Western and non-western human sexuality: implications for clinical practice

The emergence of the "new sex therapies" in the early 1970s has brought more people, from more diverse cultural groups, to seek help for sexual problems. However, the directive approach in sex therapy seems be deemphasize cultural differences by offering a set of procedures and techniques that clearly are grounded in Western sexual values. Based on existing literature concerning cultural values and clinical observations, the idea that the commonly practiced sex therapy is useful for everybody is challenged. Four culturally determined factors are discussed: 1) the meaning of sexuality; 2) the definition of normal sexual relationship; 3) the perception and meaning of sexual dysfunctions; and 4) the role of the therapist and therapist-client relations. Finally, implications for practice are presented.