Sexual difficulties encompass a wide range of concerns relating to sexual function, desire, pain and satisfaction that cause personal distress or relationship difficulty. They are extremely common across genders and life stages, yet rarely discussed. Psychosexual therapy provides effective, confidential specialist support for the full range of sexual concerns.
See therapies that may helpSexual difficulties include: desire disorders (low libido, absent desire); arousal disorders (difficulty with physical arousal, erection, lubrication); orgasm disorders (difficulty reaching or reaching too quickly); pain disorders (dyspareunia, vaginismus); and concerns relating to sexual identity, behaviour or relationships.
Sexual difficulties are common — studies suggest that a significant proportion of adults experience some form of sexual difficulty at any given time. They cause significant personal distress and relationship impact and are significantly underreported and undertreated. The near-universal silence around sexual difficulties creates a false impression of rarity and prevents people from seeking the support that is widely available.
Sexual difficulties may include any of the following causing distress or relationship concern:
Psychosexual therapy is the specialist approach for sexual difficulties:
COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists) can help find accredited psychosexual therapists. Your GP can provide medical assessment and referral to NHS psychosexual services where available. Brook (for under 25s), sexual health clinics and Relate all offer sexual health and wellbeing support. You do not need a specific diagnosis to seek psychosexual therapy — any sexual concern causing you distress is a valid reason to seek support.
Showing 12 therapies linked to Sexual difficulties.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
CBT helps identify and challenge the anxious thoughts and performance worries that maintain many sexual difficulties. |
| Counsellor |
strong
|
Counselling offers a confidential space to explore the feelings, shame or relationship strains that often surround sexual difficulties. |
| EMDR Practitioner |
strong
|
EMDR can help where sexual difficulties are linked to past trauma or distressing sexual experiences. |
| ISTDP Practitioner |
strong
|
ISTDP works to release the buried emotions and anxiety that can block intimacy and contribute to sexual difficulties. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
strong
|
Mindfulness helps reduce performance anxiety and reconnect with bodily sensations during intimacy. |
| Psychotherapist |
strong
|
Psychotherapy can uncover deeper emotional or past experiences that may underlie persistent sexual difficulties. |
| Relationship Therapist |
strong
|
Relationship therapy addresses the communication and intimacy issues between partners that frequently accompany sexual difficulties. |
| Sex Therapist |
strong
|
Sex therapy uses tailored exercises and education to directly address arousal, desire and performance concerns. |
| Arts Therapist |
moderate
|
Arts therapy can offer an indirect, less confronting way to explore the emotions and shame tied to sexual difficulties. |
| EFT Practitioner |
moderate
|
EFT is sometimes used as a supportive way to ease anxiety around intimacy, though evidence for sexual difficulties is limited and it is not a substitute for proper care. |
| Hypnotherapist |
moderate
|
Hypnotherapy may help some people relax and reduce performance anxiety, but evidence is limited and it should complement appropriate professional care. |
| NLP Practitioner |
moderate
|
NLP is occasionally used to reframe anxious thinking around intimacy, though supporting evidence is limited and it is not a substitute for proper treatment. |
No — you do not need a specific diagnosis to seek psychosexual therapy. Any sexual concern that is causing you distress or affecting your relationships is a valid reason to seek support. A psychosexual therapist will assess and formulate your specific situation in the initial sessions.
Yes — sexual difficulties are extremely common. Studies consistently show that a significant proportion of adults experience some form of sexual difficulty at any given time. The silence around sexual health creates a false impression of rarity. Most sexual difficulties are treatable, and seeking support is entirely appropriate.
No — psychosexual therapy is a talking therapy. It involves psychological assessment, discussion and structured exercises or assignments to complete outside sessions. Physical examination is a medical function performed by GPs or specialists, not by psychosexual therapists.
Yes — depression, anxiety, PTSD, body image difficulties and other mental health conditions frequently affect sexual function and desire. Treating the mental health condition often improves sexual difficulties. In some cases, sexual difficulties are primarily maintained by mental health factors that respond better to general psychological therapy than to psychosexual therapy specifically.
Psychosexual therapy is fully confidential, subject to the same confidentiality standards as all psychological therapy. Therapists accredited with COSRT or BACP work within professional ethical codes that protect client confidentiality. Information is only shared without consent in specific, legally defined safeguarding circumstances.