Introduction
Psychologists have been exploring the essence of human sexuality and its aspects for many years, emphasizing the differences in perceptions of sexuality in terms of gender and sociocultural influences. In this sense, human sexuality is formed under the influence of both societal and personal perceptions, and it is an essential part of every person’s life. While the field of psychology explores the mental health of an individual, exploring the causal relationships between specific events and their impact on the formation of certain traits, this field additionally involves system sex therapy. The objective of this type of therapy is to navigate the patients through their sexual issues and restore the partner relationships. As a result, human sexuality should not only be studied but applied in practice via system sex therapy while applying psychoeducational tools and evaluations to help individuals gain confidence and a clear understanding of their emotions when dealing with their issues.
Societal and Personal Perceptions of Human Sexuality
When it comes to human sexuality, it is noteworthy that it is the core of people’s character. According to the definition by Conklin and colleagues (2007, p.38), it “involves the interrelationship of biological, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions.” Individuals have been taught about sexuality for a long period of time, and people are aware that no one component of sexuality can indeed be isolated from others or be given greater weight compared to others. As a result, they have decided to create a literature that views all facets of sexuality as important and interrelated. However, even after millennia, modern perceptions of human sexuality are quite similar to those of ancestors’ era in many ways (Conklin et al., 2007). Similar to the past, government policy, as well as religion and society, have an immense effect on human sexuality.
First, when it comes to societal perception of human sexuality, they have an impact on both the physiological and psychological aspects of sexuality. The socio-cultural impacts on human beliefs and behaviors are all included in the social perceptions of sexuality (Conklin et al., 2007). The concept of societal constructionism contends that sexual personalities and perspectives are obtained from, impacted by, and altered by a constantly shifting social context, in comparison to the perception that human sexuality is primarily governed by biological and genetic features (Conklin et al., 2007). Social constructionists contend that humans acquire interpretations, abilities, and beliefs from others around them (Conklin et al., 2007). This aspect of sexuality is the culmination of all historical and modern social influences on human attitudes and behaviors. For instance, whenever one takes into account the roles of men and women along with specific customs, historical impacts become clear (Conklin et al., 2007). Undoubtedly, societal effects on human sexuality are all around them. Religion, multiculturalism, social class, morality, the media, and politics are a few of the factors that have an impact.
There are additionally personal perceptions of human sexuality, affecting each individual separately. Different interpretations of what sexuality means, including individual interpretations, help to identify the sexual culture (Almas & Pirelli Benestad, 2021). Human sexual beliefs are influenced by their peers, educators, families, and the media (Almas & Pirelli Benestad, 2021). Personal sexual perceptions will be greatly influenced by the place a person was born, who their parents and extended family are, as well as by their culture, religion, and socioeconomic situation (Almas & Pirelli Benestad, 2021). In this sense, while social perceptions of sexuality define the culture’s overall attitude toward human sexuality, personal perceptions shape unique attitudes.
Systemic Approaches to Sex Therapy and Its Applications
The vital component of psychology in terms of partnership issues is the systemic approach to sex therapy. The reason why the systemic method is important is that, instead of recommending therapies that are centered on just one of the intervention domains, systemic sex therapy is an integrated approach that treats the conceptual frameworks, sentiments, and actions that constitute sexual behavior (Hertlein & Nelson, 2017). Applying the given approach enhances the possibility that the treatment will be beneficial and pays attention to the complicated environment in which sexual dysfunction is entrenched (Hertlein & Nelson, 2017). Two important theoretical concepts, the Intersystem approach and the perspective of the interactional element, guide a systemic approach to sex therapy in order to accomplish these objectives (Hertlein & Nelson, 2017). Numerous clinical sexual issues, including sexual dysfunction, hypoactive sexual arousal condition, and infidelity, have been treated using the Intersystem method (Hertlein & Nelson, 2017). Personal biology, individual psychology, relationship problems, family concerns, and sociocultural problems are the five domains covered by this therapeutic method. Together, they all efficiently amount to the treatment’s total breadth.
I believe that the necessity of applying the systemic approach to sex therapy by an MFT is explained by the fact that systems are built on the idea of connectedness. The therapy can help illustrate how a change in one component will inevitably have an impact on the entire system in its entirety. Equifinality, or the notion that diverse beginning locations and pathways will end in the same outcomes, is the following characteristic of systems (Hertlein & Nelson, 2017). Another characteristic is cyclical causality, which encourages the notion that each individual bears half of the accountability for every activity inside the system and assists in shifting away from criticism or shame (Hertlein & Nelson, 2017). As a result, I think that this perspective of people, partnerships, and families makes it crucial to systemic sex therapy. The effectiveness of a relationship or marriage, in addition to the larger circumstances around the sexual issue, must be assessed by systemic sex therapists.
