Sexual Health and Integrative Pleasure (SHIP) Model: Using a clinical case example to guide assessment and treatment

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Human Sexuality
• Family Therapy

Background:

• Existing sexual health models lack a comprehensive, integrative approach.
• There is a need for a clinical framework addressing diverse aspects of sexual well-being.
• The SHIP Model was developed by specialists in sexual problem treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Sexual Health and Integrative Pleasure (SHIP) Model.
• To outline the philosophical foundations and therapeutic components of the SHIP Model.
• To demonstrate the clinical application of the SHIP Model.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual model development by experts in couple/marital family therapy and psychology.
• Definition and comparison of the SHIP Model's foundations and components with existing models.
• Case illustration of the SHIP Model's application in individual and couple therapy.

Main Results:

• The SHIP Model integrates five philosophical foundations: systems framework, intersectionality, biopsychosocial model, lifespan approach, and empiricism.
• The model incorporates five core therapeutic components: sexual literacy, adaptation/resilience, relational intimacy, pleasure-oriented sexuality, and multidisciplinary care.
• Successful application of the SHIP Model in a university-based sexual health clinic setting was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The SHIP Model provides a novel, integrated framework for sexual health assessment and intervention.
• The model's components and foundations offer a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual concerns.
• Recommendations are made for broader clinical applications of the SHIP Model in sexual health services.