Abstract
Many clients' stated therapy goals focus on achieving or maintaining intimacy in sexual relationships. The short-term integrative treatment approach described here addresses fear of sexual intimacy by emphasizing learned inhibition of sexually intimate feelings. This paper suggests early childhood experience as a direct but often overlooked etiological factor. Emphasis on ISI (Inhibition of Sexual Intimacy) and its deep roots in restrictive sexual socialization may be crucial to a positive therapeutic outcome. Evaluation and treatment are described by means of a cognitive model that addresses the ISI issue prior to implementing more conventional therapeutic interventions. Case study material indicates a direction for future research and practice that utilizes specific ISI information.