This journal section contains 25 articles dealing with the field of sexual counseling. Each approach to sexual problems is deeply involved in refining its own theoretical statements, developing its clinical techniques, and implementing a research program. This issue should be helpful to persons wanting a broad look at the field of sexual…

A four-day workshop dealing with problems related to human sexuality and relationship counseling followed the assumption that impact and desensitization at the personal level increases the participants' ability to apply the material covered to their particular counseling setting. Initially, desensitization was facilitated through the use of…

This paper discusses the problems of affection versus intercourse in a male/female relationship, with differing degrees or periods of sexual interest listed as the most frequent sexual problem reported by students studied who were living together and by married couples. The problem occurs when one partner is refused while trying to initiate sexual…

The purpose of the paper is to: identify the major types of cohabiting relationships; specify the personal characteristics and relationship characteristics of each cohabiting relationship type; and outline potential benefits and costs to the individual in each type of cohabiting relationship. Guidelines for counseling potentially cohabiting…

Low-libido disorders are highly prevalent, may be extremely distressful to patients and their partners, and influence the course and prognosis of therapy. This paper focuses on this important aspect of human sexuality. Some clinical features of hypoactive sexual desire are described, and some hypotheses about etiology and prognosis are presented.…

The treatment by a qualified sex therapist of a sexually dysfunctional couple referred by a family or marital therapist often significantly facilitates the overall therapeutic progress. Resistance by partners or other family members is considered, as is the use of "unsuccessful" sex therapy as a diagnostic tool. (Author)

The exhibiting of the genitals by males has previously been defined as symptomatic of narcissism and infantile sexuality. As an alternative, defining the problem as symptomatic of disturbances in basic relationships and treating the current central relationships as the focus offers a strong opportunity for inducing satisfactory changes. (Author)

Marital infidelity has two primary dimensions--on overt social-cultural facade and a covert, intense, emotional component. A therapy strategy, based on this formulation and on the presumption that both spouses were equally responsible for the marital fracture, is presented. (Author)

This paper outlines a program designed for preparing groups of engaged couples for marriage in circumstances where program time is limited to two afternoon sessions. Six topic areas are covered: Adjustments and Priorities; Communication Skills; Parenthood; Money Management; Religious Dimensions in Marriage; and Sexuality. The method used is one of…

Examined whether patient gender influenced prognostic judgments and if male and female therapists used different client characteristics when formulating judgments. Based prognostic judgments on clinical profiles of couples seeking marital therapy for inhibited sexual desire. Found that identified patient's gender did not influence prognostic…

Describes a cognitive-behavioral model for treating couples' negative reactions to infertility. After a discussion of why the cognitive-behavioral approach can competently address the goals of couples coping with infertility, three phases of treatment are outlined: assessment, therapy, and closure. Areas for assessment include spouses, marital…

When sex is a problem in marriage, the wife often feels that she is only a sex object to the husband, while the latter feels that she hates sex. A procedure is described and data presented to respond to these concerns. Reasons for failure are given and suggestions are made. (Author)

Contains six articles illustrating techniques used in working with adult dyads at the Marriage Council of Philadelphia. Describes cognitive therapy, values analysis, and individual interview methods. Discusses effects of rape on couple adjustment, interrelationships of sexual adjustment and marital satisfaction, and a 20-year longitudinal study of…

The article considers the importance of the sexual dimension of marriage during middle age and beyond. "Traditional" and "New" norms concerning sexual behavior are examined. Implications for marriage counseling are discussed. (Author)

Presents the dynamics, implications and treatment of extramarital sex. Discusses historical and cultural perspectives, various types of infidelity experiences, marital styles as they relate to infidelity, and family therapy implications. Offers recommendations for treatment and a brief consideration of extramarital relationships as a healthy…