Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy

Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual is an illustrated manual that provides health professionals with specific information on the use of the structured touching opportunities used regularly by Sexologists to address their clients' sexual difficulties (Sensate Focus 1) and enhance intimate relationships (Sensate Focus 2). This book is the only one to: vividly describe and illustrate the specific steps of, activities involved in, and positions associated with Sensate Focus; emphasize the purpose of Sensate Focus as a mindfulness-based practice; and distinguish between the purposes of Sensate Focus 1 and Sensate Focus 2. Through the use of artful drawings and descriptive text, this manual engages mental health and medical professionals and their clients by appealing to both the visual and the analytical. It discusses how modifications to Sensate Focus can be applied to diverse populations, such as LGBTQ clients, the elderly, the disabled, trauma survivors, and those with challenges such as Autism Spectrum, anxiety, and depression. The book also offers suggestions for dealing with common client difficulties such as avoidance, confusion, and goal directed attitudes. This comprehensive approach to Sensate Focus will remind readers of the beauty and power of touch while offering suggestions for moving from avoidance to sensory transcendence.

Linda Weiner, MSW, LCSW, is co-director of the Institute for Sexual & Relationship Therapy & Training, providing sex and relationship therapy, supervision, and training. She is a speaker, writer, adjunct professor at the Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, and was formerly a research and clinical associate at Masters & Johnson Institute. Ms. Weiner is a diplomate in clinical social work, a certified diplomate in sexology (American Board of Sexology), and is certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists as a sex therapist, supervisor, and CE provider. Constance Avery-Clark, PhD, is co-director of the Institute for Sexual & Relationship Therapy & Training, an AASECT-certified diplomate in sex therapy and CE provider, and a certified diplomate in Sexology, American Board of Sexology. She has been a practicing licensed psychologist in Boca Raton, Florida, for 28 years. Dr. Avery-Clark has one doctoral degree in clinical psychology and another in psychology-Jungian Studies. She was formerly a research and clinical associate at Masters & Johnson Institute. She specializes in treating sexual, relationship, and meaning-of-life concerns, and has published and lectured nationally, including an appearance on the Today Show.

Foreword Michael Perelman 1. Introduction 2. Sensate Focus 3. What Sensate Focus Is Not: A Little Bit of History About the Confusions 4. Sexual Dysfunctions: Basic Issues, Assessment Procedures, and Collaborative Treatment Planning 5. Sensate Focus 1: The Non-Demand Touching Suggestions 6. Processing Sensate Focus 1 Instructions 7. Modifications of Sensate Focus 1 for Diverse Client Populations 8. Common Problems and Their Management in Sensate Focus 9. Diverse Populations With Psychological and Physical Concerns 10. Sensate Focus 1 and 2 11. Conclusion References Appendices A. Sexual Dysfunction: History Taking for Sexual Distress B. Sensate Focus 1 Instruction for Clients C. Sensate Focus Special Instructions & Modifications for Different Dysfunctions