A MedFT-Informed Sex Therapy for Treating Sexual Problems Associated With Chronic Illness

Abstract

Medical family therapy (MedFT) has shown to be an effective treatment model in helping individuals and families cope with chronic illness; yet this approach has never been applied to couples dealing with sexual dysfunction as a result of illness. The purpose of this article is to broaden the scope of a MedFT practice through presenting an approach applying MedFT principles to clients experiencing sexual dysfunction as a result of their chronic illness or treatments. We review research on the effects of illness and treatment on sexual functioning, provide a rationale for integrating MedFT principles, and present the framework through a case study.

Keywords:

• sexuality
• illness
• medical family therapy
• couples

Notes

¹ See Segraves and Balon (2003) for a discussion of the sexual side effects from commonly used medications which can be used to educate the couple on the impact of medications taken by both of them.

² See Elliott (2002) for specific strategies to work toward sexual rehabilitation.