1 The clinical legacy of William Masters and Virginia Johnson
Developed in the 1970s by pioneers of modern sexology William Masters and Virginia Johnson, Sensate Focus is regarded as the most universal and effective therapeutic tool for treating intimate blocks within couples. It rests on the observation that performance anxiety, 'Will I manage?' or 'Am I giving pleasure?', is the principal destroyer of the natural sexual response.
2 A progressive protocol with strict stages
The exercise is practised at home in a setting of caring intimacy, with an explicit, firm prohibition on genital intercourse or orgasm during the initial phases. Stage 1: partners take turns giving a full-body massage, excluding the primary erogenous zones, the breasts, buttocks and genitals, while focusing entirely on textures, warmth and the physical sensations of touch. Stage 2: gradual reintroduction of erogenous touching without penetration. Stage 3: a gentle return to complete intimate caressing.
3 Disengaging the 'critical spectator' role
Sensate Focus teaches people to leave their heads and return to their bodies: they stop anxiously observing themselves as spectators and allow themselves to be immersed in the richness of immediate tactile perceptions. It restores clear communication about what feels good and what is unwelcome.
4 The place of this approach within care
This approach takes all the drama out of sexuality: by removing any obligation to achieve a result, it effectively treats erection anxiety, vaginismus, anorgasmia and reduced desire, restoring enchantment to loving intimacy.
5 Confidentiality, mutually agreed slowness and intimate communication
Sensate Focus restores slowness and sensuality to the heart of the couple. By learning to express their desires and boundaries gently, without fear of judgement, partners recover deep and enduring bodily closeness.