Couple-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Vaginismus: Introduction and the Feasibility from the perspectives of the Experts, the Therapists, and the Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Shahed University

2 -

Abstract

Introduction: Genito-pelvic pain disorder is one of the sexual dysfunctions associated with penetration that reduces the couple's sexual performance and satisfaction, required to psychological interventions and therapeutic programs have been designed to recover it. The present study aimed to determine the feasibility of a developed couple-based cognitive behavioral therapy program in reducing pain and fear, increasing sexual performance and satisfaction in women with vaginismus and their partners.
Methodology: The present study was conducted in the first stage following a Delphi design and the second stage in a single-case design. Thus, 7 experts completed a feasibility questionnaire by reading the detailed protocol summary before starting the therapy sessions. In addition, the protocol therapist evaluated the protocol in terms of feasibility criteria at the end of each session, and each of the 6 people (3 couples) under treatment also presented their views on the feasibility criteria of this protocol at the end of the treatment.
Findings: The experts evaluated the feasibility of the program from the dimensions of the appropriate situation and necessity. Experts considered the feasibility of the program “much” in the areas of acceptability, practicality, adaptation, and expansion, and “moderate” feasible in the areas of demand, implementation, and integration, which means it required a more detailed evaluation. In the second stage performed during the course of developed couple-based cognitive behavioral therapy program, the therapist evaluated the feasibility of the program “much” in the areas of acceptability, demand, practicality, and adaptation, and “moderate” in the implementation. Patients described the feasibility of the program as “much” in the components implementation, and practicality, and “moderate” in the acceptability.
Conclusion: The developed cognitive-behavioral therapy program based on couple participation has indicated relatively appropriate feasibility according to the opinions of experts, patients, and therapist.

Keywords

Clinical Psychology and Personality

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 31 January 2026

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