Table 1 Subjects of discussions in each counseling session
Sessions | Subjects of discussion |
|---|---|
One | The introduction, anatomy, and physiology of the reproductive system, the sexual cycle, the female sexual organ and erogenous zones and factors affecting them, explanation on how to fill in the questionnaire, and presenting home assignments |
Two | The importance of sexual relation and the lack of concentration on penetration in all sexual relations of the couple, speaking about cancer and its effects, treatments, and complications, presenting homework, and explanation on how couple get along with this problem |
Three | Training problem-solving skills, confronting with stress, techniques of relaxation and establishing effective communication, exchange of views regarding alternative solutions for improving the couple’s relation in breast cancer, giving home assignments |
Four | The review of sexual schemas and women’s concerns and their control, review of their sexual expectations, training sexual skills, sensational exercises, necessary readiness for relation, explanation regarding home assignments such as common massage, and giving home assignments |
Five | Free discussion regarding issues and problems, defining exact conformation of the issue, determining a range of possible solutions, analyzing solutions, problems created following the execution of individual solutions, weaknesses, and strengths of individual solutions, anticipating consequences, developing and strengthening communication skills, managing negative excitement (negative anger and excitement), training relaxation, responding to questions, and giving home assignments |
Six | Providing suitable solutions against complications caused by cancer in sexual matters, changes in appearance, improving communication techniques, reducing worries through counseling, providing introduction to the Kegel exercise and other effective factors in strengthening the sexual function (nutrition, concentration on moments of enjoying it), responding to questions, and giving home assignments |
Seven | The review of previous sessions and implementing a solution for real cases set forth |
Eight | The presence of spouses and study of their sexual expectations, talking about sexual and mental differences of men and women in each stage of the sexual cycle, sexual interactions, and sexual response and solutions to improve sexual satisfaction, explaining on how to fill in the questionnaire |