Overview of Surrogate Partner Therapy

 

Surrogate Partner Therapy (SPT) refers to a specific type of therapy in which an individual seeks the help of both a clinician and a surrogate partner in order to overcome obstacles preventing them from making and keeping healthy intimate relationships.

A surrogate partner is just that— a surrogate or stand-in partner. When talk therapy alone hasn’t brought relief in issues of relationships and intimacy, SPT can be a great option. Knowing how to do something in the mind and truly experiencing it are two very different things. SPT harnesses the power of experiential learning alongside traditional therapy to maximize the opportunity for growth and change. By utilizing a surrogate partner, a safe space can be created for practicing healthy relationships and all that they entail. We strive to teach and practice the skills for relationships, as well as to create integral experiences of safety and acceptance.

SPT is modeled after the successful methods for the treatment of sexual dysfunction developed by Masters and Johnson during their groundbreaking research. In this research, Masters and Johnson found that hands-on therapeutic exercises carried out by the partners of individuals with sexual dysfunction greatly increased rate of success. While this method was extremely beneficial to the treatment process, it became apparent that partners, even when available, may not be able to carry out this highly nuanced work. In 1973, IPSA (International Professional Surrogates Association) was created to train surrogate partners using these time-tested methods and the field has been expanding and adapting ever since.

 Learn more about SPT

Video

View a wonderful piece done by Lisa Ling for her "This is Life” series on CNN. This clip features surrogate partner Emiko Yoshikami and two of her former clients.

Be advised that this 25 minute clip contains some discussion of abuse, as well as nudity.

 

 Podcasts

In this episode of They Talk About Sex, Elle Stanger interviews Brian Gibney to explore the process of Surrogate Partner Therapy and how the experiential learning promotes client healing.

 

Listen to this episode of the Mental Illness Happy Hour, where host Paul Gilmartin talks with a young man about his experience with sexual challenges and Surrogate Partner Therapy.

More resources for therapists 

Videos

In this presentation, EMBRACE team members discuss SPT for trust-building, including Michelle Renee sharing a case.

Be advised that this 1 hour clip contains some discussion of trauma.

*To read about the experiences of that same client from his perspective, check out the Business Insider article in the Articles section of this page above!

 

In this interview, Dr. Lee Phillips clears up common misconceptions and explores the art of Surrogate Partner Therapy with Michelle Renee and Brian Gibney, co-founders of the Embrace Resource Group.

 

In this presentation, Dr. Vena Blanchard, Director of IPSA, outlines best practices for supervising Surrogate Partner Therapy.

 

 Podcast

The Embrace resource group dives into the nuances of the triadic model. How do you work in a triadic model with a Surrogate Partner and what is your role?

To gain access to the Embrace Podcast, where more of these wonderful conversations are unfolding all the time, join the Embrace newsletter. Click the Visit Embrace button below!

Courses

For a deeper dive into supervising SPT, experienced surrogate partner Andrew Hartman offers courses for clinicians. Courses can be purchased with or without AASECT CEUs at SPC Courses.

 

  • EMBRACE

    Embrace is a professional resource group for surrogate partners and collaborating clinicians in the greater DMV area. Join our newsletter to hear about events and access our podcast expanding the clinical conversation on SPT.

    Visit EMBRACE

  • IPSA

    The International Partner Surrogates Association has been training surrogate partners and serving as a resource for SPT around the world since 1973. The IPSA referrals coordinator connects people with surrogates and supervising therapists.

    Visit IPSA

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