Cultural Issues Impacting the Acceptance of Psychosexual Therapy

Abstract

Adapting the practice of sex therapy to address the sexual problems of a culturally diverse patient population necessarily faces challenges. These challenges are most pronounced with patients from traditional cultures whose values differ significantly from those upon which sex therapy is based. Cultural adaptations focus on factors relating to the therapeutic relationship and the development of a shared understanding of the nature of the problem and the method and goals of treatment. Many of the behavioral interventions used in sex therapy infringe on traditional cultural values. Suggestions are offered for modifying the practice of sex therapy such that it may be acceptable and effective across cultures.