Brief psychosexual therapy: reflections on the provision of a time-limited therapy service in a sexual health clinic

ABSTRACT

Time-limited psychological therapy is increasingly the norm in publically funded health care systems. Although brevity of treatment is a characteristic of modern sex therapy, many practitioners would nevertheless consider the provision of effective psychosexual therapy in six or fewer sessions to be a daunting prospect. In this paper we reflect on the challenges, opportunities, and changes to practice associated with the development and delivery of a brief psychosexual therapy service within a specialist sexual health clinic in England. We endeavour to integrate our experiential learning with relevant research findings and principles from the fields of psychosexual therapy and brief psychological therapy. We also explore some of the broader issues associated with the development and provision of brief psychosexual therapy, including the possible implications for the education and training of psychosexual therapists.

KEYWORDS:

• Brief therapy
• psychosexual counselling
• person-centred
• sexual problems

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robert Irwin

Robert Irwin, PhD, is a senior lecturer in psychology (counselling and therapy) at Bath Spa University.

Caroline Pullen

Caroline Pullen, Dip PST, is a UKCP registered and COSRT accredited practitioner and supervisor in sexual and relationship therapy. She has worked as a psychosexual therapist for over 20 years.