Sex is something most of us share in common, yet it remains one of the topics we find hardest to discuss. When sexual concerns go unaddressed, they can lead to frustration, shame, low self-esteem, and strain on our relationships. Counselling offers a confidential space where you can talk openly about sex without fear of judgement.
Why People Seek Help
Sexual difficulties affect people at every stage of life, not just in adolescence or early adulthood. You might be struggling with physical concerns such as erectile difficulties, painful intercourse, or changes in desire. Perhaps you are navigating questions about your sexual orientation or identity, or working through the aftermath of sexual trauma or abuse.
Relationship dynamics often play a significant role too. Differences in desire between partners, difficulties with intimacy, or the impact of pornography on your relationship can all create distance and tension. Sometimes the issue is not a specific problem at all, but rather a general sense that something is not quite right in your sexual life.
Positive sexual health involves much more than the absence of disease or dysfunction. It encompasses physical, emotional, and relational wellbeing, and is something everyone deserves support for.
How to Arrange an Appointment
Our therapists are accredited with professional bodies including the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), ensuring you receive support from qualified practitioners who adhere to strict ethical standards.
Browse our therapists online and book directly, or contact us at enquiries@mindandbodyworks.com or 01 677 1021 for help finding the right fit. Ready to begin? Book online today.
What Therapy Involves
Sex therapy is simply a form of talking therapy. You speak with a trained therapist who is comfortable discussing all aspects of sexuality in an open, respectful, and professional manner.
Therapy typically begins by exploring what brings you to seek help. This might involve discussing your sexual history, your current relationship, your beliefs and attitudes about sex, and any specific concerns or symptoms you are experiencing. Your therapist will help you understand what might be contributing to the difficulty and work with you to develop strategies for change.
For some issues, therapy may involve practical exercises to complete at home, either alone or with a partner. For others, the focus might be more on processing past experiences, addressing anxiety, or improving communication with your partner. The approach is always tailored to your unique situation.
FAQ
You are always in control of what you share. A good therapist will never push you to discuss anything before you are ready. That said, being open about your concerns typically leads to better outcomes, and therapists working in this area are experienced in creating a comfortable environment for sensitive conversations.
Either option works. Many people attend individually, even when the concern relates to their relationship. Others prefer to attend as a couple from the start, or bring their partner in later. Your therapist can advise on what might work best for your situation.
Not at all. Individuals frequently seek help for their own concerns, whether or not they are currently in a relationship. Issues such as difficulty with arousal or orgasm, anxiety about sex, or questions about sexual identity are often addressed in individual therapy.
This varies considerably depending on the nature of the concern. Some specific difficulties may respond to relatively brief treatment over several weeks. More complex issues involving trauma, relationship patterns, or longstanding difficulties may require longer engagement.
