17. Psychotherapy of sexual disorders

Question 1

Steps in assessing sexual disorders

Answer 1

Ask for the patient’s permission to bring up the topic.

Be matter-of-fact and ask direct, explicit and concrete questions

Use everyday or medical language, and avoid slang

We should justify our questions

Keep in mind the patient’s worries regarding secrecy.

Proceed from the more general questions towards the more sensitive topics

Not judge

Ask whether he problem is lifelong or acquired, and whether it is generalized or situational.

Talk about the possible treatment methods

Question 2

Treatments

Answer 2

Psycho-education
information to the patients regarding the anatomy and functioning of the genital organs

Communicational training between partners

Sensate focusing exercises

Direct their attention towards the diversified sensation, and towards their experiences felt during sexual relations, and not to deem orgasm as the sole aim of sexuality

Question 3

Sensate focusing exercises

Answer 3

1. Non-genital gratification
2. Genital gratification
3. “Non-demanding intercourse”
4. True intercourse

Question 4

Other methods

Answer 4

Cognitive restructuring

Controlled masturbation - developing good positive attitudes towards their own body and reaching orgasm while alone, esp for women

Restriction of masturbation