PSYCHOSEXUAL THERAPY SERVICE
Champions Charity are extremely proud to announce our new Psychosexual Therapy service for people experiencing sexual dysfunction following a cauda equina injury.
We are delighted to work alongside expert’s therapists Michelle Donald and Sue Lennon who have a wealth of experience. Here is a little bit more about them…
MICHELLE DONALD
Michelle Donald (PG Dip PST) is an Accredited Psychosexual Therapist – a senior member of the College of Sex and Relationship Therapists. (CORST)
Her expertise is in the areas of sexual issues related to spinal injuries and the strains on a relationship that CES may bring. Her long-term aim is focused on the development of a comprehensive sexual education programme within the rehabilitation centres and care agencies.
Michelle believes it is necessary to address the issue of how important sexuality is after a CES injury, knowing that this aspect is often neglected, with the focus being on physical issues. A supportive and informative environment is established where people can explore their own ideas, practice tasks that are given in therapy, at home, and discuss feelings and concerns around their sexuality prompting them to ask questions they might not have felt they could.
SUE LENNON
RGN. BSc Cancer and Palliative Care, PG Dip Psychosexual Therapy, MA Healthcare Ethics and Law.
Sue Lennon has had a 27-year nursing career finishing as a senior Macmillan Nurse in Uro-Oncology in Harrogate.
Recognising that the sexual impact of urological cancer was largely ignored, she studied for a PG Dip in Psychosexual therapy, and developed a successful sexual rehabilitation service for those suffering life changing illness or injury alongside her nursing role before leaving to live in France!
She remains committed to sexual rehab and is very involved in challenging social and institutional norms, helping health and social care staff to assess and address the sexual impact of illness and disability. As well as continuing to run an online psychosexual therapy service, she speaks at nursing conferences across Europe and teaches BSc and MSc students at De Montford University.
A creative thinker, Sue believes that acceptance, curiosity and a strong therapeutic alliance hold the key to great outcomes and invites all clients to explore all the possibilities that building a new sex life can bring.
We are very proud to work alongside such esteemed professionals who, like our charity, put the patient and best outcomes at the centre of everything they do.
Champions Charity understand the impact that sexual dysfunction and CES can have on self-esteem, intimate relationships’ and body image. Loss of sensation can be devastating, compounded by having to deal with embarrassing bladder and bowel issues. We aim to support people affected by cauda equina syndrome to maintain intimate relationships and find enjoyment and pleasure moving forward after injury. With the support of Michelle and Sue we offer funded psychosexual therapy courses and offer an ongoing support package tailored to a person’s needs.
Individuals can self-refer to the charity and request an initial assessment with one of therapists via email, if you are a medical professional or an advocate for somebody with CES you can also refer directly to the charity by emailing [email protected] quoting THERAPY REFERRAL.