Selena Doggett-Jones

Relatioships, like many things need nurturing, maintenance and repair.  I have been working with couples and individuals on their relationship, intimacy and sexual concerns for many years both in the NHS and privately.  I also teach and supervise for Tavistock Relationships and I am on the training team for Relate.  I also worked as a clinical nurse specialist in sexual and reproductive health.

It can be daunting to approach a therapist about very personal problems but speaking about them aloud with an experienced and sympathetic listener can disempower the anxiety so the work of 'repair' can begin.  Relationship therapy can also support people to separate from relationships that are no longer working.

I specialise in therapy for problems with relationships, sex and intimacy.  These might be due to, among other reasons, illness, anxiety, sexual function, pain during sex, cultural and religious differences, trauma, gender identity or sexual orientation, bereavement, infertility and disability.  I also work with clients who are separating because their relaitonship is no longer working.  I have a very broad experience working with a very diverse population in large inner city NHS sexual health clinics, NHS psychosexual services and in private practice.  I find it very rewarding to be able to facilitate positive change in people’s relationships and intimate lives.  It is a creative and dynamic process and I often feel very touched and privileged to have clients feel confident and safe enough to share their most private thoughts and anxieties with me.

I offer all potential clients a free 10 minute consultation over the phone.

I can also travel to see clients if illness or disability makes it difficult for them to travel, subject to availability and location.

Some of the concerns people bring maybe related to:

• Relationship problems
• Relationship endings
• Painful sex and/or difficulties with penetration
• Difficulties with getting or maintaining erections
• Premature or delayed ejaculation
• Loss of interest or enjoyment in sex
• Difficulty in reaching climax
• Problematic sexual behaviour
• Problems associated with menopause
• Difficulties related to disability, chronic disease, accidents, surgery, cancer treatment and skin conditions
• Difficulties in relationship after diagnosis of a terminal illness
• Bereavement
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Infertility
• Menopause
• Conflicting feelings and/or fear of pregnancy
• Gender identity and sexuality
• Cultural and religious influences
• Concerns about personal sexual practice or those of partner(s)
• Lack of knowledge about sex
• Kink friendly

If you are currently in a relationship you will be encouraged to attend sessions with your partner because sexual and relationship difficulties rarely 'belong' to one partner or the other. If you don't have a current partner or they don't want to attend appointments it can also be very useful to work on your own. It may also be that you would prefer to see a therapist on your own.

Relationship therapy and psychosexual therapy are both talking therapies but you may be asked to practise some helpful practical techniques in the privacy of your own home.

Sessions are weekly or twice monthly and work can be short or longer term depending on client needs. Numbers of session are influenced by the pace at which the client feels comfortable to work. I can be flexible for those with irregular work schedules depending on appointment availability.

How To Get Started

Contact me by phone or email to make an appointment for an initial assessment.  There is no obligation to continue into therapy. This is an opportunity for me to find out about your concerns and for us to get a sense of whether we make a good fit and what the work we do together might look like.