made to proceed with therapy, the Therapist will outline your specific course of treatment and the programme will begin.

The course of treatment will consist of regular hourly session with Sex Therapist.  You will be given a programme of exercises to do at home.  You will never be asked to undertake any sexual tasks during the sessions.

93% of people who attend a course of Sexual Therapy with Relate tell us that we make their sexual relationship significantly better.