Sex therapy at Feeling To Healing is confidential, respectful talking therapy for sexual worries and intimacy problems, for individuals and couples. Also called psychosexual therapy, it helps with difficulties such as low desire, erection problems, painful sex, performance anxiety and loss of closeness. We offer sex therapy in London at our East London clinic, and online sex therapy by secure video anywhere in the UK. There is no waiting list and no GP referral, and every new client starts with a free 20-minute consultation.

Clinically reviewed by Dr Carlo Demarco, PhD, Consultant Psychologist. Last updated October 2026.

Sexual difficulties are far more common than most people realise, and they are rarely talked about. Many people quietly put up with them for years, feeling embarrassed, frustrated or worried that something is wrong with them or with their relationship. The good news is that most sexual problems respond well to the right support. Sex starts in the mind as much as in the body, and changing how you think and feel about intimacy can make a real difference.

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What Is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialised form of talking therapy that focuses on sexual difficulties and on the emotional side of intimacy. You talk with a trained professional about what is happening, how it affects you and your relationship, and what you would like to change. Together you build a clear picture of the problem and a practical plan to improve it.

It is talking therapy only. There is never any physical contact, nudity or sexual activity in the session. Any exercises your therapist suggests are carried out privately at home, at your own pace, and only if you feel comfortable with them.

In the UK this work is often called psychosexual therapy, because it looks at the links between the mind (psycho) and sexual wellbeing. It treats you as a whole person: your feelings, beliefs, health, history and relationships all play a part. The College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) factsheets explain the main issues it can help with.

Common Sexual Difficulties We Help With

People come to us with many different concerns. You do not need a diagnosis, and no worry is too small or too unusual to bring. These are some of the most common:

The NHS has clear guides on erectile dysfunction, loss of libido and vaginismus if you would like to read more first. If you are unsure whether we can help with your situation, ask us at your free consultation.

Why Do Sexual Problems Happen?

Sexual difficulties usually have more than one cause, and the causes often feed each other. Understanding which factors apply to you is the first step towards change.

• Psychological: stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image worries and fear of failure. A single disappointing experience can start a cycle of worry that makes the next time harder.
• Relationship: unresolved conflict, poor communication, resentment, a loss of trust or simply drifting apart under the pressure of work and family life.
• Physical: health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, hormonal changes, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, side effects of medication, alcohol and tiredness.
• Past experiences: strict or shaming messages about sex while growing up, a lack of information, or painful and traumatic experiences.

Because the body and mind are so closely linked, we may suggest that you also see your GP to rule out a medical cause, especially for erection problems or pain. Therapy and medical care often work best side by side.

How Psychosexual Therapy Works

Your sex therapist chooses the approach that best fits your concern, your goals and what feels right for you. Psychosexual therapy at Feeling To Healing usually draws on a blend of the following:

• Understanding and information: clear, accurate information about how desire, arousal and the body work. Many worries ease once people realise how normal their experience is.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): working on the anxious thoughts and avoidance that keep a problem going, such as “it will go wrong again”.
• Sensate focus and home exercises: a gradual, step-by-step programme of private exercises for individuals or couples, designed to reduce pressure and rebuild comfort, touch and trust at your own pace.
• Mindfulness: learning to stay present with sensations instead of being caught up in worry or self-monitoring.
• Communication skills: finding the words to talk about needs, boundaries and feelings without blame or embarrassment.
• Systemic sex therapy: looking at sexual concerns in the wider context of your relationship, family, culture and beliefs.

Where it helps, we can also bring in other members of our team. For example, hypnotherapy can be useful for performance anxiety, and lifestyle and nutrition advice can support energy and general health.

Therapy for Individuals and Couples

You can come to sex therapy on your own or with a partner. Many people start alone, because they want a private space to understand what is going on before involving anyone else. That is completely fine, and individual therapy is very effective for issues such as performance anxiety, low desire, delayed orgasm and sexual confidence.

When both partners attend, therapy becomes a shared project rather than one person’s “problem”. Sessions help you to talk openly, understand each other’s feelings, lower the pressure and rediscover closeness. If wider relationship issues are getting in the way, we can combine this work with couples counselling or marriage counselling.

We welcome clients of every gender, sexual orientation and relationship style, including LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. You will be met with respect and without judgement.

Does It Work? What the Evidence Says

Sex therapy and other psychological treatments are a well-established part of care for sexual difficulties. The NHS lists psychosexual and relationship therapy among the treatments for problems such as vaginismus, loss of libido and erection problems that have a psychological cause. The NICE guidance for clinicians on erectile dysfunction also advises considering psychosexual therapy where psychological or relationship factors play a part.

Research and clinical experience show that psychosexual therapy works best when it is tailored to the person, combined with medical treatment when needed, and supported by a trusting relationship with the therapist. Changes people often notice include:

• Less anxiety and pressure around sex
• More confidence and enjoyment
• Easier, more honest conversations with a partner
• Renewed affection, closeness and trust
• A kinder, more accepting relationship with their own body

How It Works at Feeling To Healing

Each session lasts 55 minutes. Many people notice changes within 6 to 12 sessions, although this depends on the concern and how long it has been present. Sessions are usually weekly at first, then every two weeks as you practise what you have learned. You are always in control of the pace.

