Utilizing a Narrative Approach to Increasing Intimacy After Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Attitudes about sexual intimacy are an important aspect of relationship satisfaction, especially for couples dealing with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can have profound effects on men and their partners, and more research is needed to better understand potential sexual barriers for these couples. Five major themes identified in the literature related to prostate cancer survivors and their partners are sexual intimacy, self-esteem, sense of masculinity, role change, and communication. These themes can help counselors identify key clinical issues for helping couples recover from prostate cancer. We integrated these themes with narrative therapy questions to help couples deconstruct problematic narratives and move toward preferred narratives about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences as they learn and grow in their recovery process.

Keywords:

• narrative therapy
• prostate cancer
• marriage
• couples counseling
• sex therapy
• creativity