Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfying sexual activity. It affects an estimated one in five men in the UK at some point in their lives, yet many suffer in silence due to shame or embarrassment.
ED affects men of all ages. Whether you experience occasional difficulties or consistent problems, the impact on confidence, relationships, and quality of life can be profound. With specialist psychosexual therapy, the vast majority of men experience significant and lasting improvement.
You are not alone : ED affects approximately 4.3 million men in the UK. Research consistently shows psychosexual therapy — alone or alongside medication — produces the most durable long-term outcomes.
Types of Erectile Dysfunction
1. Psychogenic ED
Caused primarily by psychological factors — performance anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship difficulties. The most common form in younger men and responds very well to psychosexual therapy.
2. Organic ED
Arises from physical causes such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or medication side effects. Even with a physical cause, psychological factors almost always develop alongside.
3. Mixed ED
A combination of physical and psychological factors. Even when ED begins physically, performance anxiety and avoidance typically become the primary drivers of ongoing difficulty.
How Psychosexual Therapy Helps
Psychosexual therapy is a first-line recommended treatment for ED with a psychological component. It addresses the anxiety cycle, performance pressure, unhelpful thought patterns, and relational dynamics that sustain erection difficulties — producing better long-term outcomes than medication alone.
Your First Session
A detailed, confidential conversation about your experience — when it started, how it affects you, and contributing factors. Together you develop a personalized treatment plan.
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
- Break the anxiety cycle: understand and interrupt the performance anxiety that drives ED
- Rebuild sexual confidence : develop a more relaxed, present relationship with sexual encounters
- Address underlying factors: work through psychological or relational contributors
- Improve communication: feel more able to discuss your needs openly with your partner
- Lasting skills: gain techniques that continue working long after therapy ends
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 where you can explore your concerns and work towards meaningful, lasting change.
Confidentiality guaranteed: All sessions — in person or online — are conducted in strict confidence in accordance with COSRT's professional code of ethics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfying sexual activity. It is one of the most common male sexual concerns and is highly treatable.
2. What causes erectile dysfunction?
ED can be caused by psychological factors (performance anxiety, stress, depression, relationship difficulties), physical factors (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, medications), or — most commonly — a combination of both.
3. How does psychosexual therapy treat ED?
Therapy addresses the performance anxiety cycle, unhelpful thought patterns, and relational dynamics that sustain ED. It consistently produces better long-term outcomes than medication alone.
4. Can I use medication alongside therapy?
Yes. Therapy works effectively alongside sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil. Many clients reduce or stop medication as confidence builds through therapy.
5. Do you offer online erectile dysfunction therapy?
Yes. Online sessions are equally effective and available for all appointments.
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.