Understanding Loss of Intimacy
Many couples experience a gradual or sudden loss of sexual intimacy — a point at which physical closeness has faded or stopped altogether, leaving both partners feeling lonely, disconnected, and unsure how to find their way back to each other. This is sometimes called a sexless relationship, though the experience encompasses a wide spectrum.
The loss of intimacy in a relationship is one of the most painful and isolating experiences a couple can face. It can develop gradually over years, or following a specific event such as infidelity, illness, childbirth, bereavement, or a major life change. With the right support, most couples are able to rebuild their connection and rediscover a fulfilling intimate life.
There is hope : Loss of intimacy does not mean your relationship is over. With specialist support, most couples can reconnect — and many find the process strengthens their relationship in ways they had not anticipated.
How Intimacy Is Lost
How Psychosexual Therapy Can Help
Couple therapy for loss of intimacy focuses on understanding how and why disconnection occurred, addressing the underlying factors, and building a clear, collaborative path back towards physical and emotional closeness. Individual work is also available when needed.
Individual & Couple Therapy
Whether the priority is individual self-exploration or rebuilding intimacy as a couple, therapy is compassionate, non-judgmental, and tailored to your unique circumstances.
What You Can Expect from Treatment
- Understand what happened : Gain clarity on the factors that contributed to the loss of intimacy
- Rebuild emotional connection : Restore trust, communication, and emotional closeness
- Reintroduce physical intimacy : Gradually, at your own pace, rebuild comfortable, pleasurable physical closeness
- Address underlying difficulties : Work through conflict, resentment, sexual difficulties, or life-stage challenges
- Rediscover your relationship : Find a new foundation for intimacy that works for where you both are now
What our clients say
Our Therapists
All our psychosexual therapists are registered members of COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists). Our therapists hold postgraduate qualifications in psychosexual and relationship therapy and many hold additional BACP or UKCP memberships. They provide a warm, confidential, non-judgmental space for meaningful, lasting change.
Confidentiality guaranteed: All sessions are conducted in strict confidence in accordance with COSRT's professional code of ethics.
Your First Session
Your first session is a warm, confidential conversation about your experience — what you have been noticing, how long it has been affecting you, and what you hope to achieve. There is no pressure and no predetermined agenda. Your therapist will listen carefully and develop a personalised treatment plan collaboratively with you.
Between Sessions
Psychosexual therapy involves work between sessions as well as within them. Your therapist will discuss any tasks, exercises, or reflections that may support your progress. These are always agreed collaboratively and tailored entirely to your situation and pace.
No GP Referral Needed
You do not need a GP referral to book with us. You can contact us directly for a confidential initial consultation. We are happy to work alongside your GP or other healthcare providers with your consent.
If you are in crisis: Apex Psychological Services is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact NHS 111, call 999, or attend your nearest A&E. Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 (free, any phone).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a sexless relationship?
A sexless relationship is typically defined as one where sexual activity occurs fewer than 10 times per year. However, what matters most is whether the absence of intimacy is causing distress or emotional distance — not the frequency itself.
2. Is it normal to lose sexual intimacy in a relationship?
Yes. Many couples experience periods of reduced or absent sexual intimacy — particularly following parenthood, illness, stress, conflict, or significant life changes. With the right support, most couples are able to reconnect.
3. Can psychosexual therapy help a sexless relationship?
Yes. Couple therapy is highly effective for rebuilding lost intimacy. It helps both partners understand how the disconnection developed, address contributing factors, and work collaboratively towards restoring physical and emotional closeness.
4. Should we attend together or separately?
Both options are available. Most couples benefit from attending together, though individual sessions can also be helpful — particularly when one partner carries significant shame, fear, or resentment.
5. How long will therapy take?
This varies. Most couples see meaningful progress within 10–15 sessions, though some prefer longer-term work. Progress is reviewed regularly.
No referral needed: You can contact us directly without a GP referral or existing diagnosis. We respond to all enquiries within one working day, Monday to Friday.
Fees
Session Fees
Individual Sessions: £90 per session (50 minutes)
Couple Sessions: £130 per session (50 minutes)
Session Frequency
Most clients attend weekly or fortnightly sessions. You and your therapist will agree a frequency that suits your needs.
Both in-person and online appointments are available.
Please use our contact form to arrange a consultation. We respond within one working day.