Case Study
The given case study involves a couple who has been married for 17 years. For the sake of confidentiality, the names of the patients have been changed to Katherine and John. The couple sought sex therapy due to ongoing disputes regarding their sexual activity. According to the couple’s observations, they did not have sexual intercourse for nearly six months, which was a concern to the partners, leading to unrelated conflicts as a result of compiling resentment and misunderstanding. As per the perspective of one side, John, his partner has been acting estranged. He emphasized the lack of desire of his wife to engage in sexual activity with him. As a result, the man felt neglected and not seen by his intimate partner. Moreover, John emphasized that not being able to experience intimacy felt as if he “was losing her not only as a wife but as a partner.” Lack of sexual connection causes deterioration of the relationship, from his point of view.
In turn, Katherine mentioned that she did not feel the desire to engage in sexual activity since, lately, she had experienced an uncomfortable feeling of disconnection from her personal desires and, consequently, did not feel the proper connection with her partner. The patient mentioned that she felt as if her needs did not receive any attention and she “felt used.” The woman noticed that lately, the reason why she engaged in sexual activity was that she considered it “wifely duty” and did not want to disappoint her husband. However, after ongoing miscommunication and unresolved marital issues, the woman did not express any desire to participate in sexual activity with her partner. As a result, the couple sought therapy to resolve the existing issues and navigate them through the problem. The couple mentioned that they need someone who would guide them in resolving marital issues, frequent miscommunication, and restoration of their sexual life.
From systemic sex therapy, as an MFT, it is vital to approach this case while paying attention to cognition, feelings, and behaviors. As a therapist would be important to delve deeper into the emotions and experiences of each side. Moreover, it is necessary to look into not only emotions but behaviors as well, striving to see the patterns in each partner’s behavior. Lastly, it will be useful to see the cognition of the couple to see the root causes of the issues and how their thoughts influence their partnership.
Psychoeducational Tools to Educate Couples
When it comes to the psychoeducational tools to educate the couple in the case study, it is vital to remember the importance of the additional information. In this case, therapy sessions must pay particular attention to including information regarding the causes of sexual problems. Basic sexual misconceptions, a detailed explanation of the male and female sexual reaction, typical sexual alterations associated with life phases, and reasonable sexual expectations are a few educational topics that are frequently covered in sex therapy (Connaughton & McCabe, 2017). Therefore, the given couple will be given readings, which will allow them to explore the core of their issues and become more acquainted with healthy relationships, sexual expectations, personal needs, and the influence of pressuring partners into sexual activity.
In a negative scenario, the omission of this kind of psychoeducation can result in low therapy efficacy in the management of sexual problems, even while the addition of such knowledge may not always result in symptom improvement. Holistic psychoeducation can reduce performance anxiety, standardize sexual relationships, and reveal problematic beliefs and behaviors that can be corrected through psychotherapy (Connaughton & McCabe, 2017). Therapies for female sexual dysfunction bust employ education and guidance in the application of sexual imagination, sexual assistance, and sexual practices to increase a couple’s sexual engagement. The educational material for the woman in the case should involve the navigation of personal feelings, allowing her to understand her genuine needs. In turn, psychoeducation tools for a man will be regarding sexual expectations of a partner and the normalization of sexual relationships.
Consequently, while psychoeducation is not the key resolution to marital issues and sexual dysfunctions, it plays a vital role in the understanding of the partner and their own approaches. It is necessary to see sex therapy as a holistic approach to psychological and physiological aspects in couples. In this case, psychoeducational tools, such as additional reading materials, should enable further exploration of issues and see causal relationships.
Ethical Considerations
Considering work with a couple of Katherine and John, it is vital to acknowledge certain ethical considerations. Firstly, an MFT must establish a rapport with each partner while taking into account each person’s viewpoint. It could be challenging for the therapist in sexual counseling to choose between what would be ideal for a person and what would be the optimal decision for the couple in general (Australian Psychological Society, 2011). Despite the fact that every person is dealing with the exact same issue, not every suggestion will be helpful to each partner. If the psychotherapist favors only one client instead of trying to restore connections between both partners, another client could feel abused. Additionally, partners often seek help when, on a subliminal level, they desire a mediator or a verdict regarding the other’s behavior (Australian Psychological Society, 2011). Personalized consultations and phone conversations may invite participants to express their opinions and may cast doubt on their impartiality (Australian Psychological Society, 2011). Managing various partnerships is a component of dealing with couples. Partners might have opposing needs that they desire for which they have to be equally recognized.
Finally, among other ethical considerations is confidentiality since, during the therapy sessions, some might be without the presence of another partner. Each partner in a couple has certain thoughts and feelings they would be uncomfortable sharing with their spouse present. While they might share this information later, they can still require privacy. As a result, it is the responsibility of an MFT to maintain the confidentiality of details that the patient entrusted them.
