ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on common problems that surface when implementing Sensate Focus with couples from all types of populations. Despite the fact that clients are told that they do not need to have any particular emotion prior to doing the touching sessions, especially pleasant anticipation, one of the most common problems is delaying/avoiding the touching sessions until late at night or right before coming in for therapy. Sometimes the couple has begun Sensate Focus but it devolves into their engaging in old patterns of sexual interaction and even intercourse instead of continuing with the touching sessions. Another inadvertent therapeutic contribution to non-compliance is making the mistake of giving up too quickly when clients appear unwilling to follow through with Sensate Focus. Among the most common difficulties with Sensate Focus suggestions is clients' failure to do the touching exercises at all, or failure to do them as suggested. Ticklishness that continues across touching opportunities can suggest more complex and significant anxieties.