The state of theory in sex therapy

Abstract

It has been approximately three decades since the advent of contemporary sex therapy. What is the current state of theory underlying the practice of sex therapy? In attempting to answer that question, I provide a brief overview of the history of contemporary sex therapy and discuss some assumptions underlying common therapeutic approaches. These assumptions are considered with regard to three interrelated dimensions: etiological factors behind sexual dysfunction, the unit of intervention (individual versus couple), and the nature of the actual treatment. Afterward I provide a critical overview of the general state of research on sex therapy, note current, problematic trends in the field, and offer some global suggestions for remediation.