Psychological treatment of sexual problems

Abstract

This paper discusses the psychological approach to the treatment of sexual problems. The focus is on sexual dysfunctions, rather than sexual deviations. The history of psychological therapy for sexual dysfunction is briefly outlined, and the major approaches commented on. The current status of this field is reviewed. It is argued that a broad-based behavioural approach is the treatment of choice for these problems, with contributions from cognitive therapy and the systems theory approach where appropriate. A discussion of the practice of therapy is also provided.