This book presents a comprehensive overview of pelvic and sexual pain disorders in women and equips therapists to treat these issues in a culturally sensitive way, examining the link between unwanted sexual experiences and the development of sexual pain in later life.
Drawing on the wealth of recent research acknowledging the increased risk of developing a pelvic/sexual pain disorder in women who have experienced sexual trauma, Heather Lauren Davidson offers a much-needed resource for professionals within the essential context of the #MeToo movement. Chapters address a range of topics including types of sexual pain disorders, disparities in the mental health system that affect women’s access to treatment, how to establish treatment goals for individuals and couples, and effective relapse prevention plans. Illustrated throughout by vignettes and case studies, the book addresses a lack of knowledge in assessing and treating the experiences of these women and explores in depth how they face complex difficulties in accessing diagnosis and treatment.
Guided by culturally competent assessment and the use of evidence-based treatment techniques, clinicians will learn to effectively navigate the treatment of women presenting with pelvic/sexual pain disorders and sexual trauma.
Author(s): Heather Lauren Davidson
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 232
City: New York
Cover
Half Title
Title
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Acknowledgements
1 #MeToo and Pelvic/Sexual Pain
Noemi and the Mental “Ping-Pong Match”
#MeToo
Sexual Assault and Pelvic/Sexual Pain: Parallel Experiences
Important Takeaways
References
2 Common Pelvic/Sexual Pain Disorders
Common Causes of Pelvic/Sexual Pain
Pelvic/Sexual Pain Disorders in the Case Vignettes
A Crash Course in the Pelvic Floor
Important Changes in the DSM-V Regarding Diagnosing Pelvic/Sexual Pain
Lifelong Vaginismus Conceptualized as a Specific Phobia
Trauma and the Pelvis
The Impact of Pelvic/Sexual Pain Disorders on Quality of Life
Important Takeaways
References
3 Unwanted Sexual Experiences and Sexual Violence Against Women in the United States
Trends in the United States
Context Matters: Understanding Institutional Betrayal
Important Considerations in Working With Sexual Trauma Survivors in the #MeToo Era
The Therapist as the Witness, Ally, and Survivor
Important Takeaways
References
4 Parallel Pain: Pelvic/Sexual Pain and Unwanted Sexual Experiences
The Same Pain
Layers of Betrayal
Betrayal Trauma in the Medical System
Barriers to Adequate Healthcare for Women With Pelvic/Sexual Pain Disorders
Important Takeaways
References
5 Culturally Competent Assessment for Women With Pelvic/Sexual Pain Disorders
Assessment Overview
Important Assessment Questions
Assessment as an Unfolding Process
Important Takeaways
References
6 Establishing Appropriate Treatment Goals
Guidelines for Goal Setting
Broadening the Goals
Common Goals
When to Refer Out for Couples Therapy
Examples of Treatment Goals
Important Takeaways
References
7 Treatment Techniques
A Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach
Establishing an Effective Treatment Team
Graduated Exposure Therapy
Psychoeducation as Empowerment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Skills
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
Incorporating the Partner Into Treatment
Important Takeaways
References
8 Case Vignettes – Assessment and Treatment
Paula
Violet
Rebecca
Siobhan
Noemi
Important Takeaways
9 Case Vignettes – Termination
Ideal and Not-so-Ideal Conditions for Termination
Termination in the Case Vignettes
My Hopes for Clinicians After Reading this Book
Important Takeaways
Index
