Welcome to the Psychosexual Medicine and Therapy Service, where we provide support, guidance, and expert care for those experiencing sexual difficulties. Our team of highly trained professionals, including a doctor and therapists, specialises in helping patients navigate sexual health concerns with sensitivity and confidentiality. 

 

Psychosexual Therapy, or Sex Therapy, is a talking therapy aimed at supporting individuals and, where appropriate, their partners, to understand and resolve sexual difficulties. 

Our Therapists

All our therapists are members of COSRT (College of Sex and Relationship Therapists) and qualified to COSRT standards, therefore abide by the COSRT code of ethics which can be found on the COSRT website.

All sessions remain confidential within professional boundaries and standards.

Our Treatments and Services 

We provide a range of treatments based on your specific needs:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) designed to address your sexual health concerns. Other forms of therapy may be used depending on the nature of the issue being seen. 
  • Medical Treatments: In some cases, we will collaborate with your GP to explore medical solutions, ensuring a holistic approach to care.
  • Confidentiality: All our therapists are members of COSRT (College of Sex and Relationship Therapists), ensuring adherence to the highest ethical standards. 

To access the Psychosexual Medicine and Therapy Service, please speak to a GP or other health professional. They will be able to refer you if they think our service can help.

We only accept referrals from healthcare professionals. Your GP may conduct tests to rule out physical causes for your sexual concerns before referring you to us.

Who can be referred?

Our services are available to individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • Individuals and those in relationships experiencing sexual problems
  • Aged 18 upwards
  • Those whose GP is within Cheshire (excluding Warrington).

What are Sexual Problems?
Sexual problems can affect people of all backgrounds and relationships. 

We offer help for a wide range of issues, including:

  • Arousal problems
  • Painful sex (dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia)
  • Difficulties with orgasm
  • Erection problems
  • Ejaculation issues (e.g. premature ejaculation or difficulty ejaculating)
  • Other genital pain syndromes
  • Loss of sexual desire (libido)
  • Sexual phobia or anxiety
  • Concerns about sexuality or sexual orientation
  • Relationship problems caused by sexual issues
  • We offer a specialised service for sexual problems related to cancer diagnoses working closely with The Christie Hospital.

If you are facing any sexual concerns, whether you are single or in a relationship, we are here to help. Your wellbeing is our priority.


What to expect after referral
Once we receive your referral, you will receive a Patient Registration Form & Service Information Handbook. Upon completion and return, you will be placed on our waiting list for an initial assessment.

Your first appointment, usually conducted over the phone, will include:

  • A detailed discussion about your experiences and concerns.
  • A collaborative plan to explore treatment options.
  • Encouragement for your partner to attend sessions, if relevant.

You will be seen by the same therapist at each appointment. 

We strive to provide compassionate, professional care in a safe and comfortable environment, ensuring you feel heard and supported throughout your journey.

Service Information Handbook

Confidentiality Leaflet

We cannot offer appointments for:

  • Management of gender identity disorders
  • Individuals involved in the criminal justice system
  • Forensic cases or those posing a risk to themselves or others
  • Relationship issues without a sexual component
  • Purely organic issues where there is no psychological component to the issue 
  • Compulsive sexual behaviours (including sex or pornography related “addictions”) without a psychosexual component.

We can, however, give advice to colleagues and assist in signposting to relevant services.

 

If you wish to make a referral, please complete our Referral Form and send it to cwp.psychosexualreferrals@nhs.net (For professional use only).

For any questions about referrals, please use the same email address.

Out of Area Referrals: These are accepted, subject to funding approval before therapy begins.
 

The service is not commissioned to accept referrals for anyone describing a compulsive sexual behaviour, commonly referred to as a sex or pornography “addiction”, though the majority of experts agree there are no such diagnoses. There are currently no NHS funded services in Cheshire that address compulsive sexual behaviours therefore we signpost to private providers; lists of experienced therapists can be found on the COSRT and ATSAC websites below.    

  • COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists): Visit COSRT

  • ATSAC (The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity): Visit ATSAC

Please consider signposting to one of the following sexual violence services if there is a history of sexual abuse / trauma: 

The service no longer accepts referrals for those individuals exploring gender. Further information can be found here:

  • Clinical Lead Psychosexual Therapist: Dana Braithwaite
  • Service Director and Trust Consultant: Dr Karl Hollows
  • Team Secretary: Cheryll Horn (Mon-Fri, 9am – 3pm)