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 helpSexual 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.
Sexual wellbeing concerns may include:
Many people also seek support to improve intimacy and connection within a relationship rather than to address a specific dysfunction.
A range of approaches support sexual wellbeing concerns:
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.
Showing 12 therapies linked to Sexual wellbeing concerns (supportive).
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
Helps identify and challenge the anxious thoughts and performance worries that maintain sexual difficulties, building more relaxed, confident intimacy. |
| Counsellor |
strong
|
Offers a safe, non-judgemental space to explore feelings about sex, desire and body image, easing shame that often blocks sexual wellbeing. |
| EMDR Practitioner |
strong
|
Where past trauma underlies sexual difficulties, it helps reprocess distressing memories so they no longer intrude on intimacy and arousal. |
| ISTDP Practitioner |
strong
|
Focuses on the buried emotions and defences that block closeness, helping release feelings that interfere with desire and sexual connection. |
| Psychotherapist |
strong
|
Explores deeper emotional patterns, past experiences and relationship dynamics that shape how someone experiences desire, arousal and intimacy. |
| Relationship Therapist |
strong
|
Works with both partners to improve communication about needs and expectations, reducing the relational tension that affects shared sexual wellbeing. |
| Sex Therapist |
strong
|
Specialist approach addressing concerns like low desire, arousal or pain directly, combining education and practical exercises to restore satisfying intimacy. |
| EFT Practitioner |
moderate
|
Tapping techniques may help calm anxiety linked to intimacy, but evidence is limited and it should complement, not replace, professional support. |
| Hypnotherapist |
moderate
|
May support sexual wellbeing by easing performance anxiety and tension through relaxation, though evidence is limited and it complements proper care. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
moderate
|
Can help reduce anxiety and reconnect with bodily sensation during intimacy; evidence is limited, so it best supports other appropriate care. |
| NLP Practitioner |
moderate
|
May help reframe unhelpful beliefs about sex and confidence, though evidence is limited and it works best alongside appropriate professional care. |
| Regression Therapist |
moderate
|
Aims to revisit earlier experiences thought to shape sexual difficulties; evidence is limited, so it should support rather than replace proper care. |
Psychosexual therapy is a specialist form of therapy focusing on sexual concerns, combining psychological exploration with practical exercises such as sensate focus.
No. Sex therapy is a talking therapy. There is no physical contact or explicit content in sessions.
Both options are available. Individual therapy is common and effective; partner sessions are also available for relational concerns.