Support and counselling for relationships

Sexual relationships are an important part of life for many people. People of every age and physical ability can, and do, enjoy their sexuality, but it isn’t always easy to talk about. But there are professionals you can turn to for advice and support.

Speaking to health professionals

You may feel uncomfortable talking to a health professional about the issues you’re having, but remember, they’ll have spoken to many others with similar problems before. They’ll need to take your particular needs into account when talking to you, including your attitude towards sex and cultural influences.

The medical profession is governed by strict privacy laws though, so anything you do share with a healthcare professional will remain totally confidential. If you find it difficult to talk about, try writing your questions down. 

You may want to attend appointments with your partner if you have one, so you can discuss the issues together. Ask your healthcare professional if they have any literature you can take away, so you can read it in your own time at home. 

Support for your partner

Ideally, you should talk things through with your partner. This can sometimes be difficult, but it’s essential for your partner to get the support they need too. 

Parkinson’s nurses and Parkinson’s local advisers can see people with Parkinson’s and their partners independently to discuss any issues if you don’t feel you can talk to each other about things.

Relationship counselling 

If you’ve tried talking to each other about your relationship problems and you feel that you’re not getting anywhere, couples counselling may help. A trained couples counsellor can help you look at your problems differently and improve your communication, to help you overcome any issues you’re facing. 

Counsellors can also work with individuals. This means you can go alone if you’re single or if your partner doesn’t want to attend. Some people prefer to talk through their feelings on their own, and find this very helpful. 

If you think counselling may help, ask your GP if there are services available in your area, or contact your local Relate centre. They’ll advise you what they charge and how they may be able to help if payment is an issue. You may also prefer to speak to a pastor attached to a hospital or hospice about relationship issues. 

If you’d prefer private counselling, find a local counsellor on the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy website.

If you see a private counsellor, make sure they’re trained in the appropriate area of relationships, couples or individuals.

Counselling and psychotherapy for sexual problems

For some people, counselling or psychotherapy can help them talk openly about relationship and sexual problems, so they can find ways of making changes. There are several ways of helping people and your counsellor or psychotherapist should explain how they work and decide with you what you would like to focus on.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is useful when a person or couple’s beliefs about what is ‘normal’ are contributing to the sexual problem.

Also, treatments focusing on relationship problems result in a better outcome than approaches that only focus on problems with the physical side.

Psychosexual therapy 

A psychosexual therapist is trained in all aspects of sex and can help you understand the effects of medication and illness on sex. They often use a step-by-step approach to make realistic changes. 

Many psychosexual therapists are also relationship therapists and can address practical problems and emotional or relationship difficulties. You can choose to see someone on your own or as a couple. 

Your GP may be able to refer you to an NHS therapist, or you can see a specialist at your local Relate centre (see below). Find a list of private therapists on the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists website.

Call our helpline free on 0808 800 0303 for advice on relationships or any aspect of living with Parkinson's.

Information and resources

• Relate: relationship counselling, sex therapy and downloadable resources in England and Wales. Visit the Relate website.

• Relate NI: relationship counselling and sex therapy in Northern Ireland. Visit the Relate NI website.

• Relationships Scotland: relationship counselling and sex therapy in Scotland. Visit the Relationships Scotland website.

Find a counsellor

• The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): find a private counsellor in your area. Visit the BACP website.

• The College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT): information on therapists and clinics to help with sexual and relationship problems. Visit the COSRT website.

• The Institute of Psychosexual Medicine (IPM): find medical practitioners who have additional training in the treatment of psychosexual difficulties. Visit the IPM website.

• The United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP): holds the national register of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Visit the UKCP website.

Thank you very much to everyone who contributed to or reviewed this information:

• Debbie Keenan, BACP Senior Accredited Psychotherapist 

• Dr Jennifer Foley, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

• Rose Ryan, Intimacy Coordinator for film and TV and Parky Partner.