Introduction to sex therapy:
Psychiatry and psychology are different from psychotherapy. Sexual problems arise either because of the following reasons:
1) Medical (such as Diabetes, heart conditions, Cancer or Neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or surgery)
2) Psychological (such as trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety or relationship problems). Medical problems can be resolved by clinical input from experts and other psychological based issues can be addressed by professionally qualified psychosexual (sex) therapists. I use EMDR Therapy for trauma related psychosomatic issues such as pain.
Psychosexual or sex therapy can be short term but can be long term as well. Sex therapy covers dysfunction (such as desire, arousal - erectile dysfunction, pain during sex, delayed/rapid ejaculation, inability to allow penetration), rape, incest, abuse, gender issues or confusion regarding sexuality. Some aspects of sex therapy requires medical knowledge and adequate specialised training.
Sex therapy can help with problems such as:
Anorgasmia
Pain on intercourse (dyspareunia)
Phobias resulting from early physical or sexual abuse
Sexual aversions
Sex addiction
Intimacy
Erectile dysfunction
Premature ejaculation
Lack of sexual desire
Penetration difficulties on intercourse
Vaginismus
Infrequent sex
Therapist will normally take a psychosexual history and might set specific tasks and exercises that you complete at home. Intimate questions may be asked during these sessions.
Psychosexual Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy is long term work, which if identified during early sessions, can be useful in exploring, understanding the past and making connection with the present. It includes an individual or a couple exploring negative patterns of behaviour or troublesome thoughts, or positive feelings in an interactive way for the purpose of problem solving or achieving higher levels of functioning. Psychotherapy aims to increase the individual's sense of his/her own well being, sense of self, development and growth in achieving a social balance. Issues such as depression, stress, anxiety, grief or loss can lead to problems of intimacy.
Supporting Clinical Services:
I have extensive experience in the management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV from a clinical and psychosocial point of view.
I work with a Sexual & Reproductive Health Consultant, based at the Cromwell Hospital, London when clients are required to be seen by a medical professional.
I work closely with Urologists, GPs, Diabetologists, Gynaecologists and other Genital Urinary Medicine (GUM) Consultants to provide holistic care for patients
