The perceptions of psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists who work with women who fake orgasms : impact on couple relationships

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the reasons why women fake their orgasms, as well as the effects that this has on their partner and the couple in general when brought up in therapy. Data was collected through five semi-structured interviews conducted with five professionals, namely, psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors who work with women with sexual dysfunction. Data analysis was done through thematic analysis, which elicited the following four main themes: ‘Hindering Female Orgasm’, ‘Relational Issues’, ‘Issues Resulting from the Knowledge of the Presence of Fake Orgasms’, and ‘Therapy’. Extracts from the interviews are provided for each main theme, together with a deeper analysis and discussion. Results demonstrate that there are several factors at play which hinder an orgasm and that females might fake orgasms for a number of reasons. There are further different methods that can be applied during therapy to help these couples to overcome this problem.