Multiphasic therapy for a severe sexual dysfunction

Describes the course of an individualized program of client-centered therapy that was employed with an unmarried 20-yr-old male college student who exhibited a rare form of ejaculatory incompetence. Six conjointly proceeding phases are identified as being important to the client's progress. Full exploration of the problem was encouraged by the establishment of an atmosphere in which the client received empathic understanding and unconditional positive regard. Expression of nonjudgmental attitudes allowed the client to feel that he was being given permission to be sexual. Sensate focus exercises and urogenital musculature exploration undertaken with a partner enabled the client to become more fully acquainted with sensual and erotic feelings. Some misconceptions about sexuality were dispelled by factual information. Blocks to ejaculation were removed by relieving performance pressure, helping the client to become less "controlled," and using guided fantasy to deal with some of the client's conflicts with his father. Trust in the therapeutic process arose from the warm human interactions between the counselor, the client, and his partner.