Diane Norbury

I am an Accredited and experienced Counsellor/Psychotherapist, Psychosexual, Relationship and Sex Addiction Therapist. I have several years experience of working within the NHS, Relate and Private Practice. I work with individuals and couples, offering a safe, confidential, non judgemental and professional service. My style of therapy includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Systemic, and Psychodynamic theories.

I am a member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT), an Accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and a member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity (ATSAC).

Most of us at some point in our life experience difficulties within our relationship and/or sexual relationships. The process of counselling assists people who are worried about sexual or relationship difficulties or behaviours to explore and gain an understanding of how the difficulties arose. Once an understanding has been achieved, it is then possible for individuals and/or couples to decide what changes they want to make and how to achieve them.

I believe the process of counselling offers individuals and couples a safe, quiet space to feel heard and understood. A place to share fears and concerns and to develop understanding and insight to enable options for change to be explored and personal growth to occur.

In my experience many clients approaching therapy feel anxious and overwhelmed by their difficulties. Many are at a loss as to how to resolve their issues. Some are resigned to never improving the difficulties they are experiencing. Often people describe feeling 'stuck', a desire to be 'normal'. These worries often impact on many areas of individual's lives, particularly relationships and intimacy.

I tailor my approach to suit individual clients. I generally see clients on a fortnightly basis. Within the therapy setting I assist clients to talk about their sexual and/or relationship difficulties. Working together to understand their origin and then gradually guide you through a practical programme which will help you both overcome your problems and reduce your anxiety about them. Dependant on the therapy undertaken homework may be set to complete at home between sessions.

The types of issues I have helped with have included:

PSYCHOSEXUAL THERAPY

• Lack/Loss of sexual interest in both men and women
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Premature Ejaculation
• Retarded/Delayed Ejaculation
• Sexual pain problems; Vaginismus (Painful or impossible intercourse)
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
• Anorgasmia (Unable to reach orgasm)
• Sexual Aversion
• Differences in sex drives between partners
• Gender Dysphoria
• Sexual identity issues
• Sexual problems arising out of altered body appearance or function, including surgery (breast or genital treatment for conditions such as cancer, stomas, scarring).
• Sexual difficulties following sexual traumas including sexual assault, sexual abuse

RELATIONSHIP THERAPY

• Relationship difficulties/issues
• Communication problems
• Conflict
• Divorce & Separation
• Affairs
• Loss of intimacy
• Arguments
• Commitment issues
• Past relationship difficulties affecting present relationships

SEX ADDICTION

• Sexual Addiction/Compulsivity
• Sexual behaviour that feels out of control
• Compulsive masturbation
• Compulsive use of pornography
• Anonymous sex
• Having multiple ongoing affairs
• Chat room/online sex

I support partners of those with sexual addiction/compulsivity.

Of course this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other kinds of sexual and relationship difficulties I can help with.