Surrogate Therapy - Basic info

In the early 1950s when Masters and Johnson created Clinical Sex Therapy they also created Surrogate Partners for their single clients who had no partners with whom to practice sexual behavior. Surrogate Partner Therapy (SPT) is a short-term behavioral cognitive therapy, which is based upon the therapeutic triad composed of a client, Surrogate Partner and Sex Therapist.

The client and Surrogate create a trust-based relationship that is both a transformative and healthy model to help the client transition into his/her own real life relationships.

SPT is a therapeutic and diagnostic tool. The Surrogate Partner is a professional and experienced partner who identifies the behavioral and emotional patterns of the client, helps the client become aware of the patterns, and assists the client in changing them.

A Surrogate Partner has to complete a specific amount of specialized training according to International Professional Surrogates Association (IPSA) requirements.

Good Surrogate Partners do not require numerous certifications. Surrogate Partners must be intelligent, mature, sexually open, emotionally developed and have a large capacity for hearing, understanding and supporting emotional issues.

SPT currently available in the US, and in private clinics in England and Israel. A few differences exist in the therapy between centers, but the foundations and Code of Ethics are consistent.

SPT is appropriate for: Late Virginity, Vaginismus, Dyspareunia, social intimacy, sexual and body image issues, fears and anxiety of intimacy and sexuality, difficulties creating relationships, Pre-Orgasmia, Premature Ejaculation, Retarded Ejaculation, Erectile Dysfunctions, social and sexual rehabilitation, sexual orientation issues, organic problems, transgender and transsexual sexual identification issues, people with disability, overweight or mental illnesses.

A referral for SPT is recommended in any case where the client is without a current partner and needs to practice relationship, sexual, social and intimacy skills. In this chapter, case studies and the SPT Code of Ethics will be presented.

Regards,
Shay Rotem