What is Surrogate Partner HEALING

Therapy? INTIMACY WOR KIN G

W ITH
Surrogate Partner Therapy is a well-
established practice that addresses a SURR OGATE
client’s issues of intimacy and PARTN ER S
sexuality by working with both a
therapist and a surrogate partner.
A brochure for therapists
Clients receive support from physical
interested in
and emotional interactions with their
Surrogate Partner Therapy
surrogate partner as well as
therapeutic support from talk-therapy
during their respective sessions.

Surrogate partners build a non- emiko yoshikami is an IPSA-

judgmental environment in which certified surrogate partner
exercises and activities are used to committed to helping clients
help the client connect physically, heal through compassionate
emotionally, sensually, and sexually. touch and authentic connection.

healingintimacy.org
healingintimacy@gmail.com

Any opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the

International Professional Surrogates Association.
 Why Work with a Surrogate
Partner?
Surrogate partners cultivate a safe and
structured environment where clients
can experience firsthand how they
respond to intimacy and face the blocks
preventing them from reaching their
goals. Clients learn forms of mindful
touch, how to be at ease in their bodies,
and ways to connect with a partner.
Through this process, insights are
uncovered that can help catalyze growth
and healing. Since the relationship
created between client and surrogate
partner is genuine, working through
whatever arises in sessions with the
surrogate partner helps prepare the
client for future relationships.
Surrogate partners have a unique role as
both professional guide and as peer for
their clients. Through skilled navigation
of these roles, surrogate partners can
open up deep emotional terrain that is
often transformative.
Who is Surrogate Partner Therapy
right for?
This form of therapy is useful for clients
with a wide range of issues. Surrogate
partners can help navigate anxieties due
to:
• inexperience
• sexual trauma
• negative self-image
• sexual shame
• inability to emotionally connect
Surrogate partners can also help explore
issues related to:
• sexual responsiveness
• sexuality & disability
• sexuality & gender identity
• sexual orientation
Surrogate Partner Therapy proves an
effective modality for clients who are
motivated to work with a trained
professional partner, have realistic
expectations, and are ready to show up
with honesty and respect.
The Role of the Therapist
S u r r o g a t e Pa r t n e r T h e r a p y i s a
collaborative modality. Clients will meet
regularly with both the therapist (or
qualified clinician) and surrogate partner.
Aside from the initial meeting with all
three parties, sessions with the therapist
and surrogate partner are held separately.
The therapist helps process the client’s
feelings about sessions and works to
integrate lessons learned into the client’s
life and world.
The therapist also helps maintain the
container for the therapeutic process. It
is important for clients to understand
that the intimacy created in sessions
with the surrogate partner is both
authentic and bounded.
Please note that this therapy requires
open and nonjudgemental conversations
with clients about sexuality. It also
requires regular communication with the
surrogate partner to work together
effectively as a team.