Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy

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.

“This is a much needed book for mental health professionals to update their awareness and comfort in using sensate focus strategies with couples. Senate focus is integral to sex therapy and this updated book both confronts misunderstandings about senate 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 approach—and the emphasis on touching as essential to human thriving—are 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 therapists—both new and seasoned—implement sensate focus effectively and accurately.”— Lori A. Brotto, PhD, professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia; executive director, Women’s 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 Women's Health

• 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