What is a Clinical Sexologist?
A clinical sexologist is a professional specialising in the exploration and treatment of sexual and relational concerns and dysfunctions. Often, but not always, they will be a trained sex and relationship therapist, and will sometimes have additional background in healthcare and/or psychology.
The role combines expertise in sexual health, relationships, and psychological well-being to provide comprehensive support.
What types of issues can you help with?
I work with concerns including but not limited to:
Sexual function difficulties (e.g., erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low libido, pain during sex)
Relationship challenges (betrayal trauma, desire discrepancy, communication difficulties)
Exploration and navigation of kink, polyamory, and other non-traditional relationship styles
Sexual identity exploration and building your erotic template
Fertility concerns, pregnancy loss, postnatal depression and involuntary childlessness
Intimacy after trauma, assault or abuse
The impact of addiction, illness or disability on sex and interpersonal relationships
I am both neurodivergent and disabled myself, so I strive to create an inclusive space and offer flexibility in how we structure and adapt therapy to best accommodate your individual needs.
How is psychosexual therapy different from other therapy?
Psychosexual therapy (PST) focuses primarily on concerns related to sex, intimacy and relationships (not necessarily just romantic ones!). While other therapies might address broader mental health issues - and these can all certainly intersect with psychosexual presentations and be something we work through as underlying contributors - my work tends to be specialised to where your primary concern falls into one or more of the areas outlined above.
In terms of what the process looks like - typically in PST there is a heavier focus on psychoeducation and with most presentations there are practical exercises to complete between sessions - whilst during appointments we spend time unpacking. Couples are often asked to turn and speak primarily to each other, with the therapist facilitating and structuring conversation.
How do I book a session?
You can arrange a free discovery call by filling out my enquiry form or by sending me an email at NiaJaneSexology@gmail.com. I typically arrange discovery calls for Tuesday and Thursday PMs, but I’m happy to discuss alternatives if these days or times aren’t a good fit for you. Following the call, we can decide together how to go forward with sessions.
If you’d prefer to skip the discovery call and go straight into appointments, or you know that you only want a single one-off session, please email me directly to schedule this, as there is a slightly different administrative process involved.
What should I include in my enquiry?
Please include:
An overview of your concerns (give as much detail as you are comfortable with!)
Whether you’re seeking to come to therapy with your partner/s or individually
Your availability (days and times) for online sessions
If you’re seeking low-cost therapy, any relevant information regarding potential eligibility for this
What are your fees? Do you offer low-cost therapy?
Individual appointments are £60. Couples and multiples - including when I see partners individually as part of the process - are £80 per session.
I believe my fees are reflective of my experience, expertise and qualifications, and as such are reviewed on a regular basis. However as mentioned above, I also have a number of appointments available for those who are experiencing financial hardship and would have genuine difficulty accessing high-quality therapy at the full session cost. These are typically daytime weekday appointments, but on occasion I can also accommodate late afternoon or evening slots.
Please provide details in your enquiry if you'd like to be considered for these.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions typically last 50 minutes, though I can offer some flexibility if a longer or shorter session would better meet your needs. This would need to be discussed on an individual basis.
How often will we meet?
Most clients prefer weekly sessions, and I find that this is usually a good starting point to adjust from as we go. Others may opt for biweekly, monthly or ad hoc appointments from the outset. We’ll find a schedule that works best for you.
What is your cancellation policy?
Although cancellations within 48hrs of the session would typically incur the full session fee, I also understand that life happens, especially for clients with disabilities, caring responsibilities or other circumstances where a bit more flexibility is necessary. We can discuss this in detail during our initial call.
Do you provide letters for benefits assessments?
Yes. As part of my disability advocacy work, I can provide clients with supporting letters for the PIP or WCA assessment process - if and when appropriate. Please note that these letters will be a truthful and factual reflection of the concerns you have highlighted to me and the work that we are doing on these in therapy - and it therefore would not be appropriate to provide them for one-off clients. There is no additional administrative charge for supporting letters, outside of my usual hourly session fee which covers the time spent writing it up.
I can also help with completing your forms to help you to highlight any difficulties that you have legitimately expressed to me. This service again is chargeable as one or more hourly session fees, depending on depth required.
Depending on the timing, it is sometimes possible for me to attend a telephone assessment alongside you as a supporter. As the DWP indicate they can take up to 90mins, the fees incurred for this are equal to that of a 2hr appointment.
Can I bring my partner(s) to therapy?
Yes - in fact I prefer to work with all intimate partners wherever possible, even if you believe the issue only affects one of you.
How confidential is therapy?
Confidentiality is a top priority. I adhere to the ethical guidelines of the NMC and COSRT, meaning what we discuss stays between us, unless there is a significant legal or safety concern. I will never send anything to your address or discuss anything with your GP or other healthcare professionals until agreed between us, and even then, only when it is clinically necessary or at your specific request.
What can I expect from the first session?
The first session is an opportunity to explore your goals, concerns, and expectations. I’ll ask some questions to get to know you, hold space for you to talk about how the issue is affecting you and what you’d like to achieve from therapy, and from there we’ll decide together how to proceed.
What if I’m not sure therapy is right for me?
That’s completely okay. The free discovery call is designed to help you figure that out, and there’s no pressure to commit until you feel ready.
If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch!