1st Edition
Sensate Focus for the Individual Therapeutic Approaches to Solo Erotic and Sexual Wellness
Chapter 1: Introduction: A Framework Shift Expanding Sensate Focus Beyond the Couple
Rosara Torrisi
Chapter 2: Sensate Focus: A Historical Perspective
Linda Weiner
Chapter 3: Is Solo Sex Good for Your Health? The Benefits of Solo Sexual Exploration
Jane Fleishman
Chapter 4: Clinical Frameworks for Solo Sensate Focus
Rosara Torrisi
Chapter 5: Customizable Base of Solo Sensate Focus Activities
Rosara Torrisi
Chapter 6: Sensate Focus, Desire, and Fantasies
Edward Angelini-Cooke
Chapter 7: Solo Sensate Focus for Sexual Trauma Recovery
Rafaella Smith-Fiallo
Chapter 8: Culture and Eroticism: Black American Perspectives
Gregory C. Carrow-Boyd
Chapter 9: Addressing Pelvic & Sexual Pain
Alexandra T. Milspaw
Chapter 10: Cultural and Ethical Considerations: Religious Nuance
De-Andrea Blaylock-Solar
Chapter 11: Conclusion: The Future of Solo Sensate Focus
Rosara Torrisi
Biography
Rosara Torrisi, PhD, LCSWR, MEd, CST-S, is an assistant professor at Widener University, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and supervisor, and the founding director of the Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy.
“Sensate Focus for the Individual makes a significant clinical contribution by extending a cornerstone of Sex Therapy intervention beyond the dyadic framework and grounding it in contemporary understandings of embodiment, nervous system regulation, trauma recovery, and sexual wellness. Drawing on expertise across trauma treatment, sexual wellness, pain science, and sociocultural perspectives, this text fills a longstanding gap in the literature and provides clinicians with a sophisticated roadmap for fostering sexual health, agency, and self-awareness.”
– Chris F. Fariello, PhD, MA, LMFT, CST, CSE, CSTS, assistant professor and coordinator of sex therapy training, Thomas Jefferson University; past president, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, & Therapists (AASECT); CEO, Philadelphia Institute for Individual, Relational & Sex Therapy (PhIIRST)
“As a member of the Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, with a Certification in Sexual Abuse Trauma, I found this book to offer a compassionate, practical guide. It reconnects one with their body and cultivates greater self-awareness through sensate focus. It gently helps readers move beyond performance and judgment toward curiosity, presence, and authentic experience. A valuable resource for therapists or individuals seeking a deeper, more mindful relationship with themselves.”
-- Agnes Wohl, LCSW, ACSW, DAAEST, CSAT
“This book provides a compelling and holistic approach to sexual well-being. The authors seamlessly integrated principles of mindfulness, self-awareness, and trauma-informed care that will resonate with clinicians, sexuality educators, and students seeking to better understand the intersection of sexual health and healing.”
-- John G. Taylor, PhD, MEd, MACC, LPC, sexuality educator, mental health therapist, professor of Public Health, LaSalle University, USA
