BT06 Dialogue 04 - Brief Sex Therapy - Michele Weiner-Davis, MSW & Jeffrey Zeig, PhD

Description:

Educational Objectives:

1. To become aware of the differing approaches to brief therapy and to describe the strengths and weaknesses in each approach.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Disorders of Desire in Sex Therapy

• Common issues include low sexual desire and performance anxiety.

• Desire issues compared to other "wanna-wanna" problems like anorexia or depression.

• Stimulation is key to maintaining desire, per Bill Masters.

Hypnotic Techniques in Sex Therapy

• Metaphor: car with four wheels—mind, behavior, physiology, and state.

• Traditional therapy targets thoughts and behaviors; hypnosis adds direct state change.

• Hypnosis helps elicit desire through cue-building and experiential techniques.

• Influenced by Milton Erickson’s experiential learning model.

Michelle Weiner-Davis' Perspective

• Focuses on couples near divorce and the role of sexual issues.

• Introduces the concept of a sexual desire gap between partners.

• Emphasizes addressing both emotional and sexual concerns directly.

Spontaneous vs. Responsive Arousal

• Responsive arousal becomes more relevant with age.

• Helen Fisher’s model: lust, attraction, and attachment as love’s components.

• Biological drive for sex linked to need for bonding and restlessness.

• Women often report increased satisfaction with age despite hormonal changes.

Generational Shifts in Desire

• Younger women showing more spontaneous desire than past generations.

• Social changes (e.g., birth control, sexual revolution) increased women’s sexual agency.

• Many women now report higher desire than their male partners.

• Recognizing cultural shifts is essential for effective therapy.

Building Desire Through Rituals

• Hypnosis and mental rituals (e.g., fantasy with furniture) can build desire.

• “Interspersal technique” uses everyday conversation to create sexual anticipation.

• Humor and empathy are key in normalizing client concerns.

• Noticing and reinforcing small signs of desire is therapeutic.

Sexual Issues in Younger Couples

• Younger couples often grieve the loss of lust and spontaneity.

• Prevention and normalization help reduce shame and build resilience.

• Therapists should guide couples to identify subtle signs of connection and desire.

• Emotional intimacy and sexual issues must both be addressed for lasting success.