An integrative therapeutic approach that incorporates elements of many schools of thought in sexology and psychology allows a therapist to create a “made-to-measure” treatment plan, which takes into account the needs, values and natural strengths of the person consulting. Below is a brief description of the approaches on which are based my interventions:

The cognitive-behavioral approach

Cognitive-behavioral therapy “ is aimed at treating sexual problems by changing behaviors and thoughts that are interfering with the expression of healthy sexuality. Within this perspective, the sexual dysfunction is perceived as the problem needing treatment rather than the symptom of another difficulty. This therapeutic process can be undertaken in an individual or couples setting. It generally involves doing various exercises: body sensitization exercises, relaxation techniques, desensitization of unreasonable sexual fears, therapeutic self-stimulation, etc. Duration of treatment varies between a few months to one year.”*

Schema Therapy

This approach stems from cognitive therapy and is based on the principal that human beings have fundamental needs that are crucial for their psychological development and must be fulfilled during childhood. When these are not met within the family environment, children naturally seek to respond to their needs and may consequently develop schemas or thought patterns that are maladaptive or self-destructive. Schema-centred sex therapy is aimed at identifying schemas underlying the sexual problem and then modifying the inefficient emotional and behavioral responses that ensue.

The existential-humanistic approach

The existential-humanistic approach “considers sexuality as an integral part of every human being’s identity. It focuses on the person’s behaviors, feelings, emotions and needs. More specifically, sexologists using this approach have developed an openness that allows them to understand their client’s general life experience, their love life, their relationship history and their sex life. As it is resolving the sexual problem per se, the therapeutic process also improves one’s sense of masculinity or femininity. Therapy sessions are on an individual basis and are usually once a week. The duration of therapy can vary according the client’s needs and personality.”*

The systemic-interactional approach

The systemic-interactional approach “ is based on the principal that sexuality is experienced within the context of a relationship between two people. During therapy, partners discover the particular type of verbal and non-verbal communication system that they have developed between them as they are intimate or sexual together. By way of exercises focused on intimacy as well as sexuality, they learn new ways of interacting together that are more adapted to how they want to live and be. Communication is a key element in therapy, a lever of major change. Sessions are conducted in a couples setting. If needed, individual sessions can take place. Duration varies usually between 12 to 30 weekly sessions.”*

Since sexology and psychology are constantly evolving, a good therapist must remain up to date about recent publications and research developments in order to be well informed of any breakthroughs in the field. All responsible therapists must constantly perfect their knowledge and skills in order to ensure their interventions are innovative while remaining efficient and pertinent.

*These definitions are taken from the Website www.associationdessexologues.com (my translation).