Erotic neuroplasticity in long-term couples: an integrative clinical model for reconnecting desire
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This paper presents a clinical intervention model for decreased sexual desire in long-term couples, grounded in the concept of erotic neuroplasticity as the capacity of the nervous system and the relational bond to reorganize sensory, affective, and communicational patterns. A qualitative multiple-case study was conducted with eleven couples with more than fifteen years of cohabitation who sought treatment for erotic and emotional disconnection. The intervention integrates contributions from clinical sexology, systemic couple therapy, attachment theory, affective neurosciences, neurolinguistic programming (NLP), and comprehensive sexuality education. The model is structured into five phases: (1) erotic-relational assessment, (2) psychoeducation and sexual re-education, (3) sensory activation, (4) narrative and relational re-signification, and (5) consolidation of everyday eroticism. Preliminary findings indicate qualitative improvements in emotional connection, intimate communication, erotic availability, and sensory flexibility, following nonlinear trajectories consistent with the fluctuating nature of desire. The results suggest that erotic neuroplasticity offers a clinically relevant framework for understanding and addressing diminished desire in long-term couples, providing an interdisciplinary, contextualized approach that promotes sustainable erotic bonds.
Downloads
Article Details
How to Cite
References
1.Andolfi, M. (1980). La terapia familiar: Una perspectiva integradora. Barcelona:
Paidós.
2. Badenoch, B. (2008). Being a Brain-Wise Therapist: A Practical Guide to
Interpersonal Neurobiology. W.W. Norton.
3. Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). Estructura de la Magia I. Buenos
Aires: Cuatro Vientos.
4. Bateson, G. (1972). Steps to an Ecology of Mind. University of Chicago Press.
5. Beaudry, M., & Hétu, D. (2012). La sexualité positive: Pour une sexualité
épanouie et satisfaisante. Québec: Éditions de l’Homme.
6. Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent Child Attachment and Healthy Human
Development. Basic Books.
7. Brizendine, L. (2006). The Female Brain. Morgan Road Books.
8. Cecchin, G., Lane, G., & Ray, W. A. (1994). The Cybernetics of Prejudices in
the Practice of Psychotherapy. London: Karnac Books.
9. Cobb, R. J., & Johnson, M. D. (2021). Therapy for Couples: Integrating
Attachment, Sexuality, and Emotion. APA Publishing.
10. Dallos, R., & Vetere, A. (2005). Researching Psychotherapy and
Counselling. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
11. Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Penguin Books.
12. Epstein, N. B., Baucom, D. H., & LaTaillade, J. J. (2002). Couples therapy
for depression. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(11), 1423–1434.
13. Epston, D., & White, M. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. New York: Norton.
14. Fisch, R., Weakland, J. H., & Segal, L. (1982). The Tactics of Change: Doing
Therapy Briefly. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
15. Fonagy, P., & Target, M. (2003). Psicoanálisis y teoría del apego. Buenos
Aires: Amorrortu.
16. Giddens, A. (1992). La transformación de la intimidad: Sexualidad, amor y erotismo en las sociedades modernas. Madrid: Cátedra.
17. Johnson, S. (2004). Created for Connection: The "Hold Me Tight" Guide
for Christian Couples. Little, Brown.
18. Kaplan, H. S. (1979). Disorders of Sexual Desire. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
19. Keeney, B. (1983). Aesthetics of Change. New York: Guilford Press.
20. Kinsey, A. C., Pomeroy, W. B., & Martin, C. E. (1948). Sexual Behavior in the
Human Male. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.
21. Maturana, H., & Varela, F. (1984). El árbol del conocimiento. Santiago: Editorial Universitaria.
22. Morin, E. (1990). El método 5: La humanidad de la humanidad. Madrid:
Cátedra.
23. Nardone, G. (2007). Los errores de las mujeres en el amor. Barcelona: herder.
24. Perel, E. (2006). Inteligencia erótica. Madrid: Planeta.