Sex Therapists in Chichester, ENG

Photo of Alison Cassy, MBACP, Counsellor
Alison Cassy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Chichester PO19
I offer a biopsychosocial therapy model to help clients explore out of control sexual behaviours and psycho sexual problems and an integrative, relational model of couple therapy.
I am an Accredited Psychotherapeutic counsellor, supporting individual and couple clients to explore a wide range of personal and sex and relationship issues. I am a registered sex addiction therapist, supporting sex and pornography addiction issues and a registered StopSo therapist, working with contact and online sex offending issues. Currently in-training as a Psycho sexual Therapist, I can offer you support with sexual function problems such as premature/delayed ejaculation, unreliable erections, painful sex and penetration problems, low libido and orgasm difficulties. I am an LGBTQ+ positive and kink aware therapist.
I offer a biopsychosocial therapy model to help clients explore out of control sexual behaviours and psycho sexual problems and an integrative, relational model of couple therapy.
I am an Accredited Psychotherapeutic counsellor, supporting individual and couple clients to explore a wide range of personal and sex and relationship issues. I am a registered sex addiction therapist, supporting sex and pornography addiction issues and a registered StopSo therapist, working with contact and online sex offending issues. Currently in-training as a Psycho sexual Therapist, I can offer you support with sexual function problems such as premature/delayed ejaculation, unreliable erections, painful sex and penetration problems, low libido and orgasm difficulties. I am an LGBTQ+ positive and kink aware therapist.
01243 957232 View 01243 957232
Photo of Lisa Cook, MBACP, Counsellor
Lisa Cook
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Chichester PO19
Whether a couple or an individual, whatever troubles you…abuse, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, sex, sexuality and psycho sexual issues, trauma or any other issue…the first step back to well-being is to reach out for support. Perhaps a counselling relationship is what you need to help you through. Although family, close friends and colleagues can offer valuable support, sometimes these very relationships can be barriers to exploring honestly and openly what you may be thinking or experiencing. This is where the therapeutic counselling relationship could help.
Whether a couple or an individual, whatever troubles you…abuse, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, sex, sexuality and psycho sexual issues, trauma or any other issue…the first step back to well-being is to reach out for support. Perhaps a counselling relationship is what you need to help you through. Although family, close friends and colleagues can offer valuable support, sometimes these very relationships can be barriers to exploring honestly and openly what you may be thinking or experiencing. This is where the therapeutic counselling relationship could help.
01903 497579 View 01903 497579
Photo of Flora de Quincey, MA, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Flora de Quincey
Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Chichester PO19
I can assist you in gaining insight & understanding into your history to help you make clearer decisions about your future. As we work together to understand the way you are, the easier it will be for you to make decisions to make your life, career and relationships happier, more balanced and more empowered. In therapy you will have a unique chance to be authentic without self-censorship or consideration of others; where the focus is solely on you. As there are so few chances to encounter this kind of interaction, this acts as a powerful catalyst for change and transformation.
I can assist you in gaining insight & understanding into your history to help you make clearer decisions about your future. As we work together to understand the way you are, the easier it will be for you to make decisions to make your life, career and relationships happier, more balanced and more empowered. In therapy you will have a unique chance to be authentic without self-censorship or consideration of others; where the focus is solely on you. As there are so few chances to encounter this kind of interaction, this acts as a powerful catalyst for change and transformation.
07403 936922 View 07403 936922
Photo of Shameem Slow, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Shameem Slow
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Chichester PO18
I have a specialist interest in working with people who have suffered or are suffering abuse. Abuse can happen to anyone, any gender any age any type such as physical, emotional, sexual and even financial. I will create a safe environment where it is warm and non judgemental. I will be open and genuine so we are able to work towards growth, change and your full potential. We can do this by talking, or creatively by art or a sand tray, which can bridge what is going on in the unconscious to the conscious to then become aware of what may be holding us back.
I have a specialist interest in working with people who have suffered or are suffering abuse. Abuse can happen to anyone, any gender any age any type such as physical, emotional, sexual and even financial. I will create a safe environment where it is warm and non judgemental. I will be open and genuine so we are able to work towards growth, change and your full potential. We can do this by talking, or creatively by art or a sand tray, which can bridge what is going on in the unconscious to the conscious to then become aware of what may be holding us back.
01903 947009 View 01903 947009

