Sensate Focus for Erectile Dysfunction
1h 20m
Evie Kirana
Health Psychologist & Sexologist
Trailer
Content and aim: Sensate Focus, a therapeutic technique pioneered by sex therapists Masters and Johnson in the 1960s, serves as a transformative approach to address issues related to intimacy, arousal, and sexual dysfunction. This method shifts the emphasis from performance-oriented sexual activity to a holistic and mindful exploration of sensory experiences within the context of a relationship. Through a series of structured and progressive exercises, participants engage in non-demand touch, allowing them to focus on sensory experiences without the pressure of sexual performance. This gradual process facilitates a reconnection with one’s own body and encourages the exploration of sensations with a partner, ultimately fostering trust and understanding. Particularly effective in addressing concerns such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and arousal difficulties, Sensate Focus, when incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan by sex therapists and relationship counselors, enables individuals and couples to break down barriers, manage performance anxiety, and rediscover a fulfilling and satisfying sexual connection, promoting overall sexual well-being and healthier intimate relationships.
In this lecture, Evie Kirana shares her clinical strategies developed over two decades of experience working with men and couples facing psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Specifically designed to assist therapists in the mindful application of these strategies, the presentation addresses common challenges encountered in the treatment process. Issues explored include scenarios where couples may not follow instructions, instances where one partner may not actively engage in prescribed exercises, considerations regarding the frequency of exercise implementation, the potential synergy between Sensate Focus and pharmacotherapy, and how therapists should respond if a couple deviates from the recommended guidelines. Evie discusses these issues and more, offering clinicians valuable insights on transforming challenges into opportunities to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This lecture serves as a unique opportunity for therapists to refine their approach and gain clinical skills in effectively addressing the complexities associated with sensate focus for psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
Produced in 2024
Evie Kirana
Health Psychologist & Sexologist
Lecturer and Supervisor
Dr. Paraskevi-Sofia (Evie) Kirana, Ph.D., MSc, ECPS, received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Panteion University (1998) and immediately continued with her postgraduate studies in Health Psychology (MSc) at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, and later completed her Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Athens.
She received additional training in the field of sexology by completing the Specialist Programme of the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) and a two-year postgraduate program in psychosexual dysfunction treatments at the Mental Health Research Institute (EPIPSY) of the University of Athens. In 2013 she was awarded the title of Honorary Fellow of the European Committee of Sexual Medicine (hon FECSM). Since 2008 her daily clinical work has focused solely on treating sexual dysfunctions of men and women, with the majority of cases being erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disorders. Within the last 5 years, she has treated approximately 1500 men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction and 1000 men with premature ejaculation. Since 2010 she has lectured at the postgraduate program on psychosexual dysfunctions of Athens, as well as all educational activities of the ESSM (ESSM School of Sexual Medicine, ABC course, Preparatory Course). Her lectures and workshops are usually on psychogenic erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disorders. For the last 8 years, she has been the head of the Centre for Sexual and Reproductive Health (KESAY). Her research work includes 19 international and 6 Greek publications. She is one of the editors of the EFS-ESSM Syllabus in Clinical Sexology and also the ESSM Manual of Sexual Medicine (2nd edition). She has served as an associate editor of the Journal of Sexual Medicine and as a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Sexual Medicine. She was the chair of the ESSM/EFS Exam Committee for psycho-sexologists (2012-2022), a member of the 4th International Consultation for Sexual Medicine, and a member of the EFS executive committee (2018-2022) and co-chair of the EFS scientific committee (2017-2022).
She is currently a member of the ESSM Educational Committee and chair of the ESSM Sexology scientific sub-committee.
Languages
English, Greek