Approaches Used in Sex Therapy

Question 1

Masters and Johnson

Answer 1

Prior to Masters and Johnson, sexual problems were treated in long-term psychotherapy with
low success rates. Masters and Johnson stressed the role of education in treatment. The
therapist needs to educate the clients on how their bodies work, the role of past experiences,
upbringing, and role models on sexual functioning. They divided the common pattern of the sexual response cycle in both sexes into four specific phases including:
● Excitement Phase: Initial arousal
● Plateau Phase: At full arousal, but not yet at orgasm
● Orgasm Phase: During orgasm
● Resolution Phase: After orgasm
Sexual dysfunction is seen as disturbances in one or more of the sexual response phases, or
pain associated with arousal or intercourse.

Question 2

Short term (2 week) treatment includes

Answer 2

Masters and Johnson developed a short-term (2 weeks) psychotherapy treatment program with
couples. They discovered that performance anxiety, or spectatoring, was the most common
reason for most problems. Spectatoring is when a participant is critically watching their sexual
performance rather than giving into the pleasure of being with a partner. Treatment included:
● Medical, psychological, and sexual histories.
● Couples were given specific instructions based on these assessments and were
expected to complete homework between sessions.
● Sensate Focusing: A desensitization technique in which the goal is to lower anxiety
levels in couples through a series of exercises by replacing anxiety with pleasure.
Couples are encouraged to take steps toward sexual intimacy through sensual
exploration and massage. Feedback and communication are encouraged regarding what
feels good.
○ Step I: The partners are instructed to avoid the genitals or breasts.
○ Step II: The partners may include erotic areas but not to the point of orgasm.
○ Step III: The partners may include orgasm.

Question 3

Cognitive Behavioral Sex Therapy

Answer 3

● Exercises are used with the aim to overcome negative, self-defeating feelings and images regarding sexual experiences.