Abstract
This chapter contrasts the biomedical model of sex dysfunction with a comprehensive couple biopsychosocial approach to assessment, treatment, and relapse prevention. A detailed case study illustrates the multicausal, multidimensional approach to couple sexual dysfunction and the complexity of successful treatment. The four-session assessment process, especially the individual psychological/relational/sexual history, is a core component. The Good-Enough Sex (GES) approach illustrates the importance of the new sexual mantra of desire, pleasure, eroticism, and satisfaction. In essence, sexuality is a couple process of sharing intimacy, pleasure, and eroticism rather than an individual pass-fail intercourse performance test. Creating an individualized relapse prevention plan is an integral component of comprehensive couple sex therapy.
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McCarthy, B., Wald, L.M. (2016). Couples Therapy and Counseling. In: Lipshultz, L., Pastuszak, A., Goldstein, A., Giraldi, A., Perelman, M. (eds) Management of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3100-2_33
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3100-2_33
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