Our professional staff includes doctors and therapists who have a special interest and further training in the management of sexual problems. Depending on the nature of the problem, you may be offered a medical examination, tests, counselling and/or advice on medical treatments. Please note though that we do provide prescriptions directly.
What are sexual problems?
We can offer help with a variety of problems. These include:
- Difficulties with sexual arousal
- Painful sex (e.g. dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia)
- Difficulties with orgasm
- Difficulties in getting or keeping an erection
- Ejaculation problems, such as premature ejaculation or an inability to ejaculate
- Other genital pain syndromes
- Lack or loss of sexual desire (‘libido’)
- Sexual phobia or anxiety about sex
- Concerns or difficulties regarding sexuality or sexual orientation
- Relationship difficulties as a result of sexual problems
We can see both individuals and partners experiencing sexual problems.
What treatments does the service provide?
Psychosexual Therapy commonly involves a combination of behavioural exercises and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) but other types of counselling strategies may be used. Sometimes it may be appropriate to suggest medical treatments, in which case we will liaise with your GP.
The number of appointments available is limited. The clinic offers a maximum of ten sessions, though this can be extended in exceptional circumstances.
Who can be referred to the Psychosexual Clinic?
To be offered an appointment you must be:
- Over 18 years old
- Living in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin
Our therapy is seen as brief therefore not usually suited to people with acute mental health conditions. We are very happy to see anyone regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, culture or religion. We are a trans and non-binary friendly service.
We cannot offer appointments for:
- Management of compulsive sexual behaviours (sexual / porn “addiction”)
- Management of gender identity disorders
- Individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system
How can I be referred?
You will need a referral from another health professional, preferably your GP but this could be your nurse, consultant or therapist in another service. Your GP could arrange investigations to check for and exclude physical causes for a sexual problem before a referral is sent. Please note we cannot see you if you walk in without an appointment.
What happens when I am referred?
Once your referral letter is received, we will contact you to arrange registration with the service and make an initial assessment appointment or explain the current waiting time if no appointments are available.
At the first appointment you will be seen by a doctor or therapist who will ask you about your experiences and how the clinic treatments may be of benefit. You will see the same professional on each visit. Appointments are around 45 minutes long. We will encourage you to be honest and talk openly – it is common to feel a bit nervous or embarrassed when talking about sexual matters – we appreciate this and will help you talk about your problems in a sensitive and professional way.
Where are appointments held?
We offer face to face or remote appointments. Remote appointments are usually by video, but we can speak on the phone if preferred.
Face to face appointments are held in the following locations and you will be offered these depending on where you live:
North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Cobridge Community Health Centre, ST6 2JN
South Staffordshire
Stafford Clinic, ST16 3AQ
Branston, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 3EY
Telford & Wrekin
Bishton Court, TF3 4JE
Shropshire
Severn Fields Health Village, Shrewsbury, SY1 4RQ
Referral information for professionals
If you would like to refer someone into this service, please email a referral letter or complete this referral form and send to the appropriate email address below depending on location:
North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent: Psychosexual.Service@mpft.nhs.uk
South Staffordshire: Staffordshire.SexualHealth@mpft.nhs.uk
Telford & Wrekin: Telford.sexualhealth@mpft.nhs.uk
Shropshire: sexualhealth.shropshire@mpft.nhs.uk
Please note these email addresses are for professional use only
Referral form
Download the referral form below: