Sensory Feeling Focused Therapies (SFT)
Sensate Focus Therapy is a sex therapy technique developed by Masters and Johnson that emphasizes physical touch and sensory awareness to enhance intimacy and reduce performance anxiety. This therapeutic approach involves a series of structured, non-sexual touching exercises that gradually build up to more intimate contact. The primary goal is to shift the focus from achieving specific sexual outcomes to enjoying the sensory experience of touch, thereby reducing pressure and anxiety.
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During Sensate Focus exercises, couples are encouraged to explore each other’s bodies without the expectation of sexual intercourse or orgasm. This helps them become more attuned to their own and their partner's physical sensations and fosters a deeper emotional connection. The exercises typically start with non-genital touch and progressively include more intimate areas as the couple becomes more comfortable and confident.
Sensate Focus Therapy can be particularly beneficial for couples experiencing sexual dysfunctions such as low desire, arousal difficulties, or sexual pain. By taking the emphasis off performance and outcomes, it allows couples to rediscover the pleasure of physical intimacy and create a more relaxed and enjoyable sexual relationship. This method also promotes better communication between partners about their needs and preferences, leading to improved sexual satisfaction and closeness.
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