Mark Leach, PG Dip, DipSW
Psychosexual & Relationship Psychotherapist

Overall the aim of psychotherapy is to increase awareness, discover choices and develop the capacity to make changes which feel right for you.
We all experience difficulties at some points in our lives - problems with relationships, feelings of anxiety about work or home, sexual concerns, ongoing sadness or depression, mental health difficulties, problems with alcohol or drugs, disordered eating habits or feelings of anger or panic. Counselling and Psychotherapy are one way we can come to understand what we are experiencing and gain insight into how we can move forward.

Although our first reaction to sex therapy might be to feel a bit apprehensive, it is in fact a professional and ethical treatment approach to problems of sexual function and expression. It is sometimes available on the NHS, although more usually an individual or couple will need to find an appropriate therapist and pay for their work with her or him, due to the constraints within the health service. Details of suitable therapists are available on the BASRT website and on www.psychotherapycouples.com and www.partnertherapy.com
 

A sexual & relationship therapist should always be professionally qualified, a member of a professional organisation such as British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy (BASRT) and preferably - also a member of The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

A sexual & relationship therapist works with a wide variety of problems related to sexuality, intimacy & relationships. People seek help for such problems as erectile dysfunction, inability to reach orgasm or reaching orgasm too soon, or simply feeling uninterested in sex.

In addition to seeking medical help though their GP, many people also seek the assistance of a sex therapist. Couples often seek help when it becomes apparent that differences exist in their sexual desires or when they sense that their sexual relationship is not growing as they would wish.
Although usually brief and effective with most sexual concerns, it does not offer a miracle cure for all interpersonal problems. The success of treatment depends upon many factors, not the least of which are the nature of the problem and the motivation of the person or couple.
      

People may need support at any time in their relationships. They and their partner may find it difficult to talk to one another, or they may feel distant or perhaps something has happened to change how they feel about one another. In couples therapy they meet together to talk about what is happening for them and to explore ways forward. They may focus on how they communicate with one another - in this way building a foundation on which they can resolve their difficulties in the future.
As a couples therapist, I work with couples whatever their sexual orientation. Whether they are facing a crisis or trying to face long-term problems between them, I aim to support both partners as they work through their difficulties. In the main I work with people aged 18 - no upper age limit.



I qualified as a social worker in 1996 and then as a Psychosexual Psychotherapist at the Whittington Hospital. I worked for 5 years at the Caldecot Clinic, King's Healthcare NHS Trust Hospital in London. I work with individuals, couples and groups. I also have a private practice in Hornchurch, North East London and offer training and consultancy to statutory / voluntary and private organisations.

I am registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and accredited as a Psychosexual and Couples Therapist (with the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy (**BASRT)). I am also offer supervision and organisational consultancy having completed post graduate training.



Fees vary according to location, session times / day / evening or weekend appointments.
Sessions last for 50 minutes usually weekly.
If you have health insurance, check with them to see if you are covered for our service.
Call for an initial assessment.


Referrals are open to self-referral, GP's, Psychiatrists, companies and organisations with employee assistance schemes.

**BASRT Accreditation is awarded to psychosexual therapists who have met strict criteria in respect of training, experience, knowledge, ethical standards, clinical skills and  commitment to continuous professional development. They are bound by and work to the Codes of Ethics and Practice of the Association.