Couples therapy, female orgasmic disorder and the therapist–client relationship: Two case studies in functional analytic psychotherapy

Abstract

The present article illustrates Functional Analytic Psychotherapy through two case studies. One concerns a marital crisis and the other a treatment of female orgasmic disorder. Possible curative mechanisms in the therapist–client relationship are discussed. In the first case study, the relationship with the therapists offered opportunities for the woman in the couple to learn to express her needs clearly and to obtain collaboration from the other in the relationship. It also allowed the male partner to learn to interact in an open, non-defensive way. In the second case study, the therapist–client relationship offered in vivo learning opportunities concerning the game of give and take that characterizes an intimate relationship, including accepting initiatives and challenges from the partner.