Religious Observance and Sex Therapy With an Orthodox Jewish Couple

Abstract

Orthodox Judaism has specific halachot or laws which define sexual practices that are acceptable. These conditions can provide obstacles to traditional forms of sex therapy, especially when the therapist asks the couple to perform homework exercises. Knowledge of applicable Jewish law is essential for therapists working with this population. A couple was referred for the wife's hypoactive sexual desire and dyspareunia. Her husband developed a premature ejaculation problem in response to his wife's reduced libido. Successful treatment required the therapist to establish credibility regarding sexual matters and create comfort in the couple with his acceptance of Jewish law regulating their sexual behavior. Strategic prescriptions for nonsexual intimacy behaviors were given along with sensate focus exercises, resulting in rapid improvement of the presenting problems.