Catherine Polley
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PgDip,AccCOSRT(Sen) Psychosexual Therapist
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About me
I currently offer therapy to couples or individuals who are experiencing sexual problems, out of control sexual behaviours or relationship problems, and I use an integrative approach which may include elements of psychodynamic, systemic and cognitive behavioural therapy.
I adhere to the ethical guidelines of The College of Sexual & Relationship Therapy and receive supervision from an experienced supervisor. I am fully insured.
I am happy to accept self referrals as well as referrals from G.P.s.
Please contact me by email or telephone if you would like any additional information or would like to arrange an initial consultation.
Training, qualifications & experience
Relate trained, and employed by Relate, I have gained extensive experience, having offered couple therapy since 1997 and Psychosexual Therapy since 2008. In 2014, I began working in the area of sexual addiction and compulsivity.
I hold the Relate Certificate in Marital and Couple Counselling, a Postgraduate Diploma in PsychosexualTherapy and a Professional Certificate in Sexual Addiction.
I am a senior accredited member of COSRT, a registered member of BACP, Relate registered and a member of ATSAC (the Association of Treatment for Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity). 
Member organisations
Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT)
COSRT is the UK’s leading membership organisation for therapists specialising in sexual and relationship issues.
All members must abide by their Code of Ethics and the performance of accredited members is regularly monitored.
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).
Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.
Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.
All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
Accredited Register Scheme
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Sexual problems;
I offer therapy for the following sexual problems:
erectile dysfunction
premature or delayed ejaculation
painful intercourse
difficulties with penetrative sex
fear or avoidance of sex
difficulties with orgasm
problems with arousal
loss of sexual desire
sexual problems during or after menopause
problems following pregnancy and childbirth
problems due to illness or disability
problems due to poor body image
problems due to sexual abuse
Sex therapy requires a behavioural approach and you would be asked to carry out some exercises at home as part of your treatment programme.
I also offer a programme for the treatment of compulsive sexual behaviour, including addiction to online pornography
Therapies offered
Fees
From £50.00 to £65.00
Additional information
My fees are as follows:
Couple therapy - £65
Individual therapy - £50
When I work
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Tuesday afternoon and evening from 4.15pm, Thursday evening from 6.45pm. I am currently offering online sessions only, via zoom.
Further information
Sexual problems:
I am aware that it can be very difficult for clients to talk about such intimate areas of their lives, but please be reassured that I would be able to put you at your ease and gently guide you through the issues. Before starting therapy, I would take you through a detailed history taking, which enables me to be clear about the problem and to assess whether sex therapy is appropriate for you. Because sexual and relationship problems can overlap in a couple relationship, it is sometimes necessary to focus on relationship issues first before going into a sexual treatment programme.
