Non-Couple Therapy for Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

Since the early 1970s there has been an emphasis on couple therapy in the treatment of sexual dyssjnction. This paper discusses the potential applicafions and benefits of non-couple individual and group treatment of sexual problems in men and women, both for rhose in rerclnbnrhips and for those without partners, and reviews the appmaches and outcomes reported in a number of treatment studies. The charactmitics of people presenting alone co sexual dyzfunction clinics are described, and issues relating to non-couple therapy for certain sub-pups of the population are considered. Factors associated with the potential eff2ctivVeness of non-couple therapy are investigated and the paper also examines various components and techniques empbyed in individual and p u p treatment. It is argued that practitioners and refewers s h o d place a greater stress on non-couple therapy for people both with and without partners who present with sexual dysfinction, and that this approach is of potential benefit in the treatment of most types of sexual problem.

Working with Men in Individual Psychotherapy from an Integrity Model Perspective: The Unsung Heroes

“…There is a dearth of recent published articles in the arena of psychotherapy with men around sexual dysfunctions. Several authors (Anson, 1995;Crowe, 1995;O'Donohue, Swingen, Dopke, & Regev, 1999) have called for a greater focus on: (a) Individual rather than couple treatment; (b) a focus on under-represented populations, including men without partners and older men; and (c) a greater understanding as to why the interpersonal rather than the sexual therapy components of therapy may be effective. Our work with François and Mark addresses this call, adding to the theoretical and clinical understanding of factors underlying their sexual dysfunctions in terms of an Integrity crisis based on a values violation and how this can be addressed.…”