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Cora Metelerkamp, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Cora Metelerkamp
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Havant PO9
I am a Relate trained couples therapist with experience around a range of relationship issues such as diversity, loss of trust, loss of connection, conflict and sex.
I am an experienced individual and couples counsellor and I have successfully worked with a wide range of issues. You may be having difficulties around your relationship(s). You may be experiencing anxiety or depression or low self esteem, possibly alongside something else. I can offer you a judgement-free, inclusive and empathic space where we will explore things together at your pace. My therapeutic space is safe and containing no matter how difficult things may feel.
I am a Relate trained couples therapist with experience around a range of relationship issues such as diversity, loss of trust, loss of connection, conflict and sex.
I am an experienced individual and couples counsellor and I have successfully worked with a wide range of issues. You may be having difficulties around your relationship(s). You may be experiencing anxiety or depression or low self esteem, possibly alongside something else. I can offer you a judgement-free, inclusive and empathic space where we will explore things together at your pace. My therapeutic space is safe and containing no matter how difficult things may feel.
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Photo of Becker Cox, BACP, Counsellor
Becker Cox
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Hayling Island PO11
I've been where you are now, looking for a therapist and not sure who to choose! Deciding to have therapy and choosing who to embark on the journey with can be a daunting prospect. But, you’ve taking the first step to sharing your difficulties and that’s a great start. Having had my own therapy I know how important it is to find the right therapist. I offer a safe, welcoming space for you to share what is happening for you. I won’t judge or tell you to do things. I will support you with the choices you make. I offer appointments from 8am to 8pm and may be available at short notice.
I've been where you are now, looking for a therapist and not sure who to choose! Deciding to have therapy and choosing who to embark on the journey with can be a daunting prospect. But, you’ve taking the first step to sharing your difficulties and that’s a great start. Having had my own therapy I know how important it is to find the right therapist. I offer a safe, welcoming space for you to share what is happening for you. I won’t judge or tell you to do things. I will support you with the choices you make. I offer appointments from 8am to 8pm and may be available at short notice.
07480 487766 View 07480 487766

