Sex Therapy Isn’t Just About Sex
When people hear the phrase “psychosexual therapy” or “sex therapy” they often imagine something quite specific… a last-ditch attempt to fix a broken sex life, or a specialist focused only on performance, dysfunction, or technique.
But the reality is more human, more complex, and often more emotional than that.
Psychosexual therapy isn’t just about sex. It’s what it says on the tin; the mind (psyche) and the body (sexual).
Sex is never “just physical”
Our sexual lives are shaped by:
Early experiences
Cultural and religious messages
Body image, trauma, shame
Power, consent, and communication
Emotional intimacy (or the lack of it)
So when something feels “off” in our sexual relationships, whether it’s a loss of desire, painful sex, performance anxiety, compulsive behaviour, or mismatched libidos, it’s rarely just a mechanical issue. It’s often tangled up with how we feel about ourselves and how we relate to others.
What actually happens in sex therapy?
Sex therapy provides a space to talk openly and safely about things that can feel taboo, shameful, or difficult to name.
Together, we explore:
What sex means to you
What patterns you’ve noticed
What’s working, and what’s not
How emotions, expectations, and relationships are shaping your sexual experiences
It’s about understanding, not fixing.
Who is psychosexual therapy for?
Individuals who feel disconnected from their sexual self
Couples who love each other but may have drifted apart sexually
People exploring sexuality, gender, or identity
Anyone struggling with shame, fear, or confusion around sex
You don’t need to be in crisis. You don’t need a diagnosis. You just need curiosity, a willingness to explore what’s going on, and what might be possible.
Sex is part of being human. It deserves care, reflection, and conversation. Just like anything else that matters.
—
Dr Sam Reawood
Reawood Psychotherapy