Sensate Focus

Sensate focus refers to a technique therapists and counselors employ to help couples experiencing certain types of sexual dysfunction build trust and reduce their anxiety. It involves nondemand touch (touch that is not meant to be sexual or produce orgasm). Many people struggling with sexual issues in their relationship will have experienced numerous failed sexual experiences over time, and each of these creates anxiety. Such anxiety can interfere with the sexual relationship and the ability to become aroused or achieve orgasm. Sensate focus exercises are meant to pair touch, and eventually sexual behaviors, with relaxation rather than anxiety. The exercise involves couples taking turns touching and massaging each other, without having the pressure of being sexual or having an orgasm. In the beginning stages they ...