sensate focus therapy

Sensate focus was developed by William Masters and Virginia Johnson in the 1960s. Since then, sex therapists use this staple sex therapy technique to help couples overcome sexual difficulties and enhance their sexual encounters. Sensate focus involves mindful somatic touching exercise to help deepen the intimate connection between partners. This also helps the individuals be less in their head and more in their bodies. This is a reason that sensate focus is helpful for individuals struggling with performance anxiety. Many times, the partner will become anxious about intimacy. They are unsure if they can satisfy their partner. This can leave them stuck in their head during intercourse rather than being in the present.

When partners can become more embodied, and get out of their head during intimacy, the focus on mindfulness and the body make room for more pleasure. As you focus on mindfulness and sensation, your sensory experience is enhanced.

This therapy does not only help with mindfulness and sensation. Sensate focus can also help with individuals who struggle with arousal disorders, erectile dysfunction, dissociation, painful sexual intercourse, orgasm disorders, and more.

Sensate focus can in reducing performance anxiety, restoring a safe presence, and increasing each partner’s satisfaction. It lets you understand your partners and their likes and dislikes on a while new level. It can deepen the connection you already have. It takes the pressure of having sex and expectations and puts the mindset on the sensory experience of being together.