Abstract

Surrogate partner therapy is a type of treatment in which the surrogate partner (SP) works in a triadic setting with a sex therapist and a patient. At the same time, the SP acts as an intimate surrogate partner to the patient. The SP treatment includes a range of therapeutic experiences such as relaxation, intimate communication, sensual and sexual contact, and training for the acquisition of social skills. In the current study, we ask what and how SPs experience, understand, and construct boundaries in their work. We used Winnicott’s therapeutic conceptualization of psychotherapy as a mode of playing and Goffman's dramaturgical role theory as the theoretical framework for our exploration. Applying a phenomenological and empathic approach, we analyzed 13 in-depth interviews with Israeli SP. It appears that SP’s transitions from one performance to another are dramatic, in that their role requires the involvement of sexual and emotional helping relations with their patients. Moreover, SPs are obliged to have secrecy at all levels and in various relationships in their lives. We uncovered various complexities that SPs experience, such as a lack of clarity about their role, which creates challenges for building their professional and personal identity and affects their family and social relationships.

中文翻译：

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作为代理伙伴：脆弱边界的挑战

摘要

代理伴侣治疗是一种由代理伴侣 (SP) 在三元环境中与性治疗师和患者一起工作的治疗方法。同时，SP 充当患者的亲密代理伙伴。SP 治疗包括一系列治疗体验，如放松、亲密交流、感官和性接触以及社交技能的训练。在当前的研究中，我们询问 SP 在其工作中体验、理解和构建边界的内容和方式。我们使用温尼科特的心理治疗治疗概念作为一种游戏模式，并使用戈夫曼的戏剧角色理论作为我们探索的理论框架。我们运用现象学和移情方法，分析了 13 次对以色列 SP 的深度访谈。SP 从一种表演到另一种表演的转变似乎是戏剧性的，因为他们的角色需要参与与患者的性和情感帮助关系。此外，SP 在生活的各个层面和各种关系中都有义务保密。我们发现 SP 所经历的各种复杂性，例如对其角色缺乏明确性，这给建立他们的职业和个人身份带来了挑战，并影响了他们的家庭和社会关系。