Principles of the new sex therapy.

The authors review the development of their rapid treatment dual-sex therapy for sexual dysfunction. The basic tenets of the new sex therapy include 1) sound knowledge of physiology, endocrinology, and metabolic function, 2) institution of psychotherapy only when organic factors have been identified or ruled out, 3) treatment of the couple as a unit by dual-sex therapy teams, 4) a short-term intensive program, and 5) education in techniques of verbal and nonverbal communication. Since its inception in 1958, the new therapy has been adopted, modified, and examined by clinicians and researchers all over the world. The authors suggest that professionals interested in effective treatment for sexual dysfunction should improve techniques, train personnel, and encourage sound research.