ABSTRACT
Women often report taking care of others at the expense of their own well-being in the name of being compassionate. As a result, they may experience a drop in vital energy, including a drop in sensual energy and libido, and a rise in resentment towards their sexual partners, ultimately leading to a lack of satisfying sexual relationship for both partners. A theoretical framework is proposed based on the author’s original idea of compassionate authenticity. According to this theory, the most compassionate act a partner can give is one’s own authentic presence in the relationship, as this promotes genuine intimacy and sensual flow. This paper guides the reader in the application of the compassionate authenticity treatment model to work with clients with low libido. The model involves the intentional application of an eclectic approach that addresses three critical treatment goals: (1) building acceptance of and curiosity about one’s sensuality; (2) differentiating from one’s sexual partner/s; and (3) redefining sexual and emotional caretaking.
