Collaboration between a psychologist and a woman physician in the treatment of non-consummation of marriage: Two case studies

Abstract

Abstract Two cases of unconsummated marriage are presented. In each case the problem was of many years standing (8–10 years). Treatment was successful in both instances after several months of marital/sexual psychotherapy. At a critical point in each treatment the psychotherapist, a female clinical psychologist, obtained the assistance of a woman physician who performed an internal examination and instructed the woman in the use of vaginal dilators. An eclectic approach combining behavioural and psychodynamic treatment methods helped to achieve a satisfactory conclusion for each couple. The case material is discussed in the context of Friedman's (1962) taxonomy of the psychodynamics of unconsummated marriages: The Sleeping Beauty, Gentling Brunhilde and The Queen Bee.