Who to contact for sex therapy- in the UK

I personally think talking about the problem helps. I went online tO search for places where people can go for sex therapy. I found this list for UK residents.

Who to contact for sex therapy
Written by Christine Webber, psychotherapist and Dr David Delvin, GP and psychosexual specialist
In the 21st century, more and more people are seeking help with their sex lives. Whether sex and relationship problems are on the increase, or whether numbers have grown because of people's willingness to seek help, is unclear. What is clear is that if you have any concerns regarding any area of your sexuality, in there are plenty of ways in which you can get assistance. However, our research suggests that you may often have to try pretty hard to get that help – particularly in areas of the country where therapists are rather ‘thin on the ground'.Furthermore, current NHS policies mean that there is very little money available for treatment of sex problems. So in most parts of the UK, you will probably have to pay for therapy or counselling. We've put together a quick checklist of the best professionals and organisations to approach.

Your GP
For most problems, a good starting point is to visit your GP. Speak to your doctor about any problems you have. It might be a good idea to book a 'double' appointment, if this is permitted in your practice. Most GPs allow a maximum of 10 minutes per patient these days, but to start talking about sexual problems can take much longer. Your GP may be able to offer some help to you. (For instance, in recent years virtually all GPs have started prescribing ‘erection drugs', such as Cialis, Levitra and Viagra - though the Government places severe restrictions on who can receive them.) If your family doctor can't help you, then he or she should discuss the viability of you getting free treatment on the NHS. However, in large areas of the UK, no such free treatment is available. Nevertheless, your GP may know of private therapists in your region.

Family planning clinics
Family planning (FP) clinics are staffed by doctors (most of them female) trained in psychosexual matters. These days, a lot of the nurses also have some psychosexual training.Most of the staff are very easy to get on with, very relaxed and - it's nice to know - have seen it all before! They are particularly good with problems like vaginismus, low libido, poor technique, difficulty reaching orgasm, premature ejaculation, retarded ejaculation, and inability to conceive. Unfortunately, in the last five years or so FP clinics have become more and more overloaded with patients, and their resources have become increasingly strained. So in some areas, couples have to wait for a year or more before they can have therapy sessions with a trained doctor or nurse. On the ‘plus’ side, FP clinics make no charge for giving help.

Hospitals
In some areas of the country - London and Sheffield are relatively well off in this respect - there are psychosexual units at large hospitals. There is invariably a waiting list, but people eventually get seen and helped. When you do get an appointment, it may be for some time in the future. Please try to summon up the courage to attend your appointment!. Unfortunately, many people 'chicken out' at the last moment. This kind of behaviour is not helpful to you - and is unfair to other people on the waiting list, and indeed is one of the main factors in waiting lists being as long as they are. The treatment is free, but you will need to be referred by your GP.

Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
GUM clinics – which treat sexually transmitted infections - are also very helpful on all sorts of sexual issues; they have good knowledge and lots of common sense, though the doctors are not generally very highly trained in psychosexual issues. There are concerns about the way that ‘waiting times’ for GUM clinics are growing – but it should be possible for you to see a doctor within two weeks and get some helpful general advice. However, psychotherapy and marriage guidance are definitely not provided.All consultations are free.

NHS gynaecologists and urologists
If a sex problem is essentially physical (eg a too wide vagina after childbirth or a bent penis) then the NHS should be able to help. Female physical problems are generally referred to a gynaecologist and male ones to a urologist.Some gynaecologists and urologists now provide psychosexual counselling services, and many urologists are prescribing erection-inducing drugs.Treatment is free and your GP should be able to advise you about who to go to and (most essential) write you a referral letter.

Relate

Relate is not just a relationship counselling agency. A number of Relate counsellors do have specific psychosexual training, mainly in the school of Masters and Johnson.So when you ring up, make clear that it is sex therapy (rather than marriage guidance) you are looking for.At the present time, Relate sex counsellors are very highly rated for doing an excellent job in treating premature ejaculation, lack of sex drive, inability to climax, and various ‘technical’ bedroom problems. But they are not doctors, and therefore cannot examine you, or prescribe medication. Relate's fees are relatively modest and are means-based.

Couple Counselling Scotland

Couple Counselling Scotland does similar good work to Relate, but north of the border. The number of your nearest clinic will be in your local phone book.The Institute of Psychosexual MedicineInstitute of Psychosexual Medicine is a organisation of family planning doctors who have had special training in sex problems – particularly vaginismus, poor libido, and difficulty in climaxing.Some work in FP clinics (see above). Others treat clients privately. Some of the latter will see a patient without a GP's referral, but not all will do this.

The British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy

The British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy (BASRT) consists mostly of non-medical personnel plus some doctors, all of whom have had extensive training.The best way to find out about a therapist in your area is to email info@basrt.org.uk.Therapists charge fees, which vary greatly in different parts of the country; consultations in Harley Street and similar areas are likely to be expensive. Before booking yourself in, always enquire what the costs will be.