Optimal Sexual Experience and the Goals of Sex Therapy
In sum, as Kleinplatz writes in "The components of optimal sexuality: A portrait of 'great sex,"' "The actual sexual behaviours and acts performed are far less important than the mind set and intent of the person or couple engaged in these acts" (Kleinplatz et al., 2009...
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| Published in: | Contemporary sexuality p. 1 |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Magazine Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Ashland
American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, & Therapists
01-08-2014
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | In sum, as Kleinplatz writes in "The components of optimal sexuality: A portrait of 'great sex,"' "The actual sexual behaviours and acts performed are far less important than the mind set and intent of the person or couple engaged in these acts" (Kleinplatz et al., 2009). For one, therapists can help patients redefine and reconceptualize what "sex" actually is, aiding them in exploring what actually makes them feel "alive and connected within and with one another" (Kleinplatz, 2010). They can encourage clients to say "no" to sex unless they are full of desire. They can let their patients know that attention to emotional intimacy is essential for high-quality sex. They can avoid downplaying the disappointment of their patients, instead acknowledging it and helping them aim for sex worth wanting, if they are so inclined. In the end, Kleinplatz feels that clients should be encouraged to become experts on their own sexual experiences. "G-d forbid anyone should think that I am the expert on his or her own erotic potential," says Kleinplatz. "My job as a therapist is not to help the client to 'conform to troubled norms' (Reiss, 2006) but, on the contrary, to help the client discover him or herself as a sexual being anew. That is, to help him or her discover his or her own unique erotic potentials and whether or how to express that." |
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| Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 content type line 24 ObjectType-Feature-2 SourceType-Magazines-1 |
| ISSN: | 1094-5725 |