Amongst other hidden life-changing injuries, cauda equina syndrome can also leave patients dealing with lifelong issues around sexual function, sensation and fertility issues.
With a lack of NHS provision to help support patients and loved ones come to terms with a “new self”, we provide dedicated therapy to help couples explore new ways of enjoying intimacy and sex after this life-changing injury.
Our Psychosexual Therapists
Sue Lennon and Michelle Donald met when studying to be psychosexual therapists nearly 14 years ago, with both focussing on sexual rehabilitation from the start. They have worked together on numerous projects, speaking nationally and internationally at healthcare conferences whilst running independent psychosexual therapy practices. They have come together to provide our service and link up to make sure that clients are seen as swiftly as possible.
SUE LENNON
RGN. BSc Cancer and Palliative Care, PG Dip Psychosexual Therapy, MA Healthcare Ethics and Law.
MICHELLE DONALD
Michelle Donald (PG Dip PST) is an Accredited Psychosexual Therapist – a senior member of the College of Sex and Relationship Therapists. (CORST)
Sue and Michelle are experienced in helping people with spinal injury to reconnect with their partners, to become curious about the remaining possibilities (even when sensation, erection or orgasm are lost) and to set realistic goals for your sexual future.
You can self refer for this service by completing the form below.
How it Works
Champions Charity is happy to fund 6 free sessions with our psychosexual therapists to support your relationship. Below is a summary of how the process works and what to expect.
Client agreement – Sex therapy is highly confidential. All data security details will be shared with you in a Client Agreement before you start therapy. Once you have been referred, no information comes back to the charity except how many sessions you have had – and that is only so we can pay the bill! We are happy to fund 6 sessions for you and your partner.
Initial assessment – NO ONE GETS NAKED! This is a talking therapy conducted using an online platform such as Zoom or Teams. Once you have returned the Client Agreement, you will agree on a date for an Initial Assessment. This is an opportunity for Sue or Michelle to understand your challenges and how they are affecting you, but also for you to find out more about therapy and see how you feel. There is no obligation to either you or your therapist to proceed.
Second appointment – Assuming that you want to continue, a second appointment will be agreed for a more comprehensive review of your situation and history. Lots of questions will be asked of both partners about your injury, your sexual history, past sex life together, and your goals for therapy. It’s worth saying here that the goals are YOURS, not the therapists. If there is a discrepancy between both partners, then negotiation of a middle ground can take place.
Follow up sessions – Again assuming everyone is happy to go forward, you have 4 more sessions to move towards achieving your goals. Your therapist will be guiding you, suggesting homework for you to do together and taking feedback on how the ‘experiments’ turned out. It’s very much about staying curious, collaborating, building connectedness and getting creative!
It’s really important that the timing is right at this point. These 4 sessions require a bit of momentum – it’s never as good if there are many weeks between appointments or if there is a big gap in the middle for a long holiday for instance, so try and be mindful of that from the start.
Final Thoughts
Michelle and Sue have helped lots of people find a better sexual future. No-one finds it easy in the beginning – and some people choose not to proceed or later discontinue for a number of reasons. For some people, this could be the first time that anyone has spoken about the sexual impact of cauda equina syndrome.
Sometimes people tell us they are afraid for the future of their relationship, or that they are aware they are pushing their partner away because it all feels too much. Please know, you are not alone. Make a referral today using the form below, and check out our support groups for further advice and guidance.