ABSTRACT
Surrogate partner therapy (SPT) is based on the landmark research and methods of Dr William H. Masters, a physician, and Dr Virginia E. Johnson, a psychologist. The surrogate partner was trained at Masters and Johnson’s research institute to act as the “wife” of the individual client throughout the therapy process. The surrogate partner and client participate in structured and unstructured experiences that are designed to build client self-awareness and skills in the areas of physical and emotional intimacy. During SPT, the client sees the sex therapist once a week for one hour of talk therapy, and sees the surrogate partner for 1–3 hours in an experiential session. The problems that motivate clients to seek surrogate partner therapy range from general social anxiety to specific sexual dysfunctions. The surrogate–client relationship offers experiences of shared physical intimacy that facilitate the development of healthy self-concepts and improved sexual functioning.
