Why would I want Sexual Health Counselling anyway?

When people hear the word "Counselling," they think - Sick, Sad or Mad - i.e.. You need to have a problem before you qualify. And as for the thought of actually talking to a total stranger about really personal things, well, you'd have to be desperate, wouldn't you?

Put Sexual Health together with Counselling and it sounds even more off-putting:

...It's really embarrassing talking about sex to start with and I definitely don't want to get into stuff about clap clinics and condoms...

Pretty much everyone who comes for counselling has a lot of anxiety about what it will involve, for example some of the things we usually get asked are - "How much will it cost...How long will it go on for...Will it make any difference...Will I be worse off than when I started?"

In a nutshell, anything from safer sex worries to trouble getting it up.

Maybe you have asked yourself the question: 'Is the sex I'm having the sex I really want?' If your answer to that question is 'No' the next question should probably be 'So what can I do about that?' If you're not sure of the answer, then perhaps sexual health counselling could help.

On the other hand, maybe you haven't yet had any 'proper' sexual experiences, but have loads of questions around sex and sexual health you would like answered...you know the sort of thing...the type of question you would feel too embarrassed to ask your parents about and would feel stooopid asking your mates, in case they pissed themselves laughing! Whatever your questions may be...rest assured you can raise them in confidence when you come for counselling at PACE...and we promise not to laugh!

The majority of people who approach counselling feeling negative come out the other side feeling really pleased that they have opened up and started to deal with these questions; pleased and surprised that the answers to those questions might be easier to find than they first thought.

Well...

• Firstly, you pick up the phone and call PACE (020-7697 0014)
• Secondly, you ask to speak to Stephen Weaver.
• Thirdly, you say "I'd like some information about your Sexual Health Counselling service, please." (...yes, it's that simple!)
• Stephen (or one of his colleagues) will take it from there...

You'll be asked to give some basic information about yourself, though you can remain anonymous, if you prefer. Then you'll be offered an appointment to come in and see us.

Remember, our Sexual Health Counselling service is completely free, confidential and non-judgmental and we'll take it at YOUR PACE...

Initially, you'll have 50 minutes to talk through whatever's bothering you with a gay male counsellor - trained to offer support, information and advice - You will then have the option of agreeing to a short block of six weekly sessions, at the same time and place each week, to explore your concerns further.

PACE offers sexual health counselling for gay men age 16 and over. The service is open to anyone who would like to talk about issues related to sex, sexual health, sexuality or relationships. The service also offers counselling to those affected by or worried about HIV. Counselling is free and confidential. Each session lasts up to 50 minutes and can be a one-off session or a few sessions, depending on how much support you would like. You can come on your own or bring a friend with you.

Phone PACE: 020-7697 0014 and ask for Stephen Weaver, if you would like to make an appointment.