Breaking new ground: occupational therapy in sexual health
Nikki Craig: Finding my path
Hi, I’m Nikki Craig, a degree-apprenticeship occupational therapy student at Sheffield Hallam University, currently part of the Northwest Cohort and about to start my third year. Alongside my studies, I work as a mental health practitioner within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). I’ve always been passionate about supporting children and families—it’s a challenging role, but the rewards make it all worthwhile.
My journey into occupational therapy started during a psychology lecture, where I first learned about the profession. The more I researched, the more I realised how closely OT aligned with my values and skill set. The opportunity to train through an apprenticeship felt like the perfect fit, and I haven’t looked back. I love learning, and this career path has given me a real sense of purpose. I’m excited to see where my OT journey takes me.
Opening the conversation: OT in sexual health
For my third placement, during my second year, I wanted to explore a setting where OTs weren’t traditionally present. I have a background in clinical and health psychology, and during my master’s, I researched the impact of problematic internet use on real-life attitudes towards sex. That experience sparked my interest in the psychology of sex and relationships, and I even considered training as a sex and relationship therapist.
Reflecting on this research, I started to wonder—what role could occupational therapy play in sexual health? I reached out to the director of my local NHS sexual health service, and to my delight, they were keen to support me in exploring this further.
Stepping into a new space: my placement experience
I arrived on my first day eager to get started. I’d done my research, so I had an idea of where OT could add value, but I was keen to understand the service from the inside. My focus was on identifying gaps in provision and developing an occupation-focused intervention that could make a lasting impact.
The first two weeks were all about scoping the service. I shadowed clinics, observed different care pathways, and reflected with my long-arm supervisor. It quickly became clear that the service was rooted in a medical model—a stark contrast to the holistic, biopsychosocial approach I was used to in mental health. This only strengthened my resolve to highlight the value of occupational therapy in this setting.
After careful consideration, I decided to focus on the male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) clinic. CPPS can have a profound impact on daily life, affecting everything from mood and anxiety levels to engagement in meaningful activities. While existing treatments include physiotherapy, counselling, and medication, I wanted to explore an alternative approach—one grounded in sensory processing and interoception (the body’s ability to sense its internal state).
A new approach: OT interventions for chronic pelvic pain
Over six weeks, I worked with two male patients experiencing chronic pelvic pain. I took a person-centred approach, using interoception as a framework to explore their experiences of pain and its impact on daily activities. Each session was designed to help them develop strategies to better regulate their body’s responses, ultimately improving their quality of life.
The results were incredibly promising. Both patients attended all four sessions despite the challenges of discussing a sensitive topic. They reported significant reductions in anxiety, improvements in mood, and an increase in participation in daily activities. Perhaps most excitingly, they also experienced a noticeable reduction in pain frequency after just four sessions—suggesting that an occupational therapy-led approach could be a valuable addition to CPPS management.
Looking forward: what’s next for OT in sexual health?
This placement has been a defining moment in my journey to becoming an OT. It’s strengthened my confidence, deepened my understanding of occupational therapy, and allowed me to demonstrate the profession’s value in a new setting. I’m incredibly grateful to the consultants and nurses who welcomed me into the team, and to the patients who trusted me to support them.
Looking ahead, I’m keen to continue exploring the role of OT in sexual health—particularly in relation to interoception and chronic pain. I’ll be presenting my work at The Institute of Psychosexual Medicine’s (IPM) scientific meeting in March, where I’ll be the first OT to engage with the organisation. I’m also working on another abstract for the BASHH conference alongside a consultant to showcase how multidisciplinary approaches can improve outcomes for people with CPPS.
The potential for occupational therapy in sexual health services is huge, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next. If you’re an OT interested in this area, I’d love to connect—let’s keep the conversation going!
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