If you have been wondering what psychosexual therapy actually is, you are not alone. Despite being one of the most effective approaches available for sexual health challenges, it remains poorly understood by many of the people who could benefit most from it. This guide sets out to answer the question plainly and honestly, so that you can decide whether it might be right for you.

What is psychosexual therapy?

Psychosexual therapy is a specialist form of talking therapy that addresses the psychological, emotional and relational aspects of sexual health. It is delivered by a trained practitioner who understands both the clinical and psychological dimensions of sexual difficulties, and who works with individuals and couples to identify what is contributing to the problem and how to address it effectively.

It is distinct from general counselling or relationship therapy in that it focuses specifically on sexual wellbeing. Whilst it may touch on broader emotional themes — such as self-esteem, past experiences or relationship dynamics — its primary aim is to help people overcome sexual difficulties and rebuild intimacy and confidence.

The College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) is the professional body that sets the standards for psychosexual therapy in the United Kingdom. Practitioners working in this field are expected to have specialist training in sexual health alongside broader therapeutic qualifications.

What kinds of difficulties does psychosexual therapy address?

Psychosexual therapy is relevant to a wide range of sexual health challenges. These include:

• Erectile dysfunction, including difficulties related to anxiety, performance pressure or psychological causes
• Low libido or a significant change in sexual desire
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Pain during sex
• Intimacy difficulties following illness, surgery or cancer treatment
• Sexual anxiety or shame
• Relationship difficulties where sexual problems are a significant factor

Many of these difficulties have both psychological and physical dimensions. Psychosexual therapy works with both, often in conjunction with medical investigation or treatment where appropriate.

How is psychosexual therapy different from sex therapy?

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a distinction worth noting. Sex therapy is a broader term that may refer to any therapeutic approach to sexual difficulties, including some that are largely behavioural in focus. Psychosexual therapy typically implies a deeper engagement with the psychological and relational factors that underlie the presenting difficulty.

For Lorraine Grover, whose background is in clinical nursing as well as psychosexual practice, the approach integrates medical understanding with psychological insight — a combination that is particularly well suited to difficulties where physical and emotional factors are both at play.

What does a psychosexual therapy session involve?

Many people are uncertain about what actually happens in a session, and this uncertainty can be one of the things that puts them off seeking support. The answer is simpler than many expect.

Sessions are talking-based. There is no physical examination or contact of any kind. You will be invited to share what you are experiencing, at your own pace and in your own words. The therapist will listen, ask questions to help build understanding, and work collaboratively with you to identify the patterns and factors that are contributing to the difficulty.

Depending on what emerges, sessions may also include practical exercises to try at home — such as sensate focus, which is a graduated approach to rebuilding physical closeness without performance pressure — alongside cognitive techniques for managing anxiety and communication strategies for couples.

Sessions are fully confidential. Nothing that is shared in the therapy room is disclosed to anyone else without your explicit consent. NHS sexual health resources offer broader context for those wanting to understand the full landscape of sexual health support available.

How many sessions are typically needed?

The number of sessions varies depending on the nature and complexity of the difficulty, and on the individual’s goals and circumstances. Some people notice significant improvement within a small number of focused sessions. Others benefit from a longer course of work, particularly where there are deeper psychological or relational dimensions to address.

An initial consultation is the best way to get a clearer sense of what might be involved in your specific situation. There is no fixed commitment required at the outset, and no pressure to continue beyond what feels right for you.

Is psychosexual therapy available online?

Yes. Lorraine Grover offers both in-person sessions at Harley Street, London, and online appointments for those who prefer not to travel or who are based further afield. Online sessions are conducted securely and offer the same level of confidentiality and quality of care as in-person appointments.

Who delivers psychosexual therapy?

Lorraine Grover is a Psychosexual Nurse Specialist with more than 30 years of clinical experience in sexual health. She works with individuals and couples across a range of concerns, including erectile dysfunction, intimacy after cancer treatment, and a wide range of other psychological causes of sexual difficulties.

Her background in clinical nursing gives her a depth of medical understanding that complements her psychotherapeutic training. Lorraine works with warmth, compassion and a strong commitment to making specialist support accessible to everyone who needs it.

How to take the first step

If you have been wondering what psychosexual therapy is and whether it might help you, the best next step is simply to have a conversation. An initial consultation is an opportunity to talk through your concerns in confidence, ask any questions you have, and explore whether specialist support feels right for you. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Book a confidential consultation today and take the first step towards understanding your experience and moving forward with greater confidence and connection.