Emotionally focused therapy for couples: a safe haven from which to explore sex during and after cancer

ABSTRACT

There is evidence that cancer has a negative impact on sexual functioning and relationships, as well as the role that relationships play in how a person copes with physical health problems. Thus, there is a need for talking therapies that can support couples affected by cancer to re-establish a sense of safety from which to explore, and reconnect with, their sexual relationship. Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFTC), which focuses on building, or enhancing, a secure attachment is one way of achieving this. This article briefly outlines the research evidence base, defines secure attachment and discusses the positive effect it can have on a couple's ability to overcome or adapt to cancer-related sexual difficulties and is illustrated with a clinical vignette.

KEYWORDS:

• Emotionally focused therapy
• couples therapy
• attachment
• cancer
• psychosexual
• sex

Disclosure statement

I have a professional relationship with Isabel White, co-editor of the “sexual and relationship consequences of cancer and its treatment” special edition.

I have not received any financial benefit from the writing of this commentary.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Justin Grayer

Dr Justin Grayer is an HCPC registered clinical psychologist, and a psychosexual and relationship therapist. He works in clinical health psychology and psychosexual and relationship therapy settings in the NHS and in private practice. He holds the post of Honorary Lecturer at University College London.