London: Psychosexual Therapy (Individual)

What psychosexual therapy is

Psychosexual therapy is a specialist form of talking therapy that focuses on the psychological, emotional, and relational aspects of sexual difficulties and concerns. It works by exploring the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and relationship dynamics that are contributing to what you are experiencing — rather than focusing solely on physical symptoms or functioning.

It is a talking therapy. Sessions do not involve any physical examination or physical contact. Everything takes place through conversation, reflection, and — where appropriate — structured exercises or tasks carried out privately between sessions.

Psychosexual therapy is not only for people in relationships. It is equally relevant for individuals — people who want to understand their own responses, histories, or patterns in relation to intimacy and sexuality, regardless of whether they are currently in a relationship.

What psychosexual therapy can help with

Psychosexual therapy can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including difficulties with sexual desire or arousal, pain during sex, anxiety around intimacy or performance, the psychological impact of past sexual experiences, concerns about sexual identity or orientation, low self-esteem in relation to the body or sexuality, and difficulties that have arisen following illness, injury, medication, or significant life change.

These are not uncommon experiences. They are also rarely talked about openly — which can leave people feeling isolated, ashamed, or uncertain about whether support is even available for what they are going through. It is. And you do not need to minimise what you are experiencing or dress it up in clinical language before you reach out.

What this service is and is not

Psychosexual therapy at Hope Therapy is a counselling and therapy service. It is not a medical service and is not a substitute for medical assessment or treatment. If your difficulties have a physical dimension that has not yet been assessed medically, we would encourage you to speak with your GP alongside accessing therapy — the two are not mutually exclusive, and for many people a combination of medical and therapeutic support is what makes the most meaningful difference.

This service is for individuals. If you are looking for psychosexual therapy as a couple, please get in touch and we will discuss what options are available.

What happens in a session

Your therapist will begin by listening — without judgement, without assumptions, and without any agenda beyond understanding what you are experiencing and what has brought you here. There is no pressure to disclose more than you are ready to share, and no expectation that the first session will cover everything.

Over time, and at a pace that feels right for you, psychosexual therapy can offer a space to make sense of what is happening, to understand where it may have its roots, and to find ways of moving forward that feel genuinely possible rather than prescribed. Your therapist will explain what they are doing and why at each stage, and will work collaboratively with you throughout.

Your therapist

Psychosexual therapy at Hope Therapy is delivered by counsellors with specific training in psychosexual therapy. When we match you with a therapist, we take into account what you have told us about your situation, your preferences, and the kind of support you are looking for. We understand that the fit between client and therapist matters in all therapeutic work — and that it matters particularly in work of this nature. If the match doesn’t feel right, we’ll find someone who does — at no extra cost.

London sessions — face-to-face and online

Face-to-face sessions are available at our London location, details of which will be confirmed during your consultation. Online sessions are available across the UK for those who prefer to work remotely — and for many people, the privacy and familiarity of working from home is particularly valued when the material being explored is personal and sensitive.

If you are based outside London and are specifically looking for face-to-face psychosexual therapy, please get in touch and we will discuss what options may be available in your area.

Confidentiality

Everything discussed in your psychosexual therapy sessions is confidential. There are limited circumstances where this may need to change — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else — and your therapist will explain these clearly before your sessions begin, in line with professional ethical standards. We understand that confidentiality matters particularly in work of this kind, and it will be taken seriously at every stage.

Not sure yet?

If you haven’t already spoken with us, we’d encourage you to book a free 15-minute consultation before purchasing. It’s an informal conversation — no commitment, no pressure — and a good opportunity to ask questions, get a sense of how we work, and make sure we are matching you with the right therapist. You do not need to go into detail during the consultation if you are not ready to. If you’ve already had your consultation and you’re ready to go, you’re in the right place.

A note on reaching out

For many people, psychosexual concerns are among the last things they feel able to talk about — with anyone. If it has taken courage to get to this page, that matters. The therapists at Hope Therapy who deliver this work are trained specifically for it. They have heard a great range of human experience in this area and will meet whatever you bring with professionalism, care, and without judgement. You do not need to be certain that therapy is the right answer before you reach out. A free consultation is enough of a first step.