This is a service that we offer to couples or individuals who are experiencing sexual problems. The problems we work with are:
We firstly establish that there is not a physical or medical reason for the problem. Then we look into the history of the problem. It is at this point that the therapist and the clients decide whether or not to go on to a sex programme.
This is a behavioural programme, which is set up by the therapist and carried out by the clients, in the privacy of their own home. Clients report back to the therapist, on a regular weekly basis, with their progress. The programme assists clients to feel good about their bodies and helps them to gain knowledge and confidence about their sexuality.
Most of the sexual problems that we work with are caused by anxiety, lack of confidence, lack of sex education, poor body image or problems within the relationship.
Our clients vary in age, anything from 18 to 80.
Therapy sessions take place in the total privacy of a quiet, comfortable, undisturbed room at a Relate Centre.
During the sessions the therapist will help you to talk about your sexual concerns, as well as explore the possible sensitive areas in your relationship. You will NEVER be asked to undertake sexual tasks during sessions. However, you will be asked to carry out certain simple, quite specific tasks - alone or with your partner - in the privacy of your own home. These tasks will be tailored specifically for you and will be directed to helping your particular difficulty.
Many of us experience difficulties in our sexual relationships at some time or other in our lives. Sometimes things get better without us needing to seek help from anybody else, but sometimes they actually go from bad to worse.
If you have been unable to cope with your sexual problems you may well get the help you need from a psychosexual therapist at one of our clinics.
Psychosexual therapy is proving very successful for many couples experiencing difficulties in their sexual relationship, providing they have a steady relationship and are prepared go to the clinic together. Some clinics are able to offer help to individuals who are unable to attend with their partners.
Therapists realise that sexual problems are difficult to talk about and will quickly put you at ease. They also know that couples are often unable to discuss their difficulties together, and will help you to do so. Everything you say will be treated in confidence. However, there may be rare occasions when, like other counselling organisations, Relate may need to take steps to protect you or others, should it believe there is risk of harm.
We currently have 3 therapists working for Shropshire & Herefordshire Relate. Our therapists are experienced counsellors, who have specialised and qualified in psychosexual therapy.
Relate Psychosexual therapists are fully trained and experienced relationship counsellors - men and women who are chosen for their ability to share people’s problems sympathetically, and who have had a further specialised training which enables them to help couples overcome their sexual difficulties.
Yes, most people. However, the first time you meet the therapist, he or she will want to talk with you in detail and at length about your sexual difficulties. This will enable the therapist to assess the precise nature of the problem and to recommend the most helpful way forward. The therapist will always discuss the recommendations with you in detail.
All clinics are non-profit making, but as Centres must cover their overheads, clients are always asked to make a payment per interview. You will be asked to pay the cost of the initial assessment interview of £47 (£25 if you are unemployed or in receipt of benefits). Your therapist will discuss this with you.
Although many of our clients are referred to us by their GPs, you can make an appointment yourself.
When you phone, it is important that you ask to see a therapist in the psychosexual therapy clinic.
You will be offered an initial interview as soon as possible. This usually takes the pressure out of the situation. However, you may have to wait for regular appointments as the demand made on the service exceeds the number of therapists available.