Low sexual desire, or lack of interest in sex, is one of the most common concerns presented to psychosexual therapists, particularly among women, though it is also frequently experienced by men. This self-access class will help psychosexual and relationship therapists understand sexual desire more fully, recognise the causes of low sexual desire, and respond with greater confidence through assessment, psychosexual education, and appropriate treatment approaches, supported by case examples.
The class also explores what is meant by sexual desire, including contemporary distinctions between spontaneous and responsive desire, before examining the wide range of factors that can contribute to low desire. These include physical health conditions, psychological factors such as stress or depression, relationship dynamics, hormonal changes, and the impact of medication.
The training then focuses on evidence-informed treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of thorough assessment, psychosexual education, and tailored therapeutic interventions. Practical strategies are introduced, including cognitive and behavioural techniques, relationship-focused work, and addressing underlying physical or psychological contributors. Case examples are included throughout to support the application of learning into clinical practice.
Class Structure
- Understanding sexual desire
Definitions and models of desire
Spontaneous vs responsive desire - Causes of Low sexual Desire
Physical and medical factors
Psychological influences
Relationship dynamics
Hormonal and medication-related factors - Assessment and Formulation
Identifying contributing factors
Building a holistic understanding - Treatment Approaches
Psychosexual education
Cognitive and behavioural interventions
Relationship therapy approaches
Working alongside medical considerations - Case examples and applied practice
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this self-access class, participants will be able to:
- Use case-based understanding to inform clinical decision-making
- Explain contemporary models of sexual desire, including spontaneous and responsive desire
- Identify and differentiate between the key causes of low sexual desire
- Conduct more confident and informed assessments of service users presenting with low desire
- Apply appropriate psychosexual education and therapeutic interventions
- Integrate cognitive, behavioural, and relationship-based approaches into treatment
About the Trainer
Marian O’Connor is a psychosexual and relationship therapist with over thirty years’ experience working with individuals and couples
For many years, she ran the MSc and Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy at Tavistock Relationships and regularly contributes to magazines and newspapers on sexual and relationship issues.
She offers psychotherapy and psychosexual therapy to individuals and couples from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and across sexual orientations. Central to her work is the importance of a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship, where trust, curiosity, kindness and hope can be fostered.
Marian works with couples experiencing relationship difficulties or sexual problems, and with individuals facing relationship or sexual concerns, including long-term difficulties linked to early childhood experiences.
