Content for review, not for publication. This article replaces the live post, “Sex Therapy vs Relationship Counselling: Which Is Better for Your Relationship Crisis”.
Sexual intimacy and relationship concerns can feel difficult to discuss. You may be unsure where to begin, especially when communication, trust, emotional connection and sexual wellbeing overlap.
Sex therapy and relationship counselling are both legitimate forms of support. They have different areas of focus, although there can be some overlap. The right option depends on your concerns, preferences and goals.
Book near you
Working out which service suits you is part of the conversation. No referral is needed for a private appointment.
Book online or call 1300 947 477.
Our psychologists in Croydon are at Suite 3, 19 Lacey Street, Croydon VIC 3136 — street parking, one flight of stairs, and Croydon station on the Lilydale line. Appointments are also available at our Lilydale, Mitcham and Clyde North clinics, or by secure telehealth. You can also read more about our couples and family therapy.
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At Inspire Health and Medical, we provide a respectful, private and non-judgmental space for individuals and couples. You can talk openly about your experience and ask questions before deciding what kind of support feels suitable for you.
WHAT YOU MIGHT BE NOTICING
People seek support for many different reasons. You might be noticing:
- Ongoing disagreements or communication difficulties.
- Emotional distance or reduced affection.
- Different levels of sexual desire.
- Anxiety, shame or discomfort around intimacy.
- Sexual pain or changes in sexual functioning.
- Difficulty discussing sexual needs or boundaries.
- Concerns following infidelity, a major life change or a period of stress.
- The effects of trauma on trust, closeness or intimacy.
- Confusion about whether the main concern is individual, sexual or relationship-based.
You do not need to have a clear explanation before making an appointment. You can begin by describing what has been happening and what you would like to understand or work towards.
SEX THERAPY: A FOCUS ON SEXUAL WELLBEING AND INTIMACY
Sex therapy is a specialised form of talk-based therapy. It focuses on sexual wellbeing, intimacy and concerns that may affect an individual or couple.
Topics may include:
- Differences in sexual desire.
- Anxiety related to sex or intimacy.
- Difficulty with arousal or orgasm.
- Sexual pain.
- Concerns about sexual confidence or body image.
- The impact of stress, trauma or mental health concerns on intimacy.
- Sexual identity, orientation or relationship preferences.
- Communication, consent and boundaries.
Sex therapy may involve one person attending, or both partners attending together. The structure depends on the concern being discussed and the goals of the person or couple.
Sex therapy does not involve sexual contact, sexual activity or touching with the therapist. Sessions are talk-based and may include education, reflection and agreed activities to consider privately between appointments.
A practitioner may also explore physical, emotional and relationship factors. Where relevant, they may suggest that you speak with a GP or another health professional about physical health concerns. This is part of taking a whole-person approach and does not mean that your experience is being dismissed or judged.
RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING: A BROADER FOCUS ON THE RELATIONSHIP
Relationship counselling, also called couples counselling, focuses on the way people relate to each other. It can provide a structured setting to talk about concerns that are affecting the relationship.
Topics may include:
- Communication patterns.
- Repeated arguments.
- Trust and emotional connection.
- Conflict about parenting, finances or responsibilities.
- Differences in values or expectations.
- Infidelity and relationship changes.
- Separation, reconciliation or other life transitions.
- Affection, intimacy and sexual difficulties.
Relationship counselling usually focuses on the relationship as a whole. Sexual concerns may be included when they are part of the couple’s experience. However, not every relationship counsellor has specialist training in sex therapy. It is reasonable to ask about a practitioner’s training and experience before beginning.
Relationship counselling can be relevant to many relationship types, including LGBTQIA+ relationships, blended families, long-term partnerships and relationships with different communication or intimacy needs. Your relationship does not need to fit a particular model to be treated with respect.
SEX THERAPY AND RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE
The main difference is the area of focus.
| Area | Sex therapy | Relationship counselling |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Sexual wellbeing, intimacy, sexual concerns and related emotional experiences. | Communication, conflict, trust and broader relationship patterns. |
| Who may attend | One person, a couple or, depending on the situation, another agreed format. | Usually both partners, although the format depends on the circumstances and practitioner. |
| Topics discussed | Desire, arousal, sexual pain, anxiety, identity, consent and intimacy. | Communication, emotional connection, conflict, trust, parenting and life changes. |
| Possible overlap | May explore relationship dynamics that affect sexual wellbeing. | May include sexual or intimacy concerns when they affect the relationship. |
| Starting point | Useful to discuss when sexual wellbeing is a central concern. | Useful to discuss when relationship patterns or communication are central concerns. |
This table is a guide, not a diagnosis or recommendation. You may begin with one type of support and later decide that another focus is relevant. Your clinician can discuss this with you during an initial appointment.
HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU
Inspire Health and Medical offers couples and family therapy and individual support for people experiencing relationship, intimacy and personal concerns.
Our approach is tailored to your needs. Depending on your goals, support may involve:
- Talking through what has brought you to therapy.
- Identifying patterns that are causing distress.
- Exploring communication, consent and personal boundaries.
- Considering how mental health, stress or past experiences may affect intimacy.
- Developing a clearer understanding of your needs and preferences.
- Discussing whether individual or joint sessions feel appropriate.
- Referring or suggesting contact with another health professional when a concern falls outside the practitioner’s scope.
Our team includes psychologists, counsellors and other mental health professionals with different qualifications and areas of practice. You can learn more about our clinicians and ask our intake team about the type of practitioner who may suit your needs.
Counselling sessions are self-directed, and you do not need a referral to book counselling. If you are seeking psychology services, a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan may be relevant if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate. You can ask about this before your appointment.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A FIRST APPOINTMENT
Your first appointment is an opportunity to explain what has been happening and what you would like support with. You do not need to share everything at once.
Your practitioner may ask about:
- Your main concerns.
- How long the concerns have been present.
- What you would like to understand or change.
- Whether you are attending alone or with a partner.
- Relevant mental health, physical health or relationship history.
- Safety, consent and personal boundaries.
- Your preferences for future sessions.
You can ask questions about the practitioner’s qualifications, experience, approach, privacy and fees. You can also discuss whether sessions will be individual, joint or a combination of both.
Therapy should be respectful and non-judgmental. You can let your practitioner know if a topic feels too difficult to discuss or if you need to slow down.
OUR CROYDON CLINIC
Our head office is located at:
Suite 3, 19 Lacey Street
Croydon VIC 3136
Street parking is available. There is one flight of stairs into the clinic. Croydon Station is on the Lilydale train line.
If you have access requirements or would like to discuss whether the clinic is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. You can also learn more about our psychologist services in Croydon.
FEES
The following fees apply to the listed clinical services:
| Service | Consultation fee | Medicare rebate | Out-of-pocket cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychology | $265 | $149 | $116 |
| General Psychology | $215 | $102 | $113 |
| Counselling / Provisional Psychologist | $125 | – | – |
| Counselling / Provisional Psychologist after hours | $135 | – | – |
| Accredited Mental Health Clinician | $200 per 50-minute session | – | – |
Medicare rebates may depend on your eligibility and referral arrangements. Counselling services do not require a referral and are not bulk billed. Fees are paid according to the clinic’s arrangements. Please see our fees and charges page for further information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do I need a referral for sex therapy or relationship counselling?
You do not need a referral to access counselling. Sessions are self-directed. If you are seeking psychology services and would like to claim a Medicare rebate, you may need a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan. Contact the clinic if you are unsure which pathway applies to you.
2. Can sex therapy be individual, or does my partner need to attend?
Sex therapy may be provided to an individual or a couple, depending on the concern and the agreed goals. You can ask about the available options when booking. Your partner does not automatically need to attend an initial discussion.
3. Does sex therapy involve physical examinations or touching?
No. Sex therapy is talk-based. It does not involve sexual activity or touching between the therapist and client. Sessions may include discussion, education and private activities to consider outside the appointment.
4. What if our concerns involve both sex and communication?
It is common for concerns to overlap. You can explain this during your first appointment. Your practitioner may discuss a combined focus on intimacy and relationship communication, or suggest another service if that is more consistent with your needs and their professional scope.
5. What should I do if I feel unsafe in my relationship?
Your safety matters. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For domestic and family violence support, contact Full Stop Australia on 1800 943 539.
If safety, threats, coercive control or violence are present, tell the practitioner when making an appointment so appropriate support can be considered.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT IN CROYDON
You do not need to have the right words before reaching out. Share what you feel comfortable sharing, and ask any questions you have about sex therapy, relationship counselling, privacy, fees or appointment options.
To begin, book an appointment online or call 1300 947 477. Inspire Health and Medical is here to support your individual journey with care, respect and professionalism.
Book near you
No referral is needed to start. Book online or call 1300 947 477, or read more about our psychologists in Croydon.
