That Relationship Show Transforming Sexual Narratives
Aug 23, 2020
Dr. Suzanne Iasenza, a practicing psychologist specializing in human sexuality, dives into the transformative power of narrative therapy. She challenges outdated sexual theories and discusses how reshaping personal narratives can enhance emotional and sexual connections in relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing sexual topics in therapy and the fluidity of gender identity. Practical tools like a 'sexual menu' and encouraging couples to redefine intimacy through pleasure-focused approaches are explored, offering fresh perspectives for healthier relationships.
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Stories Shape Sexual Identity
- Narrative therapy treats the person as separate from their problem and targets the stories they tell about themselves.
- Changing those narratives opens new choices and possibilities in relationships.
The Linear Model Creates False Failures
- The Masters and Johnson linear model (desire → arousal → orgasm) became the dominant cultural story about sex.
- That model can make people feel broken when their experience doesn't fit it.
Take Individual Sexual Histories First
- Conduct separate relational sexual histories with each partner to surface conscious and unconscious sexual narratives.
- Use those histories to identify narratives that sustain sexual problems before doing couple work.
