Relationships Life issue

Sexual wellbeing concerns (supportive)

Sexual wellbeing encompasses physical, emotional, and relational aspects of sexuality. Concerns about desire, satisfaction, intimacy, or sexual identity are common and deserve the same care as any other aspect of health. Sex therapy, counselling, and psychotherapy offer confidential, non-judgemental support.

See therapies that may help

What is Sexual wellbeing concerns (supportive)?

Sexual wellbeing is a broad area covering libido, arousal, satisfaction, sexual identity, relationship dynamics, and the emotional aspects of sexuality. Problems in any of these areas are common across all ages and genders.

Many people carry shame or embarrassment about sexual concerns, which delays them seeking support. Talking therapies and sex therapy are well-placed to address the psychological and relational dimensions, while medical professionals address any physiological factors.

Signs and symptoms

Sexual wellbeing concerns may include:

Low or absent desire
Difficulty with arousal or orgasm
Pain during sex
Mismatched desire within a relationship
Questions about sexual identity
The impact of illness, medication, or hormonal changes on sexuality
The effects of past experiences or trauma on sexual wellbeing

Many people also seek support to improve intimacy and connection within a relationship rather than to address a specific dysfunction.

How therapy can help

A range of approaches support sexual wellbeing concerns:

Sex therapy and psychosexual therapy — specialist approaches addressing both psychological and relational dimensions
CBT — addresses unhelpful thought patterns around sexuality and body image
Hypnotherapy — supports confidence and reduces anxiety around intimacy
EMDR — addresses trauma that may be impacting sexual wellbeing
Relationship therapy — supports couples in improving intimacy and communication around sex
Mindfulness — has good evidence for increasing sexual satisfaction and reducing performance anxiety

Seeking help

Sexual wellbeing concerns are worth addressing whenever they are causing distress or affecting quality of life or relationships. A GP can rule out medical contributors.

A sex therapist or psychosexual therapist is the specialist route; many counsellors and psychotherapists also have relevant experience.

Therapies that may help with Sexual wellbeing concerns (supportive)

Therapy	Evidence	Notes
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist	strong	Core use for sexual wellbeing concerns.
Counsellor	strong	Core use for sexual wellbeing concerns.
Psychotherapist	strong	Core use for sexual wellbeing concerns.
Relationship Therapist	strong	Core use for sexual wellbeing concerns.
Sex Therapist	strong	Core use for sexual wellbeing concerns.
EMDR Practitioner	strong	EMDR for sexual wellbeing with trauma.
Hypnotherapist	moderate	Used for sexual wellbeing concerns.
ISTDP Practitioner	strong	ISTDP for sexual wellbeing.
Mindfulness Practitioner	moderate	Mindfulness for sexual wellbeing.
EFT Practitioner	moderate	EFT for sexual wellbeing concerns.
Havening Techniques Practitioner	moderate	Havening for sexual wellbeing.
NLP Practitioner	moderate	NLP for sexual wellbeing concerns.
Regression Therapist	moderate	Regression therapy for sexual wellbeing.

Frequently asked questions

What is psychosexual therapy?

Psychosexual therapy is a specialist form of therapy focusing on sexual concerns, combining psychological exploration with practical exercises such as sensate focus.

Are sessions with a sex therapist explicit?

No. Sex therapy is a talking therapy. There is no physical contact or explicit content in sessions.

Can I attend alone or do I need a partner?

Both options are available. Individual therapy is common and effective; partner sessions are also available for relational concerns.

Find a therapist for Sexual wellbeing concerns (supportive)

Connect with a qualified therapist who has experience helping people with sexual wellbeing concerns (supportive).

Find a therapist