Sexual dysfunctions are characterized by the existence of some type of alteration in some of the phases of the sexual response; which we will explain later. To treat this type of dysfunction, there are various therapy models, including the one developed by William Masters and Virginia Johnson.
In the sexual therapy model of Masters and Johnson, which was developed around the 1970s, the human sexual response was divided into 4 major phases: excitement phase, plateau phase, orgasmic phase and of resolution.
In this article We will see what the Masters and Johnson model of sexual therapy consists of and we will also talk about each of the phases of the sexual response.
What is the Masters and Johnson model of sex therapy?
Masters and Johnson’s sexual therapy model represented an unprecedented revolution in the treatment of sexual problems; It is worth highlighting the 4 phases proposed by these sexologists to distinguish the different physiological changes that people experience
When developing this model of sexual therapy, they kept in mind a series of fundamental considerations, among which the following should be highlighted:
Furthermore, when carrying out Masters and Johnson’s sexual therapy model, these sexologists took into account a series of fundamental requirements these being the ones we are going to list below:
@image(id)
The phases of Masters and Johnson’s sex therapy model
Now that we have seen what are the fundamental considerations and requirements that must be kept in mind when applying this model of sexual therapy, it is convenient that we briefly explain the different phases between which this therapy focused on the treatment of various sexual dysfunctions.
1. Evaluation and diagnosis phase
The first phase of the Masters and Johnson model of sex therapy It is carried out throughout the first 3 days of treatment during which the following tasks are mainly carried out:
It is important to highlight that during this first phase the bases of the therapy must be clarified to the couple and those training and educational aspects related to sex that may be necessary will also be addressed and they will be prohibited from having sexual relations beyond those that have been established. authorized by the therapist, as they could interfere with the therapeutic process.
The evaluation phase will conclude with analysis, diagnosis and discussion with both members of the couple regarding the diagnosis of the problem that has led them to seek professional help and the therapy guidelines for future sessions will also be made clear.
Related article: “The 9 main sexual and psychosexual disorders”
2. Sensory focus phase
The second phase of this model would be in which sensory focusing is carried out, where each of the members of the couple participating in the therapy must try to know in greater depth and locate in the most precise way possible those areas of the body that each member finds most pleasant when stimulated in order to encourage an adequate sexual response so that they can have sexual relations that are satisfactory for both.
Furthermore, within this phase, work must be done to improve or increase, if necessary, the communication between the members of the couple so that they develop the habit of expressing desire and affection with the other.
3. Specific phase
Finally, when applying the Masters and Johnson sexual therapy model, once the evaluation and diagnosis has been carried out correctly, and the sensory focusing phase has also been correctly worked on, thus achieving that both members of the couple have more fluid communication and know exhaustively how to stimulate the other to achieve a better sexual response, this is when a specific program will be carried out with a series of specific techniques that are focused on treating the sexual dysfunction of each specific couple
He knows how to highlight that the program that will be carried out within this sexual therapy will vary greatly depending on each couple and the sexual dysfunction that has led them to therapy (e.g., premature ejaculation, erection disorder, sexual desire disorder hypoactive, organic disorder, vaginismus, dyspareunia, etc.).
You may be interested: “The 4 types of Sexologists (and their main functions)”
Phases of sexual response according to Masters and Johnson
After having seen the different phases that Masters and Johnson’s sexual therapy model goes through, it is time to see what the different phases of the human sexual response consist of according to these sexologists.
1. The excitation phase
The first phase of the human sexual response following the sexual therapy model of Masters and Johnson would be the excitation phase, where a series of changes at a physiological level in both members of the couple that indicate their response to sexual stimulation whether physical and/or psychological.
In this phase, the woman’s reproductive organ will begin to lubricate and also in the upper part there will be an increase in the size of what is known as the clitoris. On the other hand, the size of the woman’s breasts will also increase because vasocongestion will occur when receiving greater blood flow.
On the other hand, in men an erection will begin to occur in their reproductive organs as they also receive greater blood flow, as vasocongestion occurs. Besides, testicular elevation will occur and the rectum will undergo a series of irregular contractions
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that both women and men, at the beginning of this first phase, will suffer what is known as sexual flushing, due to the increase in blood circulation and skin temperature, as well as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
Related article: “Sexual desire: what physical and psychological elements influence it?”
2. The plateau or maintenance phase
The second phase would be the maintenance or plateau phase, where there will be a considerable increase in the levels of sexual tension and with this, vasocongestion will also increase.
In the man, It is in this second phase of the sexual response when the penis will achieve a maximum level of erection The testicles will increase in size and the contractions of the rectum, which had begun in the previous phase, will continue to occur.
In women, it will occur a series of contractions within the vaginal walls and also the clitoris will withdraw inwards. In addition, the uterus in this phase will experience an increase in size. It is also characteristic of this phase that in women it is when contractions begin to occur involuntarily in the rectum.
On the other hand, in both members of the couple it is worth mentioning that the sexual blushing will continue and also in this phase blood pressure and heart rate will increase, and the breathing of both will accelerate.
3. The orgasmic phase
Thirdly, we can find the orgasmic phase, where an explosive and involuntary release of neuromuscular tension at the moment when sexual stimulation has reached its maximum intensity, this being the moment that produces the greatest pleasure, considered the moment of climax.
In women, orgasm occurs at the moment when the orgasmic platform begins to contract between 5 and up to 12 times in intervals of about 0.8 seconds. In addition, Involuntary contractions will occur in other muscle groups among which is the anal sphincter.
On the other hand, in men, the penis will experience a series of contractions that will cause ejaculation to occur thanks to the contractions of the pelvic muscles and the urethra, also accompanied by contractions in the rectum.
It should be noted that in both members of the couple during the orgasmic phase continue to suffer increases in blood pressure level heart rate and respiratory rate.
4. The resolution phase
The fourth phase of the sexual response according to Masters and Johnson’s sexual therapy model would be resolution, where a loss of sexual tension will progressively occur thus returning both limbs to the previous state in which they were before the excitation phase occurred.
In men, after the orgasm occurs, this is when the refractory period occurs, during which it would not be possible to develop a full sexual response again, the duration of which varies depending on each person (normally it lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, increasing to as the person gets older).
On the other hand, in women, after orgasm those signs of vasodilation that we mentioned above will progressively disappear, it should be noted that in the case of women there is no refractory period, so they have the capacity to experience multiple or repeated orgasms. for a shorter period of time.
