Relapse prevention strategies and techniques in sex therapy.

Research and clinical reports have documented the effectiveness of sex therapy interventions, but surprisingly little work has been done on how to maintain therapeutic gains and prevent relapse. This clinically oriented paper describes successful use of techniques, including keeping couple dates after the termination of formal sessions, use of six-month follow-ups for two years, continual utilization of nonintercourse pleasuring sessions, making sure lapses do not become relapses, setting realistic couple goals, initiating intimacy dates, and designing a generalization program. The clinician's goal is not simply to restore sexual functioning, but to help the couple build a satisfying sexual style which will continue to reinforce and energize the marital bond.