What Happens in a Session?

Sex therapy sessions are simply conversations in a private, calm setting. In the first meeting your sex therapist will gently ask about the difficulty, when it started, your general health and your relationship. You can take your time, and you never have to answer a question you are not ready for. Many clients say the hardest part is the first few minutes, and that it quickly becomes easier than they expected.

Later sessions build on what you learn. You might talk through how an exercise went, explore a feeling or belief that came up, or practise a difficult conversation. Your therapist uses plain, respectful language and will never judge you.

Online Sex Therapy Across the UK

Online sex therapy works in the same way as meeting at the clinic, over a secure, private video call. Many clients find it easier to talk about intimate topics from the comfort and privacy of their own home. It also suits people who live outside London, travel for work, have young children or prefer complete discretion.

You need a private room where you will not be overheard, a phone, tablet or computer, and a steady internet connection. Couples can join from the same room or from two different places. Read more about our online therapy sessions.

Sex Therapy in London: Our Clinic

If you prefer to meet in person, we offer sex therapy in London at our clinic at 106 Empress Avenue, London E12 5EU, in East London. Sessions take place in a quiet, private therapy room where you can talk freely and in confidence.

You can also mix the two, for example starting at the clinic and moving to video sessions when life gets busy.

Meet Your Sex Therapist Team

Feeling To Healing is a multidisciplinary clinic, not a one-person practice. Your sex therapy is provided by experienced psychologists, supported by a wider team, so you can be matched with the person whose experience and approach suit you best. You are welcome to ask for a male or female practitioner.

The wider team includes Inas Hassan, Certified Hypnotherapist, who helps clients with anxiety, weight loss, and stop smoking amongst other issues.

Private Therapy or the NHS?

Some NHS sexual health clinics offer psychosexual services, usually through a GP or clinic referral. Availability varies a lot by area, waiting lists can be long, and the number of sessions is often limited.

Private therapy with us offers:

• No waiting list: you can often start within days.
• No GP referral: you book directly and discreetly.
• Choice of setting: in person in East London, online, or both.
• The same therapist throughout, so trust can build over time.
• Individual or couples sessions, whichever suits you.

Our session fees are listed on our fees page. You pay us directly, as we do not bill insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, we give you a receipt after each session so that you can claim the cost back from your insurer yourself.

Who We Help

• Men with erection worries, early or delayed ejaculation, or performance anxiety (see also men’s mental health)
• Women with low desire, pain, vaginismus or changes after pregnancy or menopause (see women’s health support)
• Couples who have lost intimacy or have very different needs
• People recovering from illness, surgery or cancer treatment
• LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, and people exploring their identity (see gender identity support)
• Anyone struggling with compulsive sexual behaviour or addictive habits

Why Choose Feeling To Healing?

• A free 20-minute consultation for every treatment, so you can ask questions and see if we are right for you, with no obligation.
• Complete discretion: a private setting, confidential records and secure video sessions.
• Experienced psychologists, including a Consultant Psychologist with more than 30 years of practice and a BABCP-accredited psychologist.
• A whole-person approach that looks at mind, body and relationship together, with hypnotherapy and nutrition support available.
• Inclusive and non-judgemental care for every gender, orientation and background.
• No GP referral and no waiting list.

How to Choose the Right Sex Therapist

Feeling comfortable with your sex therapist matters more than anything else in this kind of work. When comparing services, it helps to ask:

• What are their qualifications, and which professional body are they registered or accredited with?
• Do they have experience with concerns like yours, and with individuals as well as couples?
• Which approaches do they use, and how will they adapt them to you?
• How long are sessions, how often, and what do they cost?
• Most importantly, do you feel safe, respected and listened to?

You can ask every one of these questions at your free 20-minute consultation. If another service, such as a specialist NHS clinic or a COSRT-registered practitioner, would suit you better, we will tell you honestly.

Looking After Your Sexual Wellbeing

• Take the pressure off. Closeness, touch and affection matter as much as sex itself.
• Talk outside the bedroom, at a calm moment, about what you both enjoy and need.
• Look after the basics: sleep, regular exercise, less alcohol and no smoking all support sexual health.
• Manage stress, which is one of the most common causes of low desire.
• Use reliable sources of information, such as our sexual health advice page, rather than comparing yourself with online content.

When to See a Doctor or Get Urgent Help

Please see your GP if a sexual problem started suddenly, if you have pain or bleeding, or if you have erection problems alongside other health symptoms, as these can sometimes be an early sign of a physical condition such as heart disease or diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may also find these helpful: online couples counselling, relationship compatibility assessment, anxiety treatment and all our therapy services in London.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Clinically reviewed by Dr Carlo Demarco, PhD, October 2026.