Psychosexual Therapy Psychologist

A psychosexual therapy psychologist supports people to explore, understand, and improve their relationship with sexuality, intimacy, and their bodies. It recognises that sexual wellbeing is closely interconnected with mental health, physical health, relationships, identity, and culture.

Importantly, psychosexual therapy is talk-based only and does not involve any physical touch, examination, or sexual activity. Sessions are conducted in the same way as other psychology
appointments, using evidence-based psychological approaches, applied specifically to sexual or intimacy-related concerns.

At its core, psychosexual therapy is about creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative space where your experiences are taken seriously, your autonomy is honoured, and your goals guide the work. Psychosexual therapy is a form of psychological therapy, delivered in line with professional standards set by bodies such as the Australian Psychological Society.

What Is Psychosexual Therapy?

Psychosexual therapy is essentially psychological therapy with a focus on sexuality and intimacy. It uses the same therapeutic foundations as general psychology, such as cognitive-behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and relational approaches, but applies them to concerns related to sex, desire, intimacy, and body experiences.

A psychosexual therapy psychologist sees these personal issues as a part of broader mental health care. For example, someone may be attending therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, or neurodivergence, and also want support in understanding how these experiences impact their sexuality, desire, confidence, or relationships.  Psychosexual therapy acknowledges that sexual difficulties are rarely “just physical” or “just psychological.” Instead, therapy takes a holistic view, considering emotional wellbeing, stress, relationships, identity, health, medication, life transitions, and past experiences —without assuming anything is “wrong” with you.

How Can Psychosexual Therapy Help You?

Sexual wellbeing is recognised as an important part of overall health, as outlined by public health resources such as the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing, Health SA, and the World Health Organization. Psychosexual therapy can support individuals across a wide range of concerns, including (but not limited to):

• Low, absent, or mismatched desire.
• Pain during sex or intimacy
• Sexual anxiety, shame, or avoidance
• Impact of trauma on sexuality or intimacy
• Changes in sexual functioning due to stress, illness, medication, disability, or life transitions
• Exploring sexual identity, orientation, gender, or relationship structures.
• Navigating intimacy in neurodivergent relationships
• Reconnecting with your body after medical, reproductive, or hormonal experiences

You do not need to have a diagnosis, a partner, or a clearly defined “problem” to access psychosexual therapy. Many people seek support simply because they want a more comfortable, informed, or compassionate relationship with sex and intimacy.

An Evidence-Based Psychological Approach

Psychosexual therapy uses the same evidence-based psychological frameworks commonly used in general therapy, applied thoughtfully to sexual wellbeing. Depending on your needs and
goals, this may include:

● Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
● Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
● Mindfulness-based approaches
● Attachment-informed and relational frameworks
● Psychoeducation and skills-based strategies

Psychosexual therapy is not necessarily separate from other mental health work. For many people, sexual concerns arise alongside experiences such as depression, anxiety, burnout, trauma, chronic illness, or neurodivergence. Therapy may therefore involve supporting sexual wellbeing in the context of broader psychological treatment, including exploring how mood, medication, stress, or self-esteem impact desire, arousal, intimacy, or body image.

A Trauma-Informed and Neuro-Affirming Approach

Psychosexual therapy is grounded in the understanding that many people carry complex histories related to their bodies and sexuality, including trauma, medical experiences, stigma, or
unhelpful cultural messaging. Therapy proceeds at your pace, with explicit consent, clear boundaries, and a strong focus on emotional and psychological safety. A neuro-affirming approach recognises that differences in sensory processing, communication styles, attention, and regulation can shape how people experience intimacy and desire. Rather than pathologising these differences, therapy works with them—supporting understanding, self-advocacy, and practical strategies that honour your nervous system and needs.

Inclusive and LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care

Psychosexual therapy is inclusive of diverse identities, bodies, relationships, and experiences. This includes LGBTQIA+ affirming care, sex-positive and asexual-inclusive perspectives, and
respect for non-monogamous and culturally diverse relationship structures. This aligns with values promoted by services such as Qlife.

What Psychosexual Therapy Might Look Like

Psychosexual therapy is talk-based and collaborative. Sessions may involve:

● Psychoeducation about sexual functioning, desire, arousal, and bodies
● Exploring beliefs, expectations, and messages about sex and intimacy
● Identifying emotional, relational, sensory, or physical barriers to connection
● Developing communication skills around needs, boundaries, and consent
● Supporting self-compassion, embodiment, and a more respectful relationship with your body

What Will the First Session Be Like?

Starting psychosexual therapy can feel daunting, especially if you are unsure what to expect or have never spoken about sexual concerns in a therapy setting before. The first session is
designed to be gentle, structured, and supportive. Like other psychology appointments, the first session focuses on getting to know you, understanding what has brought you to therapy, and clarifying how support might be most helpful. You are always in control of what you share and the pace at which therapy unfolds.

Telehealth Psychosexual Therapy

Psychosexual therapy sessions are offered via secure telehealth with Caitlin Waldie, Registered Psychologist.

Telehealth appointments are conducted in the same way as in-person psychology sessions, with the added flexibility of accessing therapy from a private and familiar environment.

Caitlin Waldie

Caitlin Waldie, in addition to being a registered psychologist, has completed a Master of Science in Medicine (Sexual & Reproductive Health) with specialist training in psychosexual therapy. This postgraduate qualification provides advanced training in understanding sexual wellbeing across the lifespan, including the psychological, relational, medical, hormonal, and social factors that can influence sexuality and intimacy.

Telehealth delivery allows sessions to be accessible across Australia and can be especially supportive for people who value privacy, experience fatigue or pain, live regionally, or feel more comfortable engaging from their own space. Sessions are conducted using a secure platform and adhere to professional, ethical, and confidentiality standards. Telehealth is a widely used
and evidence-supported model of care in Australia.

People access a psychosexual therapy psychologist in a variety of ways. There is no single “right” pathway, and you do not need a referral to enquire or book privately.

When to See a Psychosexual Therapy Psychologist

People seek psychosexual therapy for many reasons, including concerns related to sexuality, intimacy, desire, sexual pain, body image, hormonal changes, or the sexual impacts of mental or physical health conditions. There is no single pathway to accessing care, and a referral is not required to enquire or book privately.

Some clients self-refer after learning more about psychosexual therapy, while others are referred by a GP or other health professional as part of broader health care.

Integrated and Collaborative Care

Psychosexual therapy often works alongside medical and allied health care, particularly when sexual concerns involve both psychological and physical factors. Where appropriate and with your consent, care is coordinated collaboratively with:

• General Practitioners (GPs)

• Pelvic health or musculoskeletal physiotherapists

• Endocrinologists and other medical specialists

• Psychiatrists and mental health practitioners

• Sexual and reproductive health providers

This collaborative approach can be especially valuable for concerns involving hormonal changes, chronic illness, sexual pain, or medication effects. Your privacy, autonomy, and informed consent will always respected.

Referrals and Appointments

You are welcome to self-refer or attend with a referral from a health professional. If you are unsure which option is right for you, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs and available pathways