A trip towards the intimacy. From the unconsummated marriage to the pregnancy

The paper presents the standard intervention for vaginismus, or unconsummated marriage, following an integrated approach. The article deals with the psychogenic etiology of the disorder with a special focus on its relational aspects. At the same time, the therapist offers both an intervention focused on body work, to be implemented together with a gynaecologist, and an intervention focused on couple dynamics. The multifactorial nature of this sexual disorder, which is nowadays widely accepted, requires an integrated approach to the patient in sex therapy. In this article the meaning and the function of the symptom within individual, couple, and family psychic economy are considered. Both are located in that stage known as "couple formation". Following the assessment interview, a couple psychotherapy is suggested aiming at creating new patterns of functioning. The request to the couple to shift their focus from their sexuality to the couple itself has allowed them to free themselves from the limiting symptom and broaden their view. Following the symptomatic phase, the conflict of the couple arises, which is now gradually recovering the ability to discuss openly about their needs and reconquering some degree of autonomy for both individuals with the goal of reaching a higher degree of differentiation, also from their family of origin. At follow-up, the couple shows a high level of peacefulness; she finally feels complete in her feminine nature and he feels more secure within their relationship.

Keywords: Integrated Approach; Multifactoriality; Vaginismus; Differentiation; Psychotherapy.

Elena Isola, Un viaggio verso l’intimità. Dal matrimonio bianco alla gravidanza in "PSICOBIETTIVO" 2/2016, pp 111-121, DOI: 10.3280/PSOB2016-002007