In her new book An Intimate Life, sex surrogate Cheryl Cohen Greene (the one portrayed by Helen Hunt in The Sessions) describes her work with a man who has been unable to get an erection with his wife. After much exploration, it is discovered that the source of his problem is a very simple one: …
Continue ReadingPersistent genital arousal syndrome.
Persistent genital arousal syndrome is one of the most frustrating syndromes that I’ve faced while practicing at MCFS. Typically, a patient complaining of PGAS symptoms presents to us after some time of suffering. Since this syndrome affects each woman differently, a careful history must be taken. Although more research is being dedicated to this syndrome, …
Continue ReadingThe real deal on psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy can be a helpful and fulfilling experience. Some people love therapy and feeling comforted knowing they have a space where they can fall apart; other people don’t like therapy and find it awkward and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, therapy can be a deeply enriching experience where people feel support in working towards better understanding and inner …
Continue ReadingThe spillover effect.
One of the common myths around sex is that it is just one compartment of a relationship. In other words, if everything else in the relationship is good — you get along well, have similar values, enjoy spending time together — then that can overcompensate for what is lacking sexually. However, I have seen time and time …
Continue ReadingThe Ziegarnik Effect.
John Gottman’s new book “What Makes Love Last” focuses on trust and betrayal. John Gottman is a couples therapist who does a great deal of research on what enables couples to maintain long term intimacy. He has written several books and this is his latest. In his book he discusses the Ziegarnik Effect. In the …
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