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Sex Disabil (2007) 25:125134 DOI 10.1007/s11195-007-9047-7
ORIGINAL PAPER
Sex Therapy Surrogate Partners for Individuals with Very Limited Functional Ability Following Traumatic Brain Injury
R. Aloni O. Keren S. Katz
Published online: 11 July 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007
Abstract The use of surrogate sex therapists for survivors after Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) who have Very Limited Functional Ability (VLFA) is discussed. It includes the rationale of using surrogate therapy with this population as well as some of the professional and ethical issues that such therapy can evoke. It is suggested that surrogate therapy can provide satisfaction and positive experiences to the restricted lives of some of the VLFATBI survivors. The use of surrogate therapy is viewed as a part of the integral rehabilitation process aimed at improving the quality of life and the fulllment of basic human intimacy needs. Often requiring help in this important area of life, they are not always able to initiate and control emotional behaviors to promote healthy sexual relationship and activity. Surrogate therapy is an activity that can help survivors with TBI monitor and initiate feelings, reactions and motivation in intimate relationships, as well as provide a certain amount of control over their lives. A case study is presented to illustrate the process of sex therapy with a surrogate partner for a VLFA-TBI survivor.
Keywords Traumatic Brain Injury Sex rehabilitation Sex therapy Surrogate partner
R. Aloni
Sexual Private Clinic, Tel-Aviv, Israel
O. Keren (&)
Rehabilitation Ward, Rehabilitation Medicine,Alyn, Rehabilitation Pediatric Center, Rehabilitation Medicine, P.O.B 9117, Jerusalem 91090, Israele-mail: [email protected]
S. KatzDepartment of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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Introduction
The sequelae of brain injury are diverse and may include many decits and activities related to motor, cognitive, communication, behavioral and emotional functioning. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is among the most common of serious, disabling neurological disorders. It is a signicant problem in all societies. In the US at least 1/ 4 million TBIs occur every year, and there are 5.3 million people living with disability from TBI [1]. The ability to have an intimate and sexual relationship requires the integration of all the above skills [2]. Sexual functioning is a comprehensive activity that depends on reexes, motor ability, emotional responses, the motivation to...