Online Therapists

Photo of Abigail Thomson, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Abigail Thomson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W1G  (Online Only)
When your life, relationship and/or sex life feels like a disaster, dont just wait for things to improve.
Life is usually messy and complicated for most of us. When you add relationships into the mix, and then sex as well (or a lack of it!) things can get so confusing that it can feel as though there is no way through. I offer a space for individulas and couples to dissentalngle life's complexities, and I will metaphorically walk along side you while we try to make sense of it all.
When your life, relationship and/or sex life feels like a disaster, dont just wait for things to improve.
Life is usually messy and complicated for most of us. When you add relationships into the mix, and then sex as well (or a lack of it!) things can get so confusing that it can feel as though there is no way through. I offer a space for individulas and couples to dissentalngle life's complexities, and I will metaphorically walk along side you while we try to make sense of it all.
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Photo of Alice Best, COSRT General, Psychotherapist
Alice Best
Psychotherapist, COSRT General
Verified Verified
London WC2A
I am a Psycho sexual and Relationship Therapist, working with individuals and couples. Experiencing an issue with sex or sexuality can be enormously upsetting and damaging to self esteem. Often relationships suffer as a result. Perhaps you have lived with a sexual issue or question about your sexuality for a while and have decided that now is the time to understand it better and work towards a goal. You may be in a relationship where the same argument or sequence plays out, or perhaps you find forming and maintaining relationships difficult and want to understand this better.
I am a Psycho sexual and Relationship Therapist, working with individuals and couples. Experiencing an issue with sex or sexuality can be enormously upsetting and damaging to self esteem. Often relationships suffer as a result. Perhaps you have lived with a sexual issue or question about your sexuality for a while and have decided that now is the time to understand it better and work towards a goal. You may be in a relationship where the same argument or sequence plays out, or perhaps you find forming and maintaining relationships difficult and want to understand this better.
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Photo of Domonique Hillam-Thompson, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Domonique Hillam-Thompson
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SE1  (Online Only)
In my Relate, NHS and private practice I work with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender and ethnicities.
I am Relate trained specialising in Relationship and Sex Therapy. In order to keep our relationships healthy we need to attend to them to ensure they remain respectful, trusting, sexual and happy. Because of the busyness of day to day life, we can easily disconnect from our partners without realising it leading to a lack of communication, conflict, affairs, and dissatisfaction. When married, or when children are involved, these problems become even more complex. It might even be that since the country's lockdown, you are now realising there are issues in your relationship. Now could be a good time to resolve these.
In my Relate, NHS and private practice I work with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender and ethnicities.
I am Relate trained specialising in Relationship and Sex Therapy. In order to keep our relationships healthy we need to attend to them to ensure they remain respectful, trusting, sexual and happy. Because of the busyness of day to day life, we can easily disconnect from our partners without realising it leading to a lack of communication, conflict, affairs, and dissatisfaction. When married, or when children are involved, these problems become even more complex. It might even be that since the country's lockdown, you are now realising there are issues in your relationship. Now could be a good time to resolve these.
020 3962 2135 View 020 3962 2135
Photo of Jordan Karis Dixon, PsychD, COSRT General, Psychotherapist
Jordan Karis Dixon
Psychotherapist, PsychD, COSRT General
Verified Verified
London W1U  (Online Only)
Jordan believes there are no limits in our awareness and growth towards achieving optimal sexuality. She's passionately curious in unlocking sexual potential. Her Chinese and Spanish heritage and background in Social Policy, she’s described with an innate awareness and intersectional understanding of the barriers people face in society that inhibits access to our erotic selves. She's GSRD affirming, going beyond exclusivity and restrictions of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi sexual, trans) which includes everyone on the gender spectrum and diverse sexualities and practices including BDSM/Kink, a sexualities, consensual and non-monogamies.
Jordan believes there are no limits in our awareness and growth towards achieving optimal sexuality. She's passionately curious in unlocking sexual potential. Her Chinese and Spanish heritage and background in Social Policy, she’s described with an innate awareness and intersectional understanding of the barriers people face in society that inhibits access to our erotic selves. She's GSRD affirming, going beyond exclusivity and restrictions of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi sexual, trans) which includes everyone on the gender spectrum and diverse sexualities and practices including BDSM/Kink, a sexualities, consensual and non-monogamies.
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Photo of Joanna Strong, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Joanna Strong
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Sidcup DA15
We can work through trauma, sexual function problems, or difficulties in your relationships, and more.
Hi! I'm Jo, a qualified accredited BACP/NCPS Integrative Counsellor, EMDR, and trainee Clinical Sexologist (COSRT). Are you wondering why one moment you felt fine moving through life, and then one day it felt like it all changed? Maybe sadness, fear, anger, or intrusive thoughts began to plague your mind and body, or your mood dropped, and you don't know why. You feel on the edge, which is distressing and confusing. Maybe your sex life or life, in general, isn't going how you would like it, preventing you from reaching your full potential. This may have plagued you for a while, and you want it to stop. I can help.
We can work through trauma, sexual function problems, or difficulties in your relationships, and more.
Hi! I'm Jo, a qualified accredited BACP/NCPS Integrative Counsellor, EMDR, and trainee Clinical Sexologist (COSRT). Are you wondering why one moment you felt fine moving through life, and then one day it felt like it all changed? Maybe sadness, fear, anger, or intrusive thoughts began to plague your mind and body, or your mood dropped, and you don't know why. You feel on the edge, which is distressing and confusing. Maybe your sex life or life, in general, isn't going how you would like it, preventing you from reaching your full potential. This may have plagued you for a while, and you want it to stop. I can help.
