Avery-Clark Constance - Sensate focus in sex therapy: the illustrated manual

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, individuals with disability, 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 through the 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 through the 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 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.

This is a much needed book for mental health professionals to update their awareness and comfort in using Sensate Focus strategies with couples. Sensate Focus is integral to sex therapy and this updated book both confronts misunderstandings about Sensate Focus and provides a motivating and empowering handbook. This book should be on the shelf of all couple and sex therapists.

Barry McCarthy, PhD, professor of psychology, American University; author, Rekindling Desire

This book is long overdue!! It is a rich treasure for clinicians seeking the modern roadmap for integrating Sensate Focus into their work with diverse client populations. The illustrations bring the teaching to life. The whole-person approachand the emphasis on touching as essential to human thrivingare messages that make this book invaluable. I will be recommending it to all of my students and trainees!

Patti Britton, PhD, MPH, co-founder, SexCoachU.com; academic dean, Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS); adjunct faculty, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Pacifica and Saybrook Graduate Institutes, and California Institute for Integral Studies

Sensate Focus is one of the longest-standing tools in the toolbox of skilled sex therapists. Weiner and Avery-Clark refresh and revitalize this formidable tool, and apply the lens of mindfulness to understanding the power of this practice. This book will ensure that therapistsboth new and seasonedimplement Sensate Focus effectively and accurately.

Lori A. Brotto, PhD, professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia; executive director, Womens Health Research Institute; registered psychologist

Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy is an amazingly comprehensive, deeply informative manual that will instantly become a classic in the best practice principles of Sex Therapy.

P. Michele Sugg, MSW, LCSW, CST, AASECT-certified sex therapist; past-president, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists; sex therapy advisor, Alexander Foundation for Womens Health

Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy

The Illustrated Manual

Linda Weiner and Constance Avery-Clark

To our mentors, William Masters, M.D., and Virginia Johnson, D.Sc. (Hon), whose intention it was to write a more detailed description of Sensate Focus but whose time was too short.

Contents

All illustrations Karen Ann Jones, www.karenannjones.com/

Illustration photographer Mark Moore and Raymond Gehman

Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy: The Illustrated Manual reconnects the reader with one of the hallmarks of the pioneering days of sex therapy: Sensate Focus. At its most basic, Sensate Focus is a technique to minimize performance anxiety and spectatoring. It may be counter-intuitive to some on first consideration, but the very success of sexual pharmaceuticals, and their impact on sexual health delivery world-wide, makes this book a must-read for any healthcare professional assisting people suffering from sexual disorders and concerns. Why? Medical approaches to sexual disorders are optimized when medical interventions are integrated with counseling. Understanding the rationale for non-demand experimentation and the basics of Sensate Focus can be a powerful weapon for anyone attempting to assist those who suffer, whether a sex educator nurse practitioner, physician, or psychotherapist. Sexual disorders and concerns are multi-determined by a host of varied biological and psychosocial-behavioral and cultural factors. Yet, those who suffer from sexual disorders all have an underlying concern and anxiety about disappointing themselves and their partner. Sensate Focus techniques can help a person learn how to manage those issues and that is the focus of this volume.