What is Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy (PRT)?
Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy (PRT) is an advanced, integrated therapy using several components – psychosexual therapy, relationship therapy, and broader psychotherapy.
The ‘psychosexual’ differentiates this specialism from other therapies. It involves psychotherapy relating to aspects of human sexual life and development based on or influenced by psychological and emotional factors. Those issues are often related to genetic, chemical, transgenerational, and other biological (organic) aspects.
Psychosexual and Relationship Therapists have had extensive training in both organic and non-organic presentations. This addresses the comorbidity between the emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of Service User’s experiences. They have a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and physiology, and an understanding of related issues such as prescribed and recreational drug/alcohol use.
Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy specialists are equipped to cover a wide and complex range of challenges because of their advanced training. They explore, support, guide, and inform Service Users who present with sexual dysfunctions or behaviours (for example sexual compulsivity) which may cause problems for individuals or relationships. They may also assist with broader relationship-focused issues such as non-consensual monogamy or relationship breakdowns.
To maximise the impact of therapy, these practitioners often deploy psychotherapy focused on improving the relationship between individuals, acknowledging that many sexual difficulties are situational and relational. They can also work with primary presentations, some of which may be organic in nature whilst working with the emotional aspects of these and keeping up to date with new, often medical/drug interventions in support of the Service User. This helps them resolve interpersonal issues and modify maladaptive patterns of interactions, thereby fostering the healthy psychosocial growth of all parties.
What is Relationship Therapy (RT)?
Relationship Therapy (RT) is a specialised form of therapy focused on human relationships.
This speciality involves using psychotherapy focused on improving the relationship between individuals by helping them resolve interpersonal issues. This can include helping modify maladaptive patterns of interactions, thereby fostering the healthy psychosocial growth of all parties. In that sense the Service User is often the intimate system rather than multiple individuals.
A Relationship Therapist can help understand and deal with emotional and psychological issues linked to relationships. This can include, for example, conflict resolution, relationship enhancement/reconciliation managing conflict or improving interpersonal communication. Relationship Therapists are not ordinarily trained in-depth in biological issues such as sexual dysfunction so are not accredited by COSRT to provide Psychosexual Therapy.