CC13 Workshop 17 – His Porn, Her Pain: Working with Couples When Pornography is an Issue – Marty Klein, PhD

Description:

Couples therapy typically pathologizes porn use while legitimizing the grievances of the user’s partner. While this approach may seem logical, it rarely increases sexual/relationship satisfaction. How do we hold both partners while they struggle to define their behavior, contract, and emotions? This talk examines a different approach to intrapsychic conflict and power struggles over porn use. We’ll explore underlying rela-tional issues, including: Is conflict about pornography a way to avoid confronting defi-cits in the sexual (or non-sexual) relationship? Are one or both partners acting out body image issues? Is porn use infidelity?

Educational Objectives:

1. Discuss three common non-sexual issues in couples in conflict around pornography.
2. State three sexual issues commonly found in couples in conflict around pornography.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*