Sensate focus: a critical literature review

ABSTRACT

Masters and Johnson's Sensate Focus techniques have informed the sex therapy field for over four decades. However, two problems continue to plague the understanding and application of these techniques. First, clear and detailed information about the underlying concepts, original intent, and specific implementation associated with Sensate Focus has been limited primarily to private presentations within professional gatherings. Controversies and difficulties with interpretations among the general sexological community have resulted. Second, the application of Sensate Focus to diverse populations, and efficacy research on these interventions, has been limited. In addition to surveying the literature, this article addresses the primary confusions about the original concepts and technical applications of Sensate Focus. It also reviews the efficacy of this approach with populations other than the physically able-bodied, well-educated, heterosexual couples investigated by Masters and Johnson. Finally, this article concludes with an emphasis on the need for additional, detailed research and publication on the conceptual intention, practical application, and efficacy results of Sensate Focus across different population groups. This research would especially benefit sexually marginalized populations whose needs are not adequately addressed in current sexological literature and practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Masters and Johnson
• sensate focus
• sex therapy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michelle Linschoten

Michelle Linschoten, MSW, MPH, is co-director/sexuality educator at MedSexEd, and involved in patient education and education in Planned Parenthood in St. Louis. She also has served as workshop coordinator for the Institute for Sexual & Relationship Therapy & Training. She has a dual Masters degree in Social Work and Public Health from the Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, St. Louis. She focuses on sexuality education for medical professionals. She has a lifelong interest in holistic sexual wellness promotion and social justice.

Linda Weiner

Linda Weiner, MSW, LCSW, is co-owner of the Institute for Sexual & Relationship Therapy & Training, an organization that provides clinical services, AASECT-approved educational opportunities and supervision for those interested in sex education and therapy. Linda was trained and employed at Masters & Johnson Institute, and has been in private practice since 1988. Linda also teaches at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University as an adjunct professor. Recently she began writing to publicize the art and science of Sensate Focus touching techniques developed by Masters & Johnson, updating this approach with diverse populations and connecting it back to its roots in mindfulness practice.

Constance Avery-Clark

Constance Avery-Clark, PhD, is co-owner of the Institute for Sexual & Relationship Therapy & Training, an organization that provides clinical services, AASECT-approved educational opportunities, and supervision for those interested in sex education and therapy. She has one doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Southern California, and a second in Psychology–Jungian Studies from Saybrook University. She is a Florida licensed psychologist, and an AASECT-certified diplomate of sex therapy. She served as clinical and research associate at Masters & Johnson Institute for five years, has been in private practice for 30 years, and specializes in sexual, relationship, and self-identity issues. She has published lectured nationally, and spoken on matters of intimacy and sexuality.