07766 141091 View 07766 141091
Photo of Jessy Woods, MBACP, Counsellor
Jessy Woods
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Isleworth TW7
I work with a range of issues focusing on gender identity, sexuality, loss, abuse, anxiety, attachment, family, stress, and anything that is holding you back from an actualised and fully autonomous person that you would like to be.
My name is Jessy, and I am an integrative counsellor, and a registered member of the BACP. I am a counsellor and psychotherapist, which means I draw upon different therapeutic approaches to fit the specific needs of the client. I adapt integrative psychotherapy to your individual needs, where you can start to learn about yourself and process your experience and heal. I always try to offer an inclusive and diverse space for all clients that want to feel accepted without judgment. I am committed to helping and supporting trans and non-binary and gender diverse people of all ethnicities and sexual orientations.
I work with a range of issues focusing on gender identity, sexuality, loss, abuse, anxiety, attachment, family, stress, and anything that is holding you back from an actualised and fully autonomous person that you would like to be.
My name is Jessy, and I am an integrative counsellor, and a registered member of the BACP. I am a counsellor and psychotherapist, which means I draw upon different therapeutic approaches to fit the specific needs of the client. I adapt integrative psychotherapy to your individual needs, where you can start to learn about yourself and process your experience and heal. I always try to offer an inclusive and diverse space for all clients that want to feel accepted without judgment. I am committed to helping and supporting trans and non-binary and gender diverse people of all ethnicities and sexual orientations.
020 3828 7094 View 020 3828 7094
Photo of Harriet Sheppard, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Harriet Sheppard
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barnet EN5  (Online Only)
I offer a supportive, creative and honest environment to explore what it is like being you. Whether it's anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties or something you don't have a word for yet, what's really important in therapy is the relationship that we build together. We'll work collaboratively to find an approach works for you and supports you to move towards meaningful change. While I work with a wide range of conditions or concerns, I have particular experience working alongside clients with ADHD and autism, people with disabilities/ health conditions and gender, sexuality and relationship diversity.
I offer a supportive, creative and honest environment to explore what it is like being you. Whether it's anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties or something you don't have a word for yet, what's really important in therapy is the relationship that we build together. We'll work collaboratively to find an approach works for you and supports you to move towards meaningful change. While I work with a wide range of conditions or concerns, I have particular experience working alongside clients with ADHD and autism, people with disabilities/ health conditions and gender, sexuality and relationship diversity.
020 3835 4754 View 020 3835 4754
Photo of Gareth Prosser, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Gareth Prosser
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London N16  (Online Only)
I offer therapy that is relational, sex-positive, collaborative, and LGBTQi+ affirmative.
I am a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist holding an accreditation with Pink Therapy as a Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) therapist. I hold a diploma at the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology (CICS) in Compulsive Sexual Behaviours, accredited by the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT). My core training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy was at the The Bowlby Centre in London, with a specialism in Attachment. My clinical approach incorporates different techniques and approaches relevant for the individual needs, mirroring the complexity of human experience and ever expanding self knowledge .
I offer therapy that is relational, sex-positive, collaborative, and LGBTQi+ affirmative.
I am a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist holding an accreditation with Pink Therapy as a Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) therapist. I hold a diploma at the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology (CICS) in Compulsive Sexual Behaviours, accredited by the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT). My core training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy was at the The Bowlby Centre in London, with a specialism in Attachment. My clinical approach incorporates different techniques and approaches relevant for the individual needs, mirroring the complexity of human experience and ever expanding self knowledge .
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Photo of Jason Oddi - www.tri-therapy.com, DCounsPsych, COSRT General, Psychotherapist
www.tri-therapy.com
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, COSRT General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London NW1  (Online Only)
Specialist Qualifications as a Psycho sexual ( Sex) & Relationship Therapist and trauma support were added to support clients with sexual functioning, Identity, trauma, desires, expression, and a myriad of other concerns.
As an Integrative Counsellor, Psycho sexual & Relationship/Marriage therapist, I weave different therapies to support clients in their uniqueness to manage and heal from struggles that affect their emotional, and mental health & happiness. Ruptures in one's mental wellness can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, and sexual functioning/ identity concerns that hinder emotional self-esteem and ongoing happiness within and in our relationship with ourselves and others.
Specialist Qualifications as a Psycho sexual ( Sex) & Relationship Therapist and trauma support were added to support clients with sexual functioning, Identity, trauma, desires, expression, and a myriad of other concerns.
As an Integrative Counsellor, Psycho sexual & Relationship/Marriage therapist, I weave different therapies to support clients in their uniqueness to manage and heal from struggles that affect their emotional, and mental health & happiness. Ruptures in one's mental wellness can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, and sexual functioning/ identity concerns that hinder emotional self-esteem and ongoing happiness within and in our relationship with ourselves and others.
020 8103 3827 View 020 8103 3827
Photo of Nathan Jenkins, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Nathan Jenkins
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
London E17
I specialise in LGBTQIA therapy, sex & relationships therapy, and bereavement therapy.
I practice as an integrative therapist. Integrative therapy draws from and incorporates different kinds of therapy such as psychodynamic, humanistic and relational therapy. I see real value in the integrative model as I feel that it allows the sessions to adapt and grow around you. It is you, after all, that is the priority of these sessions. Your gender, race, culture, sexuality, class, disability and religion/spirituality all integrate into who you are, and all has importance in the therapy room.
