Abstract
Imagery and hypnotic techniques are currently broadening the frontiers of sex therapy and sports psychology. The Ericksonian model stresses the use of indirect suggestion as a more powerful and elegant means of learning than direct suggestion. Sport metaphors lend themselves to the treatment of secondary erectile dysfunction because (a) most men can easily relate to one or more sports; (b) almost all sports have common elements for optimal performance which transpose easily to effective sexual functioning; (c) learning or improving in any sport involves acceptance of intermittent imperfection and “reasonable” standards; and (d) men often use sports terminology inadvertently in discussing sexual behaviors. A successful case which incorporated this treatment method is discussed, including sample metaphors for a number of sports such as scuba diving, skiing, and baseball.