Radical Embrace x Hera Menopause

Sexuality, intimacy and relationships can become more complicated at different times in life. Sometimes something has clearly changed. Sometimes a person begins to recognise experiences or patterns that have been present for a long time. Changes in the body, relationships, identity, expectations or capacity can make it harder to continue doing what has previously felt expected, or to set aside questions that now feel more important to understand.

Perimenopause and menopause can bring these questions into sharper focus, but they are not the only reasons someone may seek support. Sexual wellbeing is shaped by many factors, including hormones, physical symptoms, stress, exhaustion, relationships, past experiences, neurodivergence, body image and the meanings that sex has taken on over time.

There may not be one simple explanation. You do not need to understand exactly what is happening before seeking support.

What might bring you to therapy?

You may want support with:

• low desire or reduced interest in sex

• changes in arousal, pleasure or sexual response

• pain, discomfort or changes in sensation

• differences in desire within a relationship

• changes in intimacy, connection or affection

• difficulty talking about sex, needs or boundaries

• the effects of ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence on intimacy and relationships

• the impact of trauma, shame or past experiences on sexuality

• understanding how perimenopause, menopause or other life transitions may be affecting you

You may attend individually or with a partner. People of all genders, sexualities and relationship structures are welcome.

What does psychosexual therapy involve?

Psychosexual therapy begins with developing a broad understanding of what is happening in the context of your body, relationships and life. The first appointment, and sometimes the following appointment, will usually involve exploring the different factors that may be shaping your experience. From there, Bronwyn will discuss a clinical formulation and recommend an approach that reflects what has emerged.

The work may include:

• information and resources to help you better understand what is happening

• understanding sexual response, including desire, arousal and the effects of stress or pressure

• exploring physical, emotional and relational factors affecting intimacy

• considering the effects of hormonal changes, pain, medication, sleep or fatigue

• talking about communication, consent, boundaries and differences in desire

• identifying what supports pleasure, connection and choice

• developing practical tools or structured practices to use at home

Some concerns may be supported through a small number of sessions, with information, resources and space to consider what feels useful. Other concerns may benefit from a more structured process and a commitment to practising between sessions.

This may include approaches such as Sensate Focus, which uses gradual, structured practices at home to support body awareness, curiosity and new learning without a focus on performance. Regular sessions provide space to review what is emerging, understand any barriers and adjust the approach over time.

Bronwyn will discuss what she clinically recommends. You can then decide whether, when and how you want to proceed. The approach will take account of your goals, circumstances and capacity.

There is no assumption that the goal is to have more sex, return to how things were before, or work towards a particular kind of relationship.