Frequently asked questions

What is sexuality?
What do you as a Sex & Relationship Therapist do?
How do I get referred to you?
What clients do you see?
Where are you based?
When are appointments available?
Is there parking available at your office?
How long does a session last?
Is your office accessible for wheelchair users or people with mobility problems?
How much do sessions cost?
What happens in the sessions?
Is everything I say in the sessions confidential?
If I have to cancel an appointment, will I be charged?
What is the Sensate Focus programme?
How many sessions will I have?
Will you make contact with my doctor?
My partner does not want to come along, is there any point in me attending by myself?
It’s me who has the sexual problem, why does my partner need to attend the sessions?
I have a sexual problem, but I don’t have a partner. Is there any point in coming to see you if I don’t have a partner to do the Sensate Focus program with?
Is Sex Therapy covered by private health insurance?
What is supervision?

What is sexuality?

Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical and religious and spiritual factors.
www.worldsexology.org/who_def.asp

What do you as a Sex & Relationship Therapist do?

My job is, firstly to provide a safe place for individuals and couples to talk about the issues that are causing them difficultly. I assess the situation by taking a detailed history. From there, I agree a plan to deal with the situation. This might involve referring clients for medical assessment and/or working on a Sensate Focus programme.

How do I get referred to you?

You may contact me directly to set up an appointment or you may ask to be referred by your doctor or other healthcare professional.

What clients do you see?

I see heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian, gay and transgender individuals and couples.

Where are you based?

My office is based at 36 South Main Street, Naas, Co. Kildare.

This is opposite the Leinster Leader offices.

On arrival, please ring the bell. When you are buzzed in, please go to the top floor and take a seat.

When are appointments available?

Appointments are currently available all day Saturday, Mondays 5.30-9.30pm. Morning appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday may also be available.

Is there parking available at your office?

Naas is a very busy town. There is some metered parking available on the main street near the office. Please give yourself plenty of time to find parking.

How long does a session last?

The first two sessions last for 1.5 hours. Subsequent sessions last for one hour. The last 10 minutes of each session will be spent making new appointments and making payment for the session.

Is your office accessible for wheelchair users or people with mobility problems?

Unfortunately, my office is on the second floor of an older building and is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility problems.

How much do sessions cost?

Please contact me to discuss the cost of sessions as it may vary depending on your personal circumstances.

What happens in the sessions?

The first sessions are assessment sessions, where I will take a detailed history. No medical or physical investigations are undertaken. Once the assessment is complete, I will suggest a plan to deal with the issue. This usually involves communication work, Sensate Focus programme and programmes to deal with specific sexual problems. If necessary, clients may be referred to their doctor or other healthcare professionals for further investigation or treatment.

Is everything I say in the sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is maintained in all circumstances except the following:

If there are concerns about a) Possible self-harm b) Potential harm to others and c) Child safety issues

All therapists have an ethical duty to report the above to the relevant authorities.

Therapists are required to discuss their casework with their supervisor but no client names are used.

If I have to cancel an appointment, will I be charged?

You need to give 48 hours notice if you wish to cancel your appointment. If less than 48 hours notice is given, the full appointment fee will be charged, regardless of the reason for the cancellation. If you must cancel with less than 48 hours notice, please forward a cheque for full session amount to the office on the day the session was due.

What is the Sensate Focus programme?

The Sensate Focus programme is a six-stage graded programme to help couples regain their intimacy and deal with any sexual problems they may have. This includes working on communication, building up intimacy and techniques for dealing with specific sexual problems. Each stage is agreed with the couple and they will have specific tasks to complete at home. Progress with each stage is discussed in the sessions to identify and deal with any issues that may have arisen for the couple.

How many sessions will I have?

The number of sessions will depend on the issue and the individual(s). A plan will be agreed with each client and progress is reviewed regularly to ensure that the therapy is being effective.

Will you make contact with my doctor?

If your doctor refers you, I will write to them. If you have self-referred, I will only contact your doctor with your consent or if I have concerns about your safety or the safety of others.

My partner does not want to come along, is there any point in me attending by myself?

Sometimes one partner does not want to attend the sessions for a variety of reasons. If you feel that it would help you to talk to someone about the problems that you are having, you can attend by yourself.

It’s me who has the sexual problem, why does my partner need to attend the sessions?

Even if you are the person who has the sexual problem, it is very likely that this has caused difficulty between the two of you and is now a couple issue. It is important that your partner attends so that you can both work on the issue together.

I have a sexual problem, but I don’t have a partner. Is there any point in coming to see you if I don’t have a partner to do the Sensate Focus program with?

Many people who are experiencing sexual problems do not have a partner. Often it is the presence of the sexual problem that prevents people from meeting sexual partners. If you have a sexual problem, it useful to talk to a Sex & Relationship Therapist about it. You may be able to work on the problem by yourself.

Is Sex Therapy covered by private health insurance?

Sex Therapy is not generally covered by private health insurance. However, check with your private health insurance provider. You will be issued with a receipt at each session and these may possibly be included under medical expenses in your tax return.

What is supervision?

All therapists are required to discuss their cases with their Supervisor to ensure that they are working to a high standard and in a completely ethical way. The Supervisor is someone who is very experienced and may have done additional training in order to be a Supervisor. Supervision is held at the rate of 1 hour supervision for every six sessions of therapy. Cases are discussed in detail but confidentially and anonymity are maintained at all times.

If you have any questions or wish to make an appointment, please contact Tony Duffy