The referral pathways guide
Read with intention
Meet the cliniciansSex therapy, without embarrassment.
Sex therapy is a confidential talking therapy for sexual concerns, on your own or as a couple. There is no physical examination, and nothing physical happens in sessions.
A practical, private conversation.
Your clinician explains each part as you go.
Talking it through
What is happening, when it started, and what you would like to be different.
Clear information
Accurate information about bodies, desire and response, which can ease worry on its own.
Thoughts and feelings
Working with anxiety, pressure or past experiences that get in the way.
Exercises at home
Where it suits, gradual exercises for you, or you and a partner, agreed in advance and never required.
Common concerns, talked about openly.
- Differences in desire within a relationship
- Erection difficulties, early or delayed ejaculation, or difficulty reaching orgasm
- Pain or anxiety about sex, or avoiding intimacy
- Questions about sexuality, or the effect of past experiences on sex
Some concerns have a physical side, so we may suggest you also see your GP. See also couples therapy.
How it usually runs.
Sessions are 50 minutes, in Parramatta or by telehealth.
- 1
Starting out
Your clinician asks about the concern and your goals, at a pace that feels comfortable.
Early sessions - 2
Working on it
Sessions combine information, talking and planning. A partner can join some sessions if you both want that.
The sessions that follow - 3
Practice between sessions
Short exercises to try at home, which you go through together at the next session.
Ongoing
Who offers this approach.
The clinicians below list sex therapy on their profile.
Fees and other options.
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, individual sessions may attract a Medicare rebate. Medicare does not pay a rebate for couples sessions. Our fees are set out before you book.
Check in with yourself.
Free, private tools to try before or alongside sessions. They are not a diagnosis.
Free · 5 to 10 min
Take the Mind Health Check
Short questionnaires, scored privately in your browser. We have ticked the ones most related to this page, and you can change them.
Fact sheet: Healthy relationships
A plain-language guide with practical steps. Free to download.
Try this week
- Write down what you would like to be different, in your own words.
- If you have a partner, choose a calm time to talk, not straight after a difficult moment.
- Plan closeness that does not have to lead to sex, to take the pressure off.
Need help now? Our urgent help page has who to call, day and night.
Before you book, answered.
What is sex therapy?
Do we have to come as a couple?
Is anything physical involved?
What happens in the first session?
What about pain during sex?
Is it confidential?
Do I need a referral?
Can I have sessions by telehealth?
Take the first step, at your pace.
Tell us a little about what is going on, and that you are interested in sex therapy. We will suggest a clinician and a time.
