A Case of Vaginismus: Case Presentation

Abstract

The psychotherapy process of a 28-years-old woman, Anna, is reported. The patient was referred to psychological consultation from the gynecologist with a diagnosis of primary vaginismus. Because of clinical and hospital policy-based considerations, the patient was given a short-term psychotherapy planned for lasting 16 sessions, which were however prolonged for further 8 sessions. The psychotherapeutic process went through 3 consecutive phases of rapid symptomatic improvement, therapeutic stalemate, and final resolution of symptoms. Some classic techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy were utilized, primarily progressive relaxation and in vivo exposition. However, the whole psychotherapeutic process was interpreted and is discussed in the paper through a psychodynamic perspective. In particular, some relevant key points are discussed within the theoretical framework of Weiss and Sampson’s Control Master Theory. One major issue was raised at the end of the treatment, i.e. what kind of treatment has been carried out with Anna, whether a cognitive-behavioral therapy (if treatment is identified with the technique) or a psychoanalytic psychotherapy (if treatment is identified with the analysis of the meanings shared by the therapist and the patient within the therapeutic relationship).

Keywords:

• psychotherapy Keyword: psychotherapy
• Sexual Disorder Keyword: Sexual Disorder
• Vaginismus Keyword: Vaginismus

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Rights: Incopyright