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Therapy for Sexual Performance Anxiety in London

 

Worrying about sex can quickly become the thing that gets in the way of it. Maybe your mind races during intimacy, you watch yourself rather than being present, or you have started avoiding sex altogether. You are not alone, and it is something therapy can help with.

 

I am a BACP-accredited psychotherapist offering therapy in central London and online. I work with people of all genders and sexualities who experience sexual performance anxiety, whether single or in a relationship. Performance anxiety can affect anyone, and it is far more common than most people realise.

 

What sexual performance anxiety can look like

  • Worry about not becoming or staying aroused, including erection difficulties

  • Rapid or premature ejaculation, or delayed ejaculation

  • Difficulty reaching orgasm

  • Feeling tense or unable to relax during sex

  • Constant worry about how you look or perform, or how you compare to others

  • Feeling detached or "in your head" during sex

  • Avoiding dating, intimacy or new relationships

  • Tension or distance with a partner because of it

 

Often the anxiety builds on itself: one difficult experience leads to worry next time, and that worry makes the next time harder. Therapy helps break that cycle.

 

How therapy can help

We start by understanding what is going on for you, without judgement. Together we look at the thoughts, pressures and past experiences feeding the anxiety, whether that is shame, stress, sexual trauma, body image, porn, relationship strain or pressure about how sex "should" be.

 

I use an integrative approach, so the work is shaped around you. That can include deeper work on the beliefs underneath the anxiety, alongside practical ways to manage it in the moment. Many clients find simply talking openly about sex, perhaps for the first time, brings real relief.

 

If erection difficulties are part of what you are experiencing, you may find my page on erectile dysfunction counselling helpful.

 

Working with me

  • Registered and accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK's leading professional body

  • 50-minute sessions in person at One Therapy, 20 Great Portland Street, London W1W 8QR, or online and by phone

  • Recognised provider for insurers including AXA, Aviva and WPA

  • Fees from £100 per session

 

Get in touch

Taking the first step can feel daunting, especially with something this personal. You can email me at Ben@onetherapy.london or call 07932 078436. I usually reply within 24 hours and aim to offer a first appointment within a week.

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