Enhancing Sexuality: A Problem-Solving Approach To Treating Dysfunction (Second Edition): Therapist Guide
Enhancing Sexuality: A Problem-Solving Approach to Treating Dysfunction (Second Edition) comes in two volumes. This page is for the Therapist Guide. Click here to access the Client Workbook.
Enhancing Sexuality: A Problem-Solving Approach to Treating Dysfunction equips mental health professionals with the tools and strategies necessary to assess and treat sexual dysfunction in diverse populations. Grounded in over 30 years of clinical research and practice, this guide offers a structured yet flexible framework for addressing sexual concerns that arise from medical, psychological, or relational factors. Designed for experienced psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and therapists, the program provides evidence-based interventions tailored to individuals and couples. The guide details a thorough clinical assessment to identify complicating factors such as medical conditions, substance abuse, or relational conflict that may require attention before initiating sex therapy. It incorporates psychoeducation, problem-solving strategies, and practical exercises to address issues such as desire, arousal, and pain. The accompanying client workbook enhances the therapeutic process by providing educational materials and exercises to support progress between sessions. By integrating clinical expertise with a client-centered approach, Enhancing Sexuality empowers therapists to navigate the complexities of sexual dysfunction, enabling clients to achieve meaningful improvements in sexual health, intimacy, and relationship satisfaction. This comprehensive resource is an essential tool for delivering impactful and empathetic care in this sensitive area of therapy.
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- English (GB)
- English (US)
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Introduction & Theoretical Background
Sexual dysfunction is a common yet multifaceted issue that can profoundly affect emotional well-being, relationship satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Challenges in sexual functioning arise from a range of causes, including medical conditions, psychological factors, and relationship dynamics. Successful therapy for sexual dysfunction often depends on factors such as attraction between partners, effective communication, and the absence of severe relational or psychological problems. However, many cases are complicated by comorbid disorders, unresolved anger, or untreated medical issues, which must be addressed before or alongside treatment. Therapists play a crucial role in navigating these complexities, making clinical assessments to determine the most appropriate treatment pathway. This process ensures that therapy is both effective and tailored to the individual needs of clients (Wincze, Bach, & Barlow, 2007).
Enhancing Sexuality: A Problem-Solving Approach to Treating Dysfunction provides mental health professionals with a comprehensive framework to address these challenges. Grounded in over 30 years
Therapist Guidance
Each Treatments That Work® title is published as part of a pair:
- Clients use the Workbooks, which contain elements of psychoeducation, skills development, self-assessment quizzes, homework exercises, and record forms.
- Therapists use the Therapist Guides, which contain step-by-step instructions for teaching clients skills and overcoming common difficulties.
Although written for the client, the exercises in the workbook are intended to be carried out under the supervision of a mental health professional. The author suggests that the most effective implementation of these exercises requires an understanding of the principles underlying the different procedures, and that mental health professionals should be familiar with both the Workbook and this Therapist Guide.
Therapists with an active subscription to a Psychology Tools ‘Complete’ plan are licensed to use Treatments That Work® titles, and to download and share chapters with their clients.
References And Further Reading
- Abrahamson, D. J., Barlow, D. H., Beck, J. G., Sakheim, D. K., & Kelly, J. P. (1985). The effects of attentional focus and partner responsiveness on sexual responding: Replication and extension. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 14(4), 361–371.
- Abrahamson, D. J., Barlow, D. H., Sakheim, D. K., Beck, J. G., & Athanasiou, R. (1985). Effects of distraction on sexual responding in functional and dysfunctional men. Behavior Therapy, 16, 503–515.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed., Text Revision). Washington, DC: Author.
- Bach, A. K., Barlow, D. H., & Wincze, J. P. (2004). The enhancing effects of manualized treatment for erectile dysfunction among men using Sildenafil: A preliminary investigation. Behavior Therapy, 35(1), 55–73.
- Barlow, D. H. (1972). Review of the book homosexual behaviour: Therapy and assessment. Behavior Therapy, 3, 479–481.
- Barlow, D. H. (1986). The causes of sexual dysfunction: The role of anxiety and cognitive interference. Journal of Consulting and Clinical