A treatment model for anxiety-related sexual dysfunctions using mindfulness meditation within a sex-positive framework

Abstract

In this article, we propose a clinical model for treating anxiety-related sexual dysfunctions that hinges on the use of mindfulness meditation practices. First, theoretical and empirical evidence for anxiety as either a cause or condition of several different sexual dysfunctions is provided. Next, the concept of mindfulness and the research that supports the use of mindfulness meditation practices in addressing anxiety are explained. The inherent link between mindfulness and sex-positivity is also addressed while acknowledging the need to emphasize both mindfulness and sexpositivity in therapy. The proposed model for the treatment of anxiety-related sexual dysfunctions using mindfulness practices within a sex-positive framework is outlined. It utilizes mindfulness-based practices such as body scan meditation and sitting meditation as well as several preexisting sex therapy interventions, including directed masturbation and sensate focus assignments. A case study is provided as an example of the progression of therapy and as a demonstration of the clinical viability of the model. Ultimately, this model illustrates a potential way in which mindfulness practices can be utilized within a sex-positive approach to sex therapy.

Erotic mindfulness: A core educational and therapeutic strategy in somatic sexology practices

“…Those findings corroborate the growing empirical literature showing the beneficial effects of mindfulness-based treatment for sexual difficulties in women (e.g., Gunst et al, 2018;Velten, Margraf, Chivers, & Brotto, 2018;see Stephenson & Kerth, 2017 for a meta-analytic review and endnote 1 for a more comprehensive list) 1 , in men (Bossio, Basson, Driscoll, Correia, & Brotto, 2018), and in both men and women (Kimmes, Mallory, Cameron, & Köse, 2015;Sommers, 2013). While those approaches do not involve touch between patients and practitioners, they bring scientific support and legitimacy to the use of somatic and experiential approaches in addressing sexual difficulties by virtue of successfully employing erotic mindfulness as a core principle of sexual healing and transformation.…”

Sex‐Positive Assessment and Treatment Among Female Trauma Survivors

“…Overall, sex‐positivity focuses on not just the absence of physical and emotional harm but also the presence of positive pleasure. Sex‐positivity has been defined as “the belief that all consensual expressions of sexuality are valid” and further argues the need to “focus on the client's personal meaning of their sexuality and its relationship with their well‐being” (Kimmes, Mallory, Cameron, & Köse, , p. 289). This sex‐positive approach, which appreciates both the absence of harm and the presence of positive pleasure, is also reflected in the definition of sexual health provided by the World Health Organization ().…”

Sensory processing of women diagnosed with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder: a research proposal

“…A common theme in both these study fields is the presence of affective symptoms, i.e. anxiety in women diagnosed with a sexual disorder [38], or adults diagnosed with SPD [64], necessitating investigating the extent of participants' anxiety.…”

“…Anxiety has been confirmed to accompany diagnoses of both sensory processing [20,22,23,36] and sexual pain disorders [37][38][39][40][41][42]. The presence of SPD is not only a risk factor for the development of mental health conditions, e.g.…”