Sexual Health Advising and Psychosexual Therapy
- Sept 1, 2026
- 5 min read
“Working as a Sexual Health Adviser in a GUM/HIV service has shown me that sexual wellbeing is about far more than preventing and treating sexually transmitted infections or providing contraception.
While these remain core parts of the role, I regularly meet people whose sexual concerns are shaped by their relationships, emotions, past experiences and sense of self. It is this broader perspective that sparked my interest in psychosexual therapy and the difference it can make for people experiencing sexual difficulties.
In my current role, I support people presenting with concerns including erectile difficulties, delayed or rapid orgasm, painful sex, changes in sexual desire and sexual behaviours that leave them feeling distressed or ashamed.
Some benefit from education, reassurance and brief interventions, while others have more complex needs that require time, reflection and a therapeutic approach. These encounters have reinforced my belief that treating symptoms alone is often not enough.”
Zoch Nwaosu
Senior Sexual Health Adviser
My background as a Sexual Health Adviser has given me a strong foundation for psychosexual work.
Sexual health is already rooted in a biopsychosocial model, recognising that physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships and social factors all influence sexual function.
In practice, this means looking beyond the presenting problem to understand the impact of anxiety, stress, relationship dynamics, previous experiences, cultural influences and personal beliefs about sex.
This holistic approach aligns closely with psychosexual therapy and is one of the reasons I am keen to develop my skills further.
The communication skills I have developed are highly transferable. Discussing sex can be difficult for many people, and I have learned how to create a safe, non-judgemental environment where patients feel comfortable sharing concerns they may never have spoken about before.
Building rapport quickly, listening with empathy and adapting my approach to the individual are all essential parts of my role and are equally important in psychosexual practice.
Assessment is another area where my current experience provides a solid foundation. I routinely take detailed sexual histories, assess risk, identify safeguarding concerns and explore how sexual difficulties affect different aspects of a person’s life.
I also work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues, recognising that the best outcomes often come from collaborative care. These skills are directly applicable to psychosexual therapy, where understanding the wider context is essential to effective treatment.
What draws me most to psychosexual work is the opportunity to support people beyond the initial consultation. Sexual difficulties can have a significant impact on confidence, relationships and overall wellbeing, and I value the chance to help people understand the underlying causes of their difficulties and work towards lasting change.
As sexual wellbeing continues to be recognised as an important part of overall health, I believe Sexual Health Advisers are well placed to develop into psychosexual practitioners.
Our clinical knowledge, communication skills and holistic approach provide a strong foundation for delivering compassionate, person-centred care that addresses the whole person, not just the presenting problem.