Sexual Assessment Outline
Following the ethical considerations, it is vital to create an outline for sexual assessment. It is usual practice to use the four-session assessment paradigm, but not in a rigorous way. The initial introductory session is planned to be a couple’s appointment, if at all feasible. This sends a clear message that concerns around closeness and sexuality are best regarded as concerns for couples (McCarthy Wald Ross, 2019). In the initial meeting, it is critical to gauge each person’s motivation and determine whether they have common goals. Checking the background of treatment, the current condition of relationship sexuality, and determining whether attraction, satisfaction, sensuality, or fulfillment has ever been effective are additionally crucial. Following the introductory sessions, as an MFT, I will then provide the clients with psychoeducational tools, such as additional reading on sexual therapy.
Another step of sexual assessment will involve private sessions with each partner to gauge the conditions and sexuality issues from their perspectives. For instance, among the questions that will be asked will be, “What are your immediate thoughts and feelings when you become intimate with your partner? Do you feel calm or disgusted?”, “Do you have any disputes when you talk about your sexual activity?” This will allow me, as an MFT, to evaluate the situation and gain insights into the matters that trouble each side, concentrating on their barriers and then slowly moving to the overall conditions.
In addition to the questions regarding their sexuality perceptions that concern their partners, the patients will be encouraged to talk about their personal feelings. For example, patients will be asked to ponder about what meaning of sexuality they have. Some clients might consider themselves to be an individual with personal sexual desires, such as in John’s case; others might view sexuality as simply performance and, in Katherine’s case, the necessity to satisfy their partner’s needs. The goal of this type of observation is to increase the person’s awareness of both their personal and other individuals’ sexuality.
The Evolution of Sex Therapy
Without paying more attention to the fundamental principles and ideas clarified by Masters and Johnson, it is impossible to comprehend the development of sex therapy and the present state of sexual issues and their management. A doctor named William Masters developed an interest in the examination of sexuality from a scientific perspective, particularly the management of sexual diseases (Kleinplatz, 2015). He worked with cognitive neuroscientist Virginia Johnson on his research and the creation of a therapy paradigm (Kleinplatz, 2015). Among their core beliefs was that sexual activity is a biological process, much like urinating, defecation, or breathing (Kleinplatz, 2015). A large portion of their therapy practice focused on removing socially created barriers to sexual function (such as confusion, anxiety, shame, and embarrassment) so that normal functioning might reestablish itself.
The treatment emphasis must concentrate on the partnership instead of just the afflicted client, according to a second key tenet advanced by Masters and Johnson. They managed to come up with a therapeutic approach that included short couple therapy that was behaviorally focused and included a significant teaching aspect to address the signs of sexual malfunction (Kleinplatz, 2015). The popularity of Masters and Johnson’s method, which was originally published in 1970, sparked a significant amount of interest in sex therapy and served as the foundation for the whole profession for the following decades (Kleinplatz, 2015). Masters and Johnson’s study came under fire in the 1970s and 1980s for failing to consider individual characteristics of sexual response, including attraction, emotional stimulation during sex, and post-sex contentment (Kleinplatz, 2015). Helen Singer Kaplan, a psychoanalyst by training, highlighted the necessity of examining distant, developmental elements that may have an impact on personality and partnerships in addition to present factors that prevent sexual responsiveness (Kleinplatz, 2015). As a result, the collective help in the field of sex therapy created the breadth of the matter, including both social and personal perceptions and influences.
As of today, the modern techniques and approaches in sexual therapy with patients involve emphasis on the individual and couple, ensuring a holistic approach. In the decades that followed, short, directed couple therapy predominated, along with individual treatment frequently combined with psychoeducational treatment and employing homework tasks (Kleinplatz, 2015). When juxtaposed with the past record of conventional counseling in addressing its most frequent clinical issues, such as depression and anxiety, sex therapy has traditionally been relatively efficient in addressing the manifestations of sexual difficulties.
Conclusion and Current Trends in Systemic Sex Therapy
Finally, when it comes to the current trends in systemic sex therapy, the majority of trends are currently examined and evaluated. Most applicable trends include multidisciplinarity in the setting of sexual difficulties, where psychological treatments are merged with clinical as well as other forms of treatment (Meana & Jones, 2011). Another trend involves systemic and conceptual incorporation, which is demonstrated by a focus on environmental variables, sexual reactions, and flexibility to various viewpoints (Meana & Jones, 2011). Moreover, there is a transition in focus from sexual function to sexual fulfillment (Meana & Jones, 2011). Additionally, therapists put an emphasis on interpersonal relationships and their importance (Meana & Jones, 2011). Overall, sex therapy has the general obstacle of addressing sexual issues’ intricacy in methods that are deemed practical for a population with restricted resources and time.
Conclusion
Hence, in order to assist people in building confidence and a clear grasp of their emotions while coping with their challenges, system sex therapy should be used alongside psychoeducational tools and evaluations to apply what is learned about human sexuality in practice. The systemic approach is crucial because it uses an integrated strategy to address the conceptual underpinnings, emotions, and behaviors that make up sexual behavior rather than advocating therapies that are concentrated on just one of the intervention areas. Finally, recognizing the partner and the value of sexual treatment depends greatly on psychoeducation.
References
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