The Sextherapylondon interactive website for sexual difficulties: content, design and rationale

Abstract

Sexual difficulties are common, but there is limited access to specialist services. People concerned about their sexual functioning may not seek help, and patients and health professionals can find it difficult to raise the topic. This intervention description paper details the aims, design and therapeutic rationale underpinning an interactive website which provides stand-alone, tailored advice and self-help for sexual difficulties. Sextherapylondon (STL) is an interactive digital intervention (IDI) offering evidence-based sex therapy including psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioural and systemic therapy techniques within a social constructionist framework. An online triage module identifies those who need clinical assessment before proceeding with online sex therapy, generating a referral letter. STL offers online self-help for getting or keeping erections, early ejaculation, sexual pain, difficulties with orgasm, and lack or loss of sexual desire. In this paper we describe the content and design of the STL web-based sex therapy programs, including the theoretical and therapeutic rationale which underpins the website structure and content. Sextherapylondon replicates key aspects of therapist-delivered sex therapy from a range of theoretical approaches, to provide tailored, personalised feedback. By offering private, convenient online access, interactive digital interventions can address the needs of people with sexual difficulties who may not otherwise receive help.

Keywords:

• Systemic therapy
• cognitive therapy
• erectile dysfunction
• digital health
• couples therapy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Institute for Health Research.

Notes on contributors

Karen Gurney

Dr Karen Gurney is a Clinical Psychologist and European Society of Sexual Medicine certified Psychosexologist, and is Lead Psychosexual Therapist at 56 Dean Street, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust, London, UK.

Lorna J. Hobbs

Dr Lorna J. Hobbs (PhD, University College London; DClinPsy, University of East London) is a Clinical Psychologist at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, London, UK.

Naomi J. Adams

Dr Naomi J Adams is the Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Mortimer Market Centre, managing Psychology and Psychosex Services across Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust Sexual Health Services in London and Surrey. She has worked in HIV and Sexual Health since 1996 and her interests include chemsex, stigma and U=U.

Julia V. Bailey

Dr Julia V Bailey is a sexual health specialty doctor and Associate Professor at University College London (UK). Her research focuses on sexual health promotion via digital media (mobile phones and the Internet), for a range of health issues including sexual wellbeing, safer sex, sexual difficulties, and contraception decision-making..