Sex therapy, also called psychosexual therapy, is not just for couples or “fixing” relationships. It is for anyone who wants to understand themselves, their sexuality, or their emotional connections better. Whether you are single, dating, exploring your sexual identity, or in a relationship, therapy can help you navigate challenges, increase pleasure, and feel more confident in your body and your choices.
Therapy sometimes gets a bad reputation. Many people think it is only for those with serious problems, but in reality, it can benefit all of us. Talking about your sexual health, desires, and experiences is one of the most empowering forms of self-care.
What Psychosexual Therapy Actually Is
Psychosexual therapy is a talking-based therapy. There is no physical contact involved. It provides a confidential and safe space where you can explore your sexual difficulties, intimacy and relationship patterns, communication issues, and beliefs or experiences that affect how you relate to yourself and others.
Sexual difficulties and emotional challenges around intimacy are common, and therapy is not about “fixing” you. The goal is to help you feel more aware, empowered, and satisfied, whether you are exploring your sexuality alone or with a partner.
Who Can Psychosexual Therapy Help?
Therapists trained in psychosexual and relationship therapy work with individuals and couples. They can support a wide range of concerns, including:
Sexual Health and Pleasure
- Low, high, or fluctuating sexual desire
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Painful sex (vaginismus, dyspareunia)
- Challenges with erections, ejaculation, or arousal
- Exploring sexuality, orientation, or identity
- Coming to terms with asexuality or changes in desire
Relationships and Intimacy
- Communication and emotional connection
- Mismatched sexual needs or expectations
- Conflict or tension in relationships
- Relationship stress linked to sexual difficulties
- Rebuilding intimacy after trauma or rupture
Life Events and Identity
- Gender identity exploration
- Infertility or family planning stress
- Processing trauma or abuse
- Support for harmful sexual behaviours (specialist work)
Therapy is personalised. Whether you are single or in a relationship, the focus is on helping you feel confident, safe, and in control of your sexual and emotional life.
Psychotherapy Versus Counselling
The terms psychotherapy and counselling are often used interchangeably, but they are different. Choosing the wrong type can lead to disappointment if you expect one style and experience the other.
COSRT defines them like this:
Psychotherapy is usually longer-term. It explores the deeper roots of emotional, relational, or sexual difficulties. This may include past experiences, attachment patterns, and beliefs about yourself, others, and sexuality. Psychotherapy looks at the underlying causes of difficulties rather than just managing symptoms.
Counselling is usually shorter-term and more structured. It focuses on the here and now and sets goals for your sessions. Counselling often involves learning practical tools and techniques to manage challenges, cope with difficult emotions, or develop healthier behaviours.
Both approaches are valuable. The right choice depends on your needs and what you want to focus on in therapy.
Finding a Qualified Sex Therapist
Unfortunately, the titles “sex therapist” and “psychosexual therapist” are not legally regulated in the UK. This means anyone can call themselves a sex therapist after minimal training.
To make sure you are receiving safe, evidence-based support, it is important to choose a therapist who is properly accredited.
Trusted registers include:
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United Kingdom
- COSRT – College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists. The main accredited register for psychosexual and relationship therapists in the UK. https://www.cosrt.org.uk
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United States
- AASECT – American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Accredits sex therapists, educators, and counsellors in the US. https://www.aasect.org
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Canada
- CASAT – Canadian Association for Sexuality Educators, Counsellors, and Therapists. Accredited sex therapists and counsellors across Canada. https://www.caset.ca
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Australia
- SAS – The Society of Australian Sexologists. Maintains an accredited register of qualified sex therapists. https://societyaustraliansexologists.org.au/
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Europe (general)
- EFSRT – European Federation of Sexology and Sex Therapy. Works with national associations to accredit therapists across Europe. https://www.efsrt.eu
If private therapy is not affordable, your NHS GP can refer you for a limited number of free sessions. Some charities and community organisations also offer reduced-fee support.
A Final, Reminder
Sexual and relationship difficulties are normal. They are common and human. You are not broken.
Psychosexual therapy is a space where you can explore yourself, understand your needs, and work towards more fulfilling sexual and emotional connections. Whether you are single or in a relationship, therapy can help you feel more confident, empowered, and in tune with your sexuality.
