Hi, I’m Victoria. I am a sexual recovery specialist.
This is a cutting-edge, research-based practice designed for people whose sexual wellbeing has been compromised in some way. This can be due to a range of factors including surgery, childbirth, cancer treatment and medications. I often give talks to healthcare professionals about this field and what we are starting to help people achieve. That was how I met pioneering urologist, Declan Murphy.
Cancer affects every area of life, including sex. Sex is a very important part of life and wellbeing for most people. Disruption to our sex lives can have many implications and challenges to identity and relationships.
Declan has witnessed the distress and isolation that the long term side-effects of cancer treatment can cause. For example, when patients experience a loss of erectile function after radical prostatectomy, it can interrupt sexual wellbeing. To proactively address these challenges, he has engaged me to work with his prostatectomy patients as part of his private service.
My speciality is sexuality after prostatectomy, including erection rehabilitation. However, I can work with anyone who has undergone a change in sexual functioning after medical interventions. The good news is that options are always available. No matter what the challenge is.
I love doing this work.
Every day I get to talk to people about their deepest fears and concerns. The stuff that’s really on their mind but they don’t want to share with friends and family. Sometimes I’m the first person they’ve ever shared particular concerns with.
Changes to any physical function can be anxiety inducing if you don’t know that there’s a pathway out. And sex is one area of rehabilitation that is often overlooked. Understandably, people can be scared that it all might be ‘over’. When we start working together they realise that there’s a lot that can be done.
Together we come up with practical solutions in each session, tailored to your needs. People choose to see me with their partner, or alone, in person or via Skype. It takes work, motivation and focus – and it may sound intimidating, but it is so rewarding. What I hear time and again at the end of first sessions is:
“I didn’t expect talking about this to be so easy”
When the word ‘sex’ is in the title for anything people naturally have questions, like ‘will they need to touch me?’ Just to reassure you, there is no touching or nudity in these appointments!
What you can expect out of sessions are honest conversations that will enable us to make a plan that you feel comfortable moving forward with. It’s about you.
Nothing pleases me more than getting enthusiastic emails from clients telling me how this is changing their lives. Client testimonials
Watch the video of this couple, patients of mine and Declan’s, talk about their (heartwarming and hilarious) journey of rebuilding their sex life after prostate cancer treatment. This is just one example of what is possible when we approach sexuality practically, honestly and with compassion.
I look forward to working with you.