One of the most difficult tasks about being a therapist is being non judgemental. It is about using scientific rigour to come up with a "diagnosis" and treatment plan post assessment. The problem is that people are not rats and do not fit into well designed boxes - so its easier to use very deeply embedded unconscious judgements when people do not fit into these boxes. And dammit, people, will never do the box thing like rats - as much as they try, so one is left with judgements. Which does nothign good for the patient.
Being "patient centered" is one of the principles of sexual medicine. It means listening to the patient, making a clinical decision, providing patient and partner with information and letting them make the decision about their "treatment".
Recently I fell into scientific rigour and forgot about the person. I was following the scientific rules and forgot the person behind the diagnosis. Luckily I have great professional support that reminded me on how to be creative- yes, using scientific rigour, but remembering the patient is person.
Did you read the review of Orgasm Inc in the Mail & Guardian?? Its a documentary that attempts to crush the concept of female Sexual Dysfunction, claiming it is not a disorder merely a made up complaint by pharmaceutical companies to be able to create drugs to sell to women. Well working with sexual dysfunctions espeically female sexual dysfunction, requires cognisance of the patient being the center of care. I mean is it a dysfunction when a woman is 30something with 3 kids under 6 years old, working full day and has a husband to be present with in relationship. and she complains of low desire.. I am so present with this woman- and just know it is not asexual dysfunction and that ehr life is overwhelmingly non sexy. Until she has an affair.. then we have to seek the problems and disorders in the marriage.
Being "patient centered" is something to bring into your own relationships- be "person centered" be focused on the person you are with , rather than the person you wish him/her to be. And if you can't be, then honestly walk away.
Have a week of productivity and creativity and buy toys- even if only for the free Contempo condoms:) next weekend is along weekend so begin preparing pleasure packs now by ordering your toys ahead of time. Like now. And don't forget to get the newsletter so you learn about the competition..
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