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The appearance of this volume represents the first definitive work to embrace the flood of new psychotherapeutic developments triggered by the contributions of Masters and Johnson. This book will be welcome by those who have been working in the field of sex therapy because of its comprehensive well-organized and scholarly presentation. It offers the practitioner an integrated view of the major theoretical and technical issues through the eyes of an exceedingly competent clinician. At the same time, it is a remarkably cogent and effective answer to the doubts, skepticism and questions about sex therapy which have beset some of the more traditional psychoanalysts and psychotherapists.
Ever since the first reports and rumors about the work of Masters and Johnson began to appear in psychoanalytic circles, serious doubts were raised about the findings, and their applicability to treatment. As other workers have begun to discuss the findings, more recent debates have centered around the significance and durability of the treatment results.
Dr. Kaplan's book supplies a host of answers, meets many of the doubts and challenges, and does it in a remarkably informative way without being either defensive or evangelistic. Her style is authoritative, well-documented, and supported by detailed case material. Where the author feels the evidence supporting a particular approach is inadequate or the results doubtful, she does not hesitate to say so. Thus, while the reader is offered a very structured framework for sex therapy, he/she is encouraged to remain open and to continue to explore the as yet unanswered questions in the field.
Before proceeding to a discussion of the major sexual dysfunctions, there are three sections in which Kaplan develops the basic scientific information which forms the basis for her treatment approach. The initial section on anatomy and physiology is presented in a clear and understandable fashion, even for those who are not well-grounded in these areas. Her