Sex & Relationship Therapy

When sex, intimacy, or your relationship feels difficult, confusing, or just not right.

Renata Paczkowska

Sex and Relationship Challenges

If you've landed here, something probably doesn't feel right - in your relationship, in your sex life, or just within yourself.

Maybe you've lost interest in sex and don't know why. Maybe intimacy feels like pressure rather than pleasure. Perhaps you and your partner keep having the same arguments, or the distance between you keeps growing.

If any of this feels familiar, you're not alone. Struggles with intimacy can feel isolating - but they're far more common than we realise.

  • I've lost interest in sex, and I don't exactly know why

  • Sex feels painful or uncomfortable, and I dread it

  • I can't reach orgasm no matter what I try

  • I feel disconnected from my partner - like we're just roommates

  • Intimacy feels like pressure, not pleasure

  • I feel anxious or in my head during sex

  • I struggle to get or keep an erection

  • I finish too quickly - or I can't finish at all

  • I feel like my sexual urges are out of control, and it's affecting my life

  • I feel ashamed or confused about my desires

  • Sex has changed since menopause, and I don't know how to deal with it

You might feel embarrassed to talk about it - even with the people closest to you. That's completely understandable. But these things don't have to stay this way. Therapy is a safe, private space where you can finally say it out loud, and start working towards a more fulfilling intimacy and relationship.

Therapy with me

In my work, I focus on understanding both the underlying causes of the difficulties you're facing and the patterns that may be keeping them in place today. Together we'll gain clarity on what's really going on - and work through it in a way that creates real, lasting change.

I am trauma-trained, and this informs my work. Often, difficulties with sex and intimacy are rooted in past experiences.

My approach is collaborative, where we are both actively engaged, which helps to become more aware of feelings, including those that may have been buried or avoided for a long time, supporting deeper self-understanding and lasting change.

I work with you, and together we establish therapy goals that are right for you, working at a pace that feels right.

I work with individuals and couples of all backgrounds, orientations, and relationship styles, including those who are kinky, queer, or non-monogamous.

In my practice, I support clients in addressing a wide range of concerns, including performance anxiety, painful sex, vaginismus, low sexual desire, erectile or ejaculation difficulties, gender and sexual identity, alternative sexual preferences, compulsive sexual behaviours, and more. 

I’m here to help you reconnect with your body, your partner, and your authentic sexual self.

Renata Paczkowska - Psychosexual Therapist

  • Academic Background:

    • Core Tranining in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy-ISTDP (in progress)

    • MSc Psychosexual Therapy (in progress) – University of Lancashire

    • Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy-University of Lancashire

    • Post Graduate Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy – University of Lancashire

    • BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling – Worcester University

    • Foundation Degree in Person-Centred Counselling – Worcester University


    Additional training:

    • Couples Counselling Certificate

    • Online and Telephone Counselling

    • Working with Survivors of Sexual Abuse

    Other interest and Continuing Professional Development (CPD):

    Trauma, Self-harming and Suicide Risk, Neurodiversity, Existential Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Respectful Parenting and Nonviolent Communication, Wheel of consent


    Counselling / Psychosexual Therapy Experience:

    • Trainee Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist at the charity organisation that offers relationship counselling (2024-2025)

    • Private Practice Counsellor – In-person, online, and outdoor therapy (2021-2023)

    • Over 4 years’ experience working as a counsellor supporting clients with trauma at the sexual abuse support centre, a charity organisation (2018-2022)

    Relevant Experience 

    • Counselling Placement Coordinator

    • Lecturer in Counselling Ethics and Diversity

    Membership Organisations / Code of Ethics:

    • Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

    • Registered Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT)


    Other Information:

    • Fully insured, DBS checked, GDPR compliant and ICO registered 

    • Receiving regular clinical supervision 

  • I’m passionate about helping people create a more fulfilling and connected life

    My journey into personal growth began in 2012 and has profoundly shaped how I live and relate to myself and others. Along the way, I have experienced a variety of talking therapies, psychosexual coaching, somatic (body-based) practices, and mindfulness, all of which inform and enrich my work. I also spent several years deepening my connection with the body through presence, breathing techniques, and embodied awareness. These experiences were not only healing but empowering, and ultimately led me to train as a therapist so I could support others in exploring relationships, intimacy, sexuality, and self-connection in a safe, grounded way.

    I began working as a counsellor in 2018, supporting people who had experienced sexual abuse and trauma. After four years, I moved into private practice, and since 2024 I have been primarily focusing on helping people explore and improve their relationships, intimacy, and sexuality.

    I am a qualified counsellor, as well as a psychosexual and relationship therapist. My training includes a foundation degree and a BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling, with a person-centered focus, and an MSc in Psychosexual Therapy. I have also completed a couples counselling course and am currently undertaking ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) core training, which deepens my understanding of emotional patterns and informs my approach.

    I receive regular supervision and engage in ongoing professional development to continually refine my skills and grow as a practitioner.

Fees

I offer warm, confidential therapy both face-to-face in Exeter, as well as online.

Individual Sex Therapy – £80

Individual sex therapy is for those who wish to explore sexual challenges in a one-to-one setting. Sessions are available in person in Exeter or online, and last 50 minutes.

Relationship & Couples Sex Therapy – £100

For couples who wish to explore relationship challenges and sex-related difficulties together. Sessions are available in person in Exeter or online, and last 50 minutes.

FAQs


  • Sex therapy can support you with a wide range of concerns, including low desire, painful sex, vaginismus, erectile or ejaculation difficulties, performance anxiety, gender or sexual identity questions, compulsive behaviors, kink, and more. You don't need a diagnosis to benefit, if something’s affecting your sexual or relational wellbeing, you're in the right place.

  • In the first session, we will talk about therapy agreement, explore the challenges you’re facing and how they may be affecting you and your relationships. I’ll explain more about psychosexual therapy, ask questions to better understand the underlying causes, and discuss how we might work together moving forward. Therapy sessions are collaborative and tailored to your needs. We will talk about your experiences, explore emotions, understand the influence of past events, and work on practical strategies for change. If appropriate, somatic (body-based) tools may be used to help you reconnect with physical sensations and feel more at ease in your body. There is no physical contact or nudity during sessions.


  • Yes, many people feel unsure or anxious at first, especially when talking about something as personal as sex. That’s completely okay. I work gently and at your pace, creating a respectful space where you can feel safe to open up when you're ready.


  • Everyone’s journey is different-we will regularly check in on your goals and progress together.

    In the first session, we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing and how they may be affecting you and your relationship. I’ll explain more about psychosexual therapy, ask questions to better understand the underlying causes, and discuss how we might work together moving forward.

    Typically, the first 3–6 sessions are focused on completing an assessment and clarifying your therapy goals. After this initial period, I will provide suggestions on how to proceed with therapy. You can then decide whether to continue with the therapy process or stop at that point.

    Ending therapy is an integral part of the process. The conclusion of therapy will be agreed upon based on your individual needs and goals. Once therapy goals have been met, we will meet for a further 2–3 sessions to reflect on the work and discuss the way forward. If therapy ends earlier than planned for any reason, we will have a final session to review and formally close the process.

    You are not contracted to a specific number of sessions unless otherwise agreed, and you may stop therapy at any time.

To book your first appointment, please email, message, or call me, and I will get back to you as soon as I can. You can also complete the form below.

renatacounselling@protonmail.com

07342460383