I specialise in LGBTQIA therapy, sex & relationships therapy, and bereavement therapy.
I practice as an integrative therapist. Integrative therapy draws from and incorporates different kinds of therapy such as psychodynamic, humanistic and relational therapy. I see real value in the integrative model as I feel that it allows the sessions to adapt and grow around you. It is you, after all, that is the priority of these sessions. Your gender, race, culture, sexuality, class, disability and religion/spirituality all integrate into who you are, and all has importance in the therapy room.
020 4572 1091 View 020 4572 1091
Photo of Dr Debbie Lovell, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Debbie Lovell
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W1G
I am one of a small number of practitioners in the UK who is dually qualified as a chartered psychologist and a clinical sexologist/ sex therapist. My clients may seek help for a specific sexual difficulty such as desire or arousal concerns; or may experience broader distress such as anxiety, low self esteem or perfectionism which also manifests in their sexual and relational world. My specialist interest in sexual difficulties emerged naturally from my interdisciplinary background of psychology and physiology.
I am one of a small number of practitioners in the UK who is dually qualified as a chartered psychologist and a clinical sexologist/ sex therapist. My clients may seek help for a specific sexual difficulty such as desire or arousal concerns; or may experience broader distress such as anxiety, low self esteem or perfectionism which also manifests in their sexual and relational world. My specialist interest in sexual difficulties emerged naturally from my interdisciplinary background of psychology and physiology.
020 3909 9821 View 020 3909 9821
Photo of Sharon Reynolds, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sharon Reynolds
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Haslemere GU27  (Online Only)
In the years since then I have done many more trainings around relationships, couples and sexual difficulties.
Hello, how can I help? My expertise is in couple’s and relational difficulties, I specialise in psycho sexual therapy. This form of therapy is designed to help partners reconnect via improved sexual and relational communication. These are areas that can become fraught, tense and stuck seemingly impossible to find a way forward. I can help. I usually offer some individual sessions followed by joint ones to really learn about how things are for you both. Please know you will not be asked to do anything other than talk in the therapeutic sessions but there will be homework for you both.
In the years since then I have done many more trainings around relationships, couples and sexual difficulties.
Hello, how can I help? My expertise is in couple’s and relational difficulties, I specialise in psycho sexual therapy. This form of therapy is designed to help partners reconnect via improved sexual and relational communication. These are areas that can become fraught, tense and stuck seemingly impossible to find a way forward. I can help. I usually offer some individual sessions followed by joint ones to really learn about how things are for you both. Please know you will not be asked to do anything other than talk in the therapeutic sessions but there will be homework for you both.
01252 942461 View 01252 942461
Photo of Suzanne Lunn, MA, Psychotherapist
Suzanne Lunn
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
London SW1W
I am a qualified Psycho sexual and Relationship Therapist, registered with the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).
I offer a confidential, warm, empathic and non-judgemental space to explore your problems and help you work towards feeling happier. I work with individuals to address a range of issues including confidence/self esteem, loneliness, stress/anxiety, dating and relationship challenges, body image, low desire, compulsive sexual behaviours, recovery from abuse and sexual function problems (erection, pain and penetration difficulties). I also work with couples on issues such as communication, sex, open relationships, infidelity and divorce. I identify as a hetero sexual woman and practise in an LGBTQ+ affirmative and kink-friendly way.
I am a qualified Psycho sexual and Relationship Therapist, registered with the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).
I offer a confidential, warm, empathic and non-judgemental space to explore your problems and help you work towards feeling happier. I work with individuals to address a range of issues including confidence/self esteem, loneliness, stress/anxiety, dating and relationship challenges, body image, low desire, compulsive sexual behaviours, recovery from abuse and sexual function problems (erection, pain and penetration difficulties). I also work with couples on issues such as communication, sex, open relationships, infidelity and divorce. I identify as a hetero sexual woman and practise in an LGBTQ+ affirmative and kink-friendly way.
020 3597 6612 View 020 3597 6612
Photo of Carl Mojta, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Carl Mojta
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London N22
Some of my key areas of expertise and clinical/research interests are: sexuality/ sexual health concerns, problematic sexual behaviour, substance abuse addiction and recovery, relationship/couples issues, individuals and couples who identify as LGBTQIA+/GSRD, masculinity and men's mental health and multiculturalism.
Welcome! I am a U.S. based psychotherapist and a Registered Member (MBACP) of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I offer a person-centered, compassionate, and systemic approach to therapy. I consider working with each client to be a privilege and a collaborative therapeutic experience. One area of sexual health in which I specialise is Out of Control Sexual Behaviour (OCSB). OCSB is defined as “a sexual problem of consensual sexual urges, thoughts, or behaviours that feel out of control for the individual.” If you are interested in improving your sexual health and relations, please contact me.
Some of my key areas of expertise and clinical/research interests are: sexuality/ sexual health concerns, problematic sexual behaviour, substance abuse addiction and recovery, relationship/couples issues, individuals and couples who identify as LGBTQIA+/GSRD, masculinity and men's mental health and multiculturalism.
Welcome! I am a U.S. based psychotherapist and a Registered Member (MBACP) of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I offer a person-centered, compassionate, and systemic approach to therapy. I consider working with each client to be a privilege and a collaborative therapeutic experience. One area of sexual health in which I specialise is Out of Control Sexual Behaviour (OCSB). OCSB is defined as “a sexual problem of consensual sexual urges, thoughts, or behaviours that feel out of control for the individual.” If you are interested in improving your sexual health and relations, please contact me.
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See more therapy options for Chichester

Sex Therapy Counsellors

Who is sex therapy for?

Sex problems are common in relationships. Many people want a better sex life and want to feel loved and desired by their partner. It is difficult for couples to resolve sexual problems on their own because people often feel ashamed to talk about their sexual desires fearing they are not normal, when in fact a very broad range of preferences and behaviors are normal. A sex therapist can help clarify this and other matters.

Why do people need sex therapy?

Many people do not know how to talk about their erotic needs or their emotional needs, both of which are addressed in sex therapy. Couples often live with sexual difficulties for years before seeking help, and in that time, partners may experience so much disappointment and alienation that they may fear their problems mean they are incompatible. Once people experience disappointment, it is difficult to find resolution without help.

What happens in sex therapy?

People have many misconceptions about what takes place in sex therapy. First, it is a form of talk therapy in which partners discuss their sexual concerns; it does not involve touching or physical exploration of any kind. Sex therapy typically helps couples get comfortable talking to each other about sex so that, in the privacy of their home life, they can openly discuss their sexual desires and make decisions about what they want to do. Couples are typically assigned activities to do at home that build intimacy skills.

What kinds of problems do sex therapists treat?

Very often, partners differ in their degree of sexual desire and struggle over how often to have sex. Or they may have fights about porn use or have difficulty connecting sexually after one partner is unfaithful. Men may have problems with premature ejaculation. Women may find themselves struggling to become aroused or to achieve an orgasm. Sometimes partners feel like they have lost the sense of attraction to their partner. These are all common issues dealt with in sex therapy.