COSRT is clear. Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy is a specialised form of talking therapy. It never involves touch.
Yet a recently launched Channel 4 TV programme – Virgin Island – includes people described as “sex therapists” touching participants in sexualised ways.
Understand that the show’s content does not represent the therapies or professionals overseen by COSRT, even if some words may seem similar. It is unrelated to evidence-based psychotherapy used to support people in need of emotional or psychological help. It presents real risks to vulnerable people and could threaten public trust in valuable professions. And no COSRT registered Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist would be permitted to engage in such activities.
The need for rigorous standards and boundaries around touch has already been made clear in the public domain. In 2024, someone referred to in the media as a ‘sex coach’ and ‘sex therapist’ was found guilty of rape after a highly publicised civil trial. They had used sexual touch and activity as part of their “therapeutic technique” with the victim and 30 to 40 others.
COSRT’s Chair, Steve Johnson says “Please let everyone be clear. Touch does not form any part of proper therapy to help with sexual or relationship issues. Boundaries and professional standards are vital so only use a therapist registered with a body such as COSRT. And if a psychotherapist or counsellor tries to touch you as part of therapy, walk away and report them.”
For more information on COSRT’s public registers of Psychosexual and Relationship Therapists and the standards underpinning them, please see https://www.cosrt.org.uk/the-cosrt-registers/.