Vandenberghe, Luc; Oliveira, Kellen Cristina Fernandes de & Silva, D. P. (2010). Couples therapy; female orgasmic disorder and the therapist-client relationship: Two case-studies in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 23, 45-53.
Two case studies ilustrate how the therapist-client relationship can be harnessed for the treatment of sexual disorders and marital distress. Possible curative mechanisms in the 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 allowing oneself to be vulnerable and opening up for initiatives and challenges from the partner.