Sex & Intimacy Difficulties

Psychosexual therapy, or ‘sex therapy’ as it is commonly known, focusses on our struggles around sex and intimacy. This topic remains to be one of the most common problems in our intimate relationships. Issues around sex can stem from - and in some cases, cause - relationship difficulties, which may further exacerbate the distress around sex. Many of us get stuck around our difficulties with sex, convinced that we have very unusual problems or that our problems are too hard to talk about. It’s understandable that sex and intimacy kicks up our dust, as it involves such intense vulnerability. We may find it hard to get close, feel anxious around our performance, fantasise about things that make us feel confused, lack desire altogether or feel blocked by intrusive thoughts or images that come up when we try to be sexual.

Sexual Function

There may be specific concerns related to sexual function, such as erectile difficulties, early ejaculation, or vulval pain and vaginismus. We follow the latest developments in sex research and believe that psychological and medical factors should always be considered holistically when addressing sexual function. We frequently ask our clients to meet their GPs to discuss concerns around sexual function to make sure any physical health concerns are well understood as part of a psychosexual assessment. To address any of the above issues, we will match you with one of our ‘sex therapists’ - someone who is experienced and trained to help you understand these problems and work towards helping you have the sex that you want.

Compulsive Sexual Behaviours, Chemsex and ‘Sex Addiction’

You might be feeling concerned about the amount of porn you watch, the amount you masturbate, how often you are seeking sex, or that you struggle to engage in sex without the help of drugs or ‘chems’. You may experience shame or regret after ‘risky’ sex, which might make you feel anxious or low in mood in the days that follow. The term ‘sex addiction’ is a widely used term to describe sexual behaviours that feel out of control. However, it is a term that lacks credibility in psychosexual research, and that experts understand to be pathologising and judgemental. At Harrison Psychology Group, our clinicians are trained to help you understand your sexual behaviours with compassion, empower you make change where you experience distress, and support you to have the kind of sex that you want.