Integrative Strategies for Treating Internet Sexuality

Abstract

This article introduces strategies for deepening the understanding of paraphilias and the therapeutic process of treating them. The case study explores a young man's compulsive sexual fantasies over the Internet, his compulsive masturbation, and his pedophilic and paraphilic fantasies as adaptations from early developmental conflicts. A therapeutic process supports this young man's understanding of his rejection of himself and promotes acceptance of developmentally appropriate and integrated sexual expression. In particular, this case discussion addresses three aspects in them ultiplicity of one's sexuality: the sexual self, the “voices” of sexuality, and the “dance” of sexuality. Additionally, management of transference and countertransference are discussed as means of strengthening the therapeutic alliance.

Keywords

paraphilias integrative treatment internet sexuality pedophilic fantasy sex therapy sexual dysfunction

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