New group therapy for problematic sexualised behaviour launched at the Sexual Health Centre

The Sexual Health Centre is delighted to welcome the Sex and Love Therapy (S.A.L.T.) programme to its services. This customised group therapy programme supporting people with concerns in relation to problematic sexualised behaviour is a further resource to support the sexual wellbeing of the Cork community.

“The S.A.L.T. programme has been developed over the last number of years with a view to supporting people in regulating their own sexual behaviour and eliminate any internalised shame or isolation that may be associated with it. At the Sexual Health Centre, we recognise that sex and relationships can sometimes become problematic. As sexual health remains an inherent aspect of each of our lives, we are delighted to now be able to offer this service from our organisation in Peters Street, Cork”, noted Catherine Kennedy, Centre Manager.

The Sex and Love Therapy (‘S.A.L.T.’) programme was created by Donal Clifford, an accredited counsellor and psychotherapist working in addiction therapy and is based on the training he undertook with Paula Hall, a leading expert in the area of sex addiction in the UK.

Dr. Martin Davoren, Executive Director of the Sexual Health Centre said that this service is “for any person who feels they are engaging in any sexual activity to a degree which creates a negative impact on their life.”

Mr. Clifford highlighted the niche cohort of counsellors that are adequately trained and equipped to fully meet client needs in this specific area of work:

“The most effective therapy in this area requires counsellors who have a background in both addiction counselling and psychotherapy, and who are comfortable addressing the range of sexual behavioural issues that can come up for clients.

“Some clients would feel quite detached and avoidant of sex, which is also a problem for long-term couples, who may not be engaging with each other sexually at all. Others have co-dependency issues and consistently jump in and out of unhealthy relationships,” highlighted Mr. Clifford.

The programme is predominately run in a group therapy setting, separated by gender. The group dynamic encourages trust and allows people to address their issues in a safe space with the help of their peers.

“It is so important to listen to a client’s concerns without judgement. I am not here to tell someone what is normal or right. This therapy is not about labelling anybody a ‘sex addict’ – it is a tool that helps people to identify why their behaviour concerns them and how to move forward in a healthy, responsible, shame-free manner.

“It also provides crucial intervention which can prevent increased risk-taking behaviour further down the line, thus improving sexual health outcomes.”

Issues related to a pattern of consistent unhealthy relationships, compulsive porn consumption and anonymous sex are also within the wide remit of the S.A.L.T. programme. The Sexual Health Centre is keen to develop this area of work, recognising that the behaviour can lead to many issues for an individual including relationship problems, friendship problems, difficulties at work, and substance misuse amongst other negative outcomes.

Anyone interested in this service can contact the Centre via our helpline on 021 427 6676 to book a consultation and establish whether S.A.L.T. is suitable for them. Following this, individual assessments are carried out to ensure that clients meet specific criteria.