A 3-4 page case study paper will demonstrate a student’s ability to engage clients in accordance with the ethics of our field, demonstrating competency in working therapeutically with diverse clients presenting with varied sexual histories and issues as covered in the course curriculum. This paper will reference social constructionist theory. Apply the PLISSIT Model.
Papers will be written in APA style and convey understanding of the topic through literature review, application in the therapeutic milieu, manifestation in contemporary culture and media, and ethical considerations. Proper organization of the paper includes use of headings and subheadings for clarity of communication in writing.
Case Study 1: Diane and Greg
Diane knew they had to do something. After years of living in a sexless marriage with her husband, Greg, and after having the pain from discovering his secret Internet pornography habit, something had to give. She desperately hoped that she could motivate him to address the elephant in their bedroom. They never have sex. She walked into their third couples therapy session on a mission to get Greg and her therapist to agree to make their sex life a priority. It was the least Greg could do after denying her sexual intimacy for most of their nine-yearmarriage.
Greg was having a rather painful experience of his own. Not only did his wife now know what he’s been doing all those nights after she went to bed, but she now wanted him to commit to the one thing that scared him the most being sexual with her. He was experiencing a double hit of shame: he was ashamed of his secret life and ashamed for failing to be the lover his wife needed. In a perfect world he would love to have good sex with his wife Diane, and he found her quite attractive. But in his world, the fear of letting her down sexually always displaced this desire. He knew how disappointed she had been with his inability to control his ejaculation and erectile dysfunctionproblems. While he understood Diane’s sexual dissatisfaction, he felt paralyzed by the thought of actually doing anything about it. Greg knows that she wants attention and affection from him,and that she perceives him as disinterested in her.
1) What specific sexual problems and dissatisfactions are happening in the relationship?
2) What would you prioritize and address in therapy?
3) What earlier messages around sexuality contributed to their issues? What questions would help you explore earlier messages about their sexuality?
4) Identify unhealthy patterns of intimacy blocks.
5) What can you provide to help them embrace anxieties and uncertainties that often exist in intimate romantic relationships? How will you help them tolerate and manage their anxieties and uncertainties?
6) How would you facilitate a deep personal reflection of their sexual selves and how has it interacted with their spouse’ssexual self?
7) What follow up questions and inquiries would you most likely want to know?
8) Apply the PLISSIT Model
