Case Illustration · Applied Exercise

Good on Paper

Her desire works everywhere except with him. This exercise works out why that matters.

The presentation

A couple presents reporting a three-year history of desire discrepancy. The partner with lower desire (AFAB, 38) reports that she is sexually interested in her partner in the abstract, and experiences spontaneous desire outside of relational contact, but that desire disappears when they are physically together. She describes her partner (AMAB, 41) as great and the relationship as good on paper.

Assessment reveals a four-year-old attachment injury: a miscarriage during which her partner was absent on a work trip and did not return until two days later. The injury was nominally addressed at the time, and both partners report it was dealt with.

Estimated time to complete this exercise: 12 minutes

1The pattern
2Language
3Repair
4Sequencing
5Formulation
6Close

Part 1 of 5

Which features argue against a desire disorder in the partner presenting with lower desire?

Select all that do. Three of the six. You get one submission.

References

  1. Basson, R. (2000). The female sexual response: A different model. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 26(1), 51–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/009262300278641
  2. Makinen, J. A., & Johnson, S. M. (2006). Resolving attachment injuries in couples using emotionally focused therapy: Steps toward forgiveness and reconciliation. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(6), 1055–1064.
  3. Rathgeber, M., Bürkner, P.-C., Schiller, E.-M., & Holling, H. (2019). The efficacy of emotionally focused couples therapy and behavioral couples therapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12336