THERAPY PROGRESS NOTES—SESSION 3
Sydney Cleary and Curtis Lowe, Couples’ Counseling Session
Ellen Dwyer, Psychologist, PsyD
There has been no sex in the marriage since the affair.
Sydney’s fear of getting an STD may be an excuse to avoid sex because she’s not ready to be vulnerable with her husband.
She could be worried she can’t measure up to his former lover, that sex within the marriage won’t be as exciting as sex with a new, illicit partner.
Or she may be unconsciously withholding sex from her husband as punishment.
Curtis longs for sex with Sydney but is concerned about his ability to perform. He craves physical intimacy but fears Sydney’s rejection and disdain. Curtis will need to be patient as they work on building emotional safety and strengthening their connection in a nonthreatening way.