SAGE Journal Articles

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Article 1: Southern, S., & Cade, R. (2011). Sexuality counseling: A professional specialization comes of age. Family Journal, 19, 246–262.

Learning Objective: Understanding sexuality counseling through its history and different perspectives

Summary: The authors provide a detailed overview of perspectives regarding sex therapy—from pioneers of sex therapy, psychoanalysis, and the medical approach to the modern approach to sex counseling. The authors also present assessment techniques and diagnostic issues, among others.

Questions to Consider:

  1. What is a main gender difference regarding sex therapy and expectations from it?
  2. What is PLISSIT model? How is it related to sexuality counseling by stage?
  3. Which domains must be covered in the process of assessment? Choose three of these domains, and explain, using examples, why they are important in sexuality counseling.

 

Article 2: McCarthy, B. W., Ginsberg, R. L., & Fucito, L. M. (2006). Resilient sexual desire in heterosexual couples. Family Journal, 14, 59–64.

Learning Objective: Understanding concepts of inhibited sexual desire and its treatment

Summary: Inhibited sexual desire can range from low sexual desire to sexual avoidance. The authors describe its occurrence within heterosexual relationships, explore possible causes, and present a therapeutic plan for this issue.

Questions to Consider:

  1. Explain gender differences in occurrence and causes of inhibited sexual desire. What causes these differences?
  2. Which steps should a therapist undertake in addressing inhibited sexual desire?
  3. Read carefully about relapse prevention strategies. Can you recognize the influence of one therapeutic approach on these strategies? Explain.

 

Article 3: Snyder, D. K., Baucom, D. H., & Gordon, K. C. (2008). An integrative approach to treating infidelity. Family Journal, 16, 300–307.

Learning Objective: Recognizing aspects of an integrative approach for couples dealing with infidelity

Summary: Infidelity is one of the biggest issues that couples face and also one of the most common. The authors describe a three-stage model aimed at helping couples overcome infidelity. This model incorporates intervention characteristics from several different therapeutic approaches, making it integrative.

Questions to Consider:

  1. How does infidelity influence a partner who was cheated on and the relationship as a whole?
  2. Briefly describe the three stages of integrative intervention in treating couples facing infidelity?
  3. Can you recognize which aspects of this therapeutic approach come from cognitive behavioral therapy? What are the benefits of integrative approach over CBT?