Contents

List of Illustrations

Foreword by Michael A. Perelman

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1:Introduction

Brief Overview of the Field of Sex Therapy

Why Are We Writing This Manual?

What We Are Going to Leave to Others

How to Read This Manual

A Word About Citations

Chapter 2:Sensate Focus

What is Sensate Focus?

Why is Sensate Focus Used?

Why is Sensate Focus Based on Touch?

Why Does Focusing on Touch Sensations Help with Sexual Dysfunctions?

The Main Concept Underlying Sensate Focus: Sex is a Natural Function

The Formula for Implementing Sensate Focus Using Research-Based Techniques

The Purpose of Sensate Focus: Mindfully Touching for Your Interest

The Difference Between Sensate Focus 1 and Sensate Focus 2

Chapter 3:What Sensate Focus is Not: A Little Bit of History About the Confusions

Confusions About the Concept of Sex as a Natural Function

Confusions About Sensate Focus Suggestions: The Importance of Touch for Mindful Self-Focus

Chapter 4:Sexual Dysfunctions: Basic Issues, Assessment Procedures, and Collaborative Treatment Planning

What is Sexual Dysfunction, and How Does it Differ from Occasional Sexual Difficulty?

What Are the Causes of Sexual Dysfunctions?

How Are Sexual Dysfunctions Evaluated and Treated?

Chapter 5:Sensate Focus 1: The Non-Demand Touching Suggestions

Preliminaries

Specific Suggestions

Hierarchy of Exercises

The Paradox of Powerful Presence

Chapter 6:Processing Sensate Focus 1 Instructions

Touching for Self by Describing One’s Experience vs. Focusing on the Partner

Touching for Interest by Describing Sensations vs. Touching for Pleasure by Describing Judgments and Emotions

Identifying Distractions

Managing Distractions

Moving the Toucher’s Hand (Handriding and Positive Handriding)

Chapter 7:Modifications of Sensate Focus 1 for Diverse Client Populations

In Clinical Settings

For Specific Sexual Dysfunctions

LGBTQ, Sex and Gender Variant, Kink, and Non-Monogamous Clients

Chapter 8:Common Problems and Their Management in Sensate Focus

Delaying the Touching Sessions

Non-Compliance

Dislike Touching: Boring, Constraining, and Non-Spontaneous

Ticklishness

Feeling Nothing

Sexual Frustration

Confusion About, and Difficulties With, Concepts and Instructions

Going Further Than Suggested on a Regular Basis

Chapter 9:Diverse Populations With Psychological and Physical Concerns

Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, or Psychosis

Difficult or Challenging Clients

Substance Abuse

Sexual Trauma Survivors

Spectrum and Other Developmental Issues

Physical Challenges: Aging, Illness, and Disabilities

Chapter 10:Sensate Focus 1 and 2

Moving from Sexual Dysfunction to Sexual Enrichment: Sensate Focus 2

Techniques for Optimizing Sexual Intimacy and Interaction

The Relation Between Sensate Focus 1 and 2

Chapter 11:Conclusion

Appendix A.Sexual Dysfunction: History-Taking for Sexual Distress, Adapted from Masters & Johnson Institute

Appendix B.Sensate Focus 1 Instruction for Clients

Appendix C.Sensate Focus Special Instructions and Modifications for Different Dysfunctions

References

Index