Effective Treatment of Women's Pelvic and Sexual Pain Disorders: Healing the Body and Mind During the #MeToo Era

Description

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. 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