Problems it can help

Sex Therapy in London

Cognitive behavioural therapy (or CBT) is the psychological treatment of choice for sexual problems.  We have a highly trained and experienced team of 22 CBT therapists in London to help overcome most emotional difficulties.  Our sex therapists have a specalist focus on sexual problems and sex therapy in our central London clinic. We have locations across London in London Bridge in the City of London, Harley Street and Victoria, London. Making us easily accessible across central London.

All therapists are accredited with the British Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies the gold standard for CBT standards and accreditation in the UK.

Our sex therapists offer help with the range of sex problems in therapy.  There are several major sexual dysfunctions.

Those in males are:

• Erectile dysfunction (inability to get or sustain a strong enough penile erection for sexual intercourse);
• retarded ejaculation (inability to reach a climax in sex easily – or at all);
• sexual addiction;
• loss or reduction of the sex drive; and
• sexual aversion (a very strong dislike for particular aspects of sex, often leading to avoidance of sex altogether).

Among females, the main problems are:

• Lack of physiological responsiveness (lack of lubrication, and/or lack of the expansion of the vaginal canal when aroused);
• anorgasmia (inability or difficulty to reach a climax);
• loss or reduction of the sex drive; vaginismus (tightening of the muscles surrounding the vagina when sexual intercourse is attempted);
• dyspareunia (intense pain in sexual intercourse); and
• sexual addiction.

Causes of sexual difficulties may be physical or psychological, or a combination.

Psychological factors are more commonly implicated than physical causes. These include:

• Anxiety about sex;
• developed unhelpful habits;
• fears of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases;
• depressed mood;
• misconception, incorrect beliefs and ignorance about sex; and
• strict moral attitudes.

Also, relationship factors can be a major cause of sexual problems. For example, unhappiness about the infidelity of a partner may well lead to loss of interest in sex.

Even when there is a physical cause for a sexual dysfunction, very often psychological factors play a part in perpetuating it.  However if physical problems are present then a referral for physical investigation may be sometimes required.

Sexual difficulties are usually treatable successfully.

There are many services available for those needing help. Sufferers may make use of self-help literature. Some general practitioners undertake treatment for these problems; however, most would refer the client to a specialist private service. These services include specialist private sex therapy clinics like ours. Some marital/relationship counselling services also offer help with these problems.

Most clients with sexual problems benefit from psychological treatments. In recent years this treatment has usually taken the form of CBT. Elements of this approach include anxiety reduction, graded retraining, work on faulty beliefs and attitudes, and work on relationship issues.

Treatment is usually offered as a package, but the elements differ reflecting the specific problems and the history and circumstances of each client. Treating the couple together is seen as the best option, but individuals who do not have partners are also treated using the same basic principles.

Physical treatments are also used and in cases where an organic cause is identified, such treatment may be the treatment of choice, but even then additional CBT helps. For erectile difficulty various techniques such as medication, injections of smooth muscle relaxants (to induce erections), vacuum devices, and penile prostheses are sometimes used. In practice, the treatment depends on a careful evaluation by the therapist, and for most the CBT approach is the best option, sometimes in combination with other methods.

If you would like to find out more or book an assessments in our London clinics then call on the number below or complete the online contact form.

Telephone: 020 7929 7911