Sex Therapy

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is a type of talking therapy that helps individuals and couples explore and work through difficulties with their sexual or intimate lives. It’s a space free from embarrassment or judgement.

Many people assume sex therapy involves physical exercises or demonstrations. It doesn’t. It’s a conversation-based therapy, typically delivered in the same way as any other counselling session, either online or in person.

Your therapist helps you understand what’s going on, explore the emotions and experiences that might be contributing to difficulties, and find practical ways forward that work for you and, if relevant, your partner.

Sex therapy can be attended individually or as a couple. Some issues are better explored alone first; others benefit from both partners being in the room together. Your therapist will help you figure out what’s right for your situation.

When sex therapy can help

Sexual difficulties are more common than people realise, and they’re rarely just about sex. Stress, relationship dynamics, past experiences, health, and self-esteem can all play a role. Sex therapy helps you understand the whole picture.

Desire and libido

If you’ve lost interest in sex, or you and your partner have very different levels of desire, sex therapy can help you explore what’s driving that and find a way forward that feels right for both of you.

Erection and ejaculation difficulties

Erection difficulties, premature ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation are extremely common and highly treatable. Sex therapy looks at both the psychological and relational factors involved, without any shame attached.

Difficulty with orgasm

Some people find it difficult or impossible to reach orgasm, either alone or with a partner. Sex therapy offers a safe space to explore this without pressure, and to develop a better understanding of your own body and responses.

Painful sex or problems with penetration

Conditions like vaginismus or dyspareunia (painful sex) can have a significant impact on intimacy and relationships. A sex therapist can work with you on the psychological aspects alongside any medical treatment you may be receiving.

Low sexual confidence or body image concerns

Feeling self-conscious, disconnected from your body, or anxious about intimacy can affect your sex life even when there’s no specific physical issue. Sex therapy helps you build a healthier, more positive relationship with yourself.

Relationship or intimacy issues

Sometimes the issue isn’t physical at all. Emotional distance, lack of trust, communication problems, or the aftermath of infidelity can all affect intimacy. Sex therapy provides a space to work through those underlying relationship dynamics.

Sexual identity and orientation

If you’re exploring questions around your sexual identity or orientation, and you’d like a confidential, non-judgmental space to do that, sex therapy can help.

How sex therapy works at Now You’re Talking

We’ve built our sex therapy service around what people actually need: a safe space, a therapist they feel comfortable with, and access when they’re ready, not months down the line.

Choose your own sex therapist

Browse profiles of our qualified sex therapists and choose the person who feels right for you. You can see their specialisms, their approach, and a little about their personality before you book.

Not sure who to choose? Book a free 15-minute connection call with any therapist to ask questions and get a sense of whether they’re the right fit. No pressure to book after this call; you’re in control.

Flexible sessions

Sessions are available online, in person, and as a hybrid of both. Whether you prefer the privacy of attending from home or you’d rather attend face to face, we can work around your preference and your schedule.

No waiting lists

Sexual difficulties can be isolating. Waiting months for support makes that harder. We offer immediate access to qualified sex therapists, so you can get started when you’re ready.

A safe, confidential space

Everything shared in your sessions stays confidential. Your therapist creates an environment where you can speak openly about even the most sensitive topics, without embarrassment or judgement.

Evidence-based approaches

Our therapists draw on established therapeutic approaches, including psychosexual therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and systemic approaches, depending on what’s most helpful for your situation. They’ll explain what they’re doing and why, in plain language.

Therapy for good

Now You’re Talking is a profit-with-purpose business. That means 66% of our profits goes back into our parent charity, TLC: Talk, Listen, Change, which funds support services for people affected by domestic abuse, relationship breakdown, and mental health challenges across the UK.

When you invest in your own wellbeing, you’re also helping others access the support they need.

Our sex therapy specialists

All our sex therapists are fully qualified and registered with professional bodies. We verify their qualifications, memberships, DBS checks, and insurance before they join our platform.

They bring specialist knowledge in psychosexual and relationship therapy, and they understand that every person’s situation is different. They won’t make assumptions, and they’ll always tailor their approach to you.

What to expect in sex therapy

Getting started

Book a free 15-minute connection call with your chosen therapist to ask any questions and make sure they feel like the right fit. If you’d prefer to dive straight in, you can book an initial session instead.

The first full session gives you and your therapist a chance to get to know each other, talk about what’s brought you to therapy, and agree on what you’d like to work towards.

Typical session structure

Sessions usually last 50 minutes. Your therapist will guide the conversation at a pace that feels comfortable for you. You won’t be pushed to discuss anything before you’re ready.

There are no physical elements to sex therapy sessions. Everything is talked through, and your therapist may suggest exercises or reading to try between sessions at your own pace.

How progress is measured

You’ll regularly review what’s working and what you’d like to adjust. Some people find a handful of sessions gives them the tools and understanding they need, while others prefer longer-term support. There’s no fixed timeline. It’s entirely up to you.

Why choose Now You’re Talking

Immediate access

No waiting lists means you can start when you’re ready, not months from now.

Profit-with-purpose

Your sessions fund vital community services through our parent charity, TLC: Talk, Listen, Change. Choosing us means helping others access the support they need too.

Client choice

You choose your therapist rather than being assigned to someone. Free 15-minute connection calls with any therapist help you find the right fit before you commit.

Flexible delivery

Online, in-person, or a mix of both. Daytime, evenings, or weekends. We fit around your life.

Experienced team

Our therapists are specialists in sexual and relational wellbeing, with extensive experience supporting people through a wide range of intimate difficulties.

Part of something bigger

We’re part of The TLC Group, a national relationships charity with over 40 years of experience supporting people across the UK.

Sex therapy frequently asked questions

Do I have to attend with my partner? No. Sex therapy can be attended individually or as a couple. Many people start individually, and your therapist will help you work out what’s right for your situation.

Will there be any physical contact or demonstrations? No. Sex therapy at Now You’re Talking is entirely talk-based. Your therapist may suggest exercises to try in your own time, but sessions themselves involve no physical elements of any kind.

Is sex therapy only for people with serious problems? Not at all. People come to sex therapy for all sorts of reasons, from long-standing difficulties to simply wanting to feel more confident or connected. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit.

Will my therapist be shocked or judgemental? No. Our sex therapists are trained to work with a wide range of sexual experiences, identities, and difficulties. Whatever you share, you’ll be met with respect and understanding.

Is sex therapy confidential? Yes. Everything discussed in your sessions stays confidential. The only exception is if someone is at risk of serious harm, which your therapist will explain fully in your first session.

Can sex therapy help with relationship issues that aren’t specifically sexual? Yes. Sexual difficulties are often connected to wider relationship dynamics, communication patterns, or emotional distance. Your therapist will look at the whole picture.

How many sessions will I need? There’s no fixed answer. Some people find a few sessions give them what they need, while others prefer longer-term support. You’re in control of how long you continue.

What if I’m not sure whether sex therapy is right for me? Book a free 15-minute connection call with one of our therapists. It’s a no-obligation conversation to help you decide whether it feels like the right fit.