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When intimacy becomes a source of distress

Sexual Dysfunction Support Across The North East

Specialist support for the physical, emotional, and psychological barriers to intimacy, in a safe and non-judgemental space.

  • 44 Practitioners
  • 6 North East clinics
  • Free First Pathway call

Understanding sexual dysfunction

Sexual difficulties rarely have a single cause, and rarely need just one solution.

Sexual dysfunction is an umbrella term covering a range of difficulties: low or absent desire, problems with arousal, difficulty reaching orgasm, or pain associated with sexual activity. These concerns are far more common than most people realise, they affect people of all ages, genders, and relationship situations, yet they are often left unspoken, out of embarrassment or the belief that nothing can be done.

The causes are typically layered. A physical issue, pain, hormonal change, medication, can create anxiety and avoidance that then persist long after the original cause has resolved. Relationship stress, past trauma, or poor communication can have a similarly lasting effect on sexual wellbeing. Understanding which factors are at play is the starting point for effective treatment.

Psychosexual therapy takes a holistic approach, working with both the psychological and relational dimensions of sexual difficulties. Whether you come as an individual or with a partner, therapy creates a safe, non-judgmental space to understand what is happening and begin to change it.

Common signs

How sexual dysfunction shows up, and what can help

Common signs

  • Low or absent interest in sexual activity
  • Difficulty becoming or staying aroused
  • Inability to reach orgasm, or delayed orgasm
  • Pain during sex (for any gender)
  • Performance anxiety around sexual activity
  • Avoidance of intimacy or physical contact
  • Mismatched desire causing tension in a relationship
  • Distress or shame about sexual difficulties

Therapies that can help

Different people respond to different approaches. Your therapist agrees a personalised plan with you, which may draw on:

The Pathway Team matches you to a therapist experienced in supporting people with sexual dysfunction, at your chosen location.

A simple first move

Not sure where to start? Talk it through with the Pathway Team.

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Who you might work with

Therapists with expertise in supporting people with sexual dysfunction

Browse the full team, or let the Pathway Team match you.

When to reach out

You do not have to manage sexual difficulties alone or in silence.

If sexual difficulties are affecting your relationship, your confidence, or your sense of self, or if you have been managing alone and nothing is improving, therapy can help. You do not need to wait until things feel critical. Many people find that speaking to a specialist early prevents difficulties from becoming more entrenched.

Our Pathway Team will listen without judgement and match you with a therapist who specialises in sexual health and psychosexual concerns. Sessions can be individual or with a partner, face-to-face or online, at our Newcastle or Tynemouth clinics.

Where we offer this

Support for sexual dysfunction across the North East

Select Psychology Tynemouth clinic

Tynemouth

1 Tynemouth Road, NE30 4AY

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Select Psychology Newcastle clinic

Newcastle

The Grainger Suite, Dobson House, Regent Centre, NE3 3PF

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Questions before you start

What people usually ask

1 What is sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction is a broad term for persistent difficulties with sexual response, desire, or function that cause distress to an individual or a couple. It can include low or absent sexual desire, difficulties with arousal, problems with orgasm, or pain during sex. Sexual dysfunction is a recognised clinical concern with effective treatments.

2 What causes sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction is rarely caused by a single factor. Physical causes can include hormonal changes, medication side effects, chronic illness, or pain conditions. Psychological causes include anxiety, depression, stress, past trauma, and relationship difficulties. Often it is a combination, a physical trigger that creates performance anxiety, which then becomes self-sustaining. Therapy works with all of these layers.

3 What is psychosexual therapy?

Psychosexual therapy is a specialist form of therapy that addresses the psychological and relational dimensions of sexual difficulties. It combines talking therapy with practical techniques, such as sensate focus exercises, to reduce anxiety, improve communication between partners, and gradually rebuild a healthy and satisfying sexual experience. It can be attended individually or as a couple.

4 Can sexual dysfunction be treated?

Yes, for most people. The outlook with the right support is good. Psychosexual therapy has a strong evidence base for a wide range of sexual difficulties, and many people experience meaningful improvement with a relatively short course of treatment. The first step is understanding what is driving the difficulty, and that starts with a conversation.

In the meantime

Things that can support your wellbeing while you seek help.

  • Talk openly with your partner about what you are experiencing
  • Try mindfulness to reduce anxiety around sexual situations
  • Check whether any medications may be contributing to the difficulty
  • Remember that sexual difficulties are common and not a reflection of you

From the blog

Helpful reading on this

Get in touch

Ready to feel heard?

Leave your details and a member of our Pathway Team will be in touch, usually within one working day. Or call us directly on 0191 258 0008.

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  • No GP referral needed
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