Sensate Focus: clarifying the Masters and Johnson's model

While Masters and Johnson will be remembered for creating Sensate Focus as the foundation of sex therapy, confusion still abounds about its implementation and about the conceptualization of sex as a natural function that underlies it. Sensate Focus and sex as a natural function are clarified and explored. The crucial difference between the intended aim of non-demand touching for one's own interest and the misleading interpretation of non-demand pleasuring of the partner is emphasized. By mindfully being present to sensations in the moment, and refraining from forcing pleasure and arousal, clients can move towards the optimal intimacy they desire.