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179 A ied Heal Services NMH Annual Rep t | 2020 T he Psychosexual Therapy Clinic continues to be very active with the main source of referrals from General Practitioners and Oncology services throughout the country as well as clinics from within the National Maternity Hospital including gynaecology, infertility, oncology, physiotherapy and postnatal clinics. There were 90 new referrals in 2020: 30 referrals came from a waiting list from 2019 and 12 cases continued therapy from 2019. Vaginismus continues to be the main problem presenting to the clinic. It continues to affect women and partners who have always had the problem during their relationship to those who develop it post cancer treatment, post childbirth or following other traumatic life experiences. Adjustments to working under COVID-19 restrictions meant that all counselling work was carried out remotely either via Zoom or by telephone. In preparation for this the Psychosexual Therapist completed training courses with the Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology, 'Online Therapy: How to Make the Transition to Working Online and to Develop Best Practice' and with the College of Sexual Relationships, 'Providing Therapy and Services Online'. This helped to ensure that all considerations Dysfunctions Presenting Psychosexual Therapy were put in place to provide a professional, ethical and confidential service to clients. Some clients have chosen to wait for face to face appointments to recommence either due to a discomfort of using technology or to a lack of privacy at home. Others have stated a preference for online therapy as less time is given to travelling to appointments and childcare does not have to be arranged for those with young children. As there can be much discomfort around talking about sexual problems, some clients find that doing so in the comfort of their own homes can be more relaxing and allows them to engage easier in the process. Research is being compiled in other countries as to the effects of the pandemic on sexual functioning and already there are concerns of sexual problems post COVID-19 treatment or for those suffering with long term COVID-19. Also there are concerns regarding the negative impact that lockdown has had on some relationships and the negative effects on individual mental and physical health. Due to a large number of new referrals in 2019 and an initial adjustment to online therapy during the pandemic, there is a lengthy wait for clients to be seen in the Clinic. Outcome Engaged in weekly/fortnightly therapy (mostly online) 38 Cancelled or did not attend initial appointment 24 Placed on waiting list for 2021 43 Referred to private clinic 15 Referred to external/local Psychosexual Therapy Services 12 Total 132 Female Vaginismus 70 Dyspareunia 16 Inhibited Sexual Desire 17 Anorgasmia 4 Male Erectile Dysfunction 9 Unconfirmed 16 Total 132 Referral Sources Consultant/NMH Staff 67 General Practitioners 35 Other Agencies/Hospitals 30 Total 132