Find a Sexual Dysfunction Therapist

Understanding sexual dysfunction and how it can affect you

Sexual dysfunction is a broad term that covers difficulties with desire, arousal, pain and orgasm that interfere with your sexual wellbeing or relationships. It can affect people of any gender, age or sexual orientation, and it rarely exists in isolation - emotional stress, relationship strain, medication side-effects, long-term health conditions and past experiences can all play a part. When you experience persistent problems that cause you distress or reduce your enjoyment of intimate life, you might consider seeking help from a trained counsellor or therapist who specialises in this area.

The impact of sexual difficulties goes beyond the bedroom. You may notice increased anxiety around intimacy, avoidance of sexual contact, lowered self-esteem or tension in your relationship. Some people find the issue affects their mood and daily functioning. Therapy aims to address both the symptoms you notice and the wider factors that maintain them, so you can work towards more satisfying and sustainable ways to be intimate.

Signs you might benefit from therapy for sexual dysfunction

If you find that sexual problems are causing ongoing worry, affecting your relationship or stopping you from living the life you want, it may be time to look for specialist support. You might be experiencing persistent low desire, difficulty becoming aroused, pain during sex, difficulty reaching orgasm, or performance anxiety that prevents you from relaxing. Feeling frustrated, ashamed or reluctant to talk about sex are also common experiences that therapy can help with. A therapist can help you explore what is happening, offer practical strategies and support you to make changes at a pace that suits you.

Therapy can be helpful whether the problem began recently or has been present for years. It can also support partners when difficulties are shared, enabling you to communicate more effectively, rebuild trust and experiment with new approaches to intimacy within a guided and respectful framework.

What to expect in therapy sessions for sexual dysfunction

When you begin sessions you can expect an initial assessment where the therapist will ask about your sexual history, current concerns, relevant medical or medication factors and the effects on your emotional life and relationships. This assessment is a chance for you to outline what you want to change and to ask questions about the therapist's approach. Registered and accredited clinicians will explain their qualifications and how they work; many will note registration with bodies such as BACP, HCPC or NCPS.

Therapy itself may include a mix of talking, education, behavioural exercises and practical skills. Sessions are usually collaborative - you and your therapist agree on goals and review progress. Depending on the approach you choose, the therapist may give you exercises to try between sessions, suggest communication techniques to use with a partner, or guide you through paced re‑engagement with sexual activity. It is normal for some approaches to feel challenging at first, and a skilled therapist will go at a pace you can manage while ensuring emotional safety.

Working with health professionals

Because sexual difficulties often have both psychological and physical contributors, therapists will commonly encourage you to speak with your GP or a sexual health specialist if medical factors might be involved. Your therapist can help you prepare for that conversation and, with your consent, collaborate with other professionals to create a joined-up support plan. This collaborative stance ensures you are supported holistically and that any relevant medical checks or treatments are considered alongside therapy.

Common therapeutic approaches used for sexual dysfunction

There is no one-size-fits-all method, and therapists often draw on several approaches to meet the needs of each person or couple. Psychosexual therapy focuses directly on sexual issues and blends education, behavioural techniques and psychological work. Cognitive-behavioural therapy helps you identify and modify anxious or unhelpful thoughts about sex and practice new behaviours. Couples therapy addresses relationship patterns, communication and emotional connection that affect intimacy. Sensate focus exercises are often used to reduce performance pressure and reintroduce non-demanding intimacy through mindful, progressive touch.

Other approaches that may be integrated include acceptance-based therapies, which help you shift from battling unwanted symptoms to accepting difficult sensations while building valued action; psychodynamic work, which explores how past experiences and patterns influence present behaviour; and mindfulness techniques to increase bodily awareness and reduce anxiety. A therapist who specialises in sexual dysfunction will tailor these tools to your situation and explain why they recommend particular techniques.

How online therapy works for sexual dysfunction

Online therapy is a widely used option for sexual dysfunction and can be especially helpful if you live in a rural area, have mobility constraints, or prefer the convenience and privacy of meeting from home. You can expect to have video or telephone sessions that mirror in-person meetings in structure and content. Many therapists also offer secure messaging or homework platforms to support between-session work, though the core therapeutic relationship is maintained in live sessions.

When choosing online therapy, consider whether you want single sessions to explore an issue, a short-term focused programme or longer-term work. Discuss with the therapist how they handle sensitive exercises and whether they offer couples sessions online if that is relevant for you. It is also useful to agree what you will do if a session brings up intense emotions and how the therapist manages risk and aftercare. Registered clinicians will outline these arrangements during your first assessment.

Choosing the right therapist for sexual dysfunction

Selecting a therapist is a personal decision and you should feel comfortable asking questions before you book. Look for practitioners who state clear experience in sexual health or psychosexual therapy and who list professional registration with bodies such as BACP, HCPC or NCPS. Read profiles to understand their training, therapeutic orientation and whether they have worked with issues similar to yours - for example, desire differences, pain during sex, erectile difficulties or difficulties after illness or surgery.

Consider practical factors like appointment times, fees, whether they offer couples work and if they work online or in person. You may prefer a therapist who shares your cultural background or has explicit experience with LGBTQ+ issues, trauma-informed care or religious considerations. Many therapists provide a brief phone call or initial consultation so you can ask about their approach and get a sense of whether you can build a working relationship. Trust your instincts - if you do not feel heard or respected, it is reasonable to look for someone else.

Preparing for your first session and next steps

Before your first appointment, think about what you want to get out of therapy and any relevant medical details or medications that could affect sexual function. Write down questions or concerns so you can use the session time efficiently. Therapy is a process and progress may be gradual; celebrating small changes and staying curious about what works for you will help keep the momentum.

If you are supporting a partner, consider whether joint sessions might help alongside individual work. If safety concerns or a history of trauma are present, mention these early so the therapist can offer trauma-informed care and pace exercises appropriately. Above all, remember that seeking help is a positive step - with the right support you can learn new ways of relating, reduce anxiety around intimacy and move towards more satisfying sexual and emotional experiences.