Frequently Asked Questions

About Surrogate Partner Therapy

Surrogate Partner Therapy is still relatively new. People often have questions about this modality of therapy. Here are some common FAQs about SPT.

What exactly is Surrogate Partner Therapy?

Surrogate Partner Therapy is a kind of touch therapy that addresses a client’s sexual challenges and/or past sexual traumas. The client practices touch exercises with a surrogate partner and processes their emotional responses with a psychotherapist. This type of therapy is based on the foundation of human sexuality research done by Dr. Virginia Johnson and Dr. William Masters.

Why involve a psychologist?

Traditionally speaking Surrogate Partner Therapy involves a mental health professional due to the strong emotions involved with sexuality and intimate touch. Our emotional responses can surprise us; even when we think we have a handle on them. Being touched in an intimate way may bring about traumatic memories, strong emotions or unanticipated reactions. This is why SPT clients are in contact with a clinician and the clinician is in contact with the surrogate partner.

Can a clients start right in with practicing having sex?

The short answer is no. There are many reasons why not. Sex is mostly mental; it involves mindfulness, empathy, and communication. Skipping to intercourse right away is like building a house on a swamp. There is no solid foundation. There is a reason why clients seek SPT. Those reasons need to be thoroughly understood and addressed before clients can move to advanced practical techniques.

What kinds of issues can SPT help resolve?

SPT helps alleviate sexual dysfunctions like ED and PE. Clients who are disabled or have ailments which make having an intimate relationship challenging seek SPT. SPT helps those with a history of sexual trauma and abuse. People who remain virgins later into adulthood pursue help from Surrogate Partners. Clients who are uneasy about their intimate experience level can learn techniques and skills.

What’s the difference between SPT and sex work?

Surrogate partners focus on the whole person. Emotions, body image,challenges, goals past, present, and future. SPT is holistic, practical experience with the goal of enriching the clients’ intimate relationships. SPT utilizes mental health professionals to ensure that proper boundaries and ethical standards are in place. On the other hand sex workers may use ethically questionable methods to provide an experience that produces instant gratification; with no plan for helping the whole person with future relationships.

~What clients have said: Excerpts from testimonials~

"My experience with Rachael truly changed my life. I felt completely safe with Rachael. She was extremely giving and really cared about me and my issues. Rachael has my highest possible endorsement. She genuinely wants to help her clients."

"My wife and I spent thousands of dollars on five different marriage counselors, and even saw a licensed sex therapist. None of that really helped. A service like Rachael now provides might have saved our marriage, and saved us both a lot of emotional pain ."

"I was so damaged, that I was unable to get any sort of pleasure myself from having sex. I was not confident in my ability to approach a woman, even just to talk. I didn’t know that I craved intimate contact more than anything, just snuggling, just holding someone was even more important than having sex..."