Using Surrogate Partner Therapy in Counseling: Treatment Considerations

When working with clients on issues of sexuality, clinicians often avoid the treatment approach of surrogate partner therapy due to lack of information and understanding. Surrogate partner therapy is a grey area within legal and ethical boundaries of various mental health professional associations. This article offers an intensive exploration of surrogate partner therapy, including its history, ethical considerations, benefits, and challenges. Best practices and treatment considerations when working with a surrogate partner therapist are discussed. Although there is a lack of research and evidence-based practice information, the available literature demonstrates that surrogate partner therapy is an effective intervention that can enhance treatment for clients struggling with sexuality and